Conservator/Objects Conservator

MoSH

Located in Memphis, TN, MoSH (the Museum of Science and History; the Museum) is a well-established 501c3 that seeks to create a community of people who share a richer understanding of one another and the world around us. The Museum consists of the Pink Palace Museum, the Lichterman Nature Center, the Coon Creek Science Center, and other historical properties. We inspire discovery through collecting, preserving, and interpreting the cultural histories and natural sciences that shape our region.

Join our team as we embark on an exciting phase of executing our new vision. Our museum is committed to telling our story by:

• Advocating for Authenticity - Illuminate varying perspectives and uphold accurate interpretation without glossing over tough ideas.
• Magnifying Belonging - Building active audiences through outreach, co-creation, and participatory inclusion.
• Embodying Holistic Stories - Incorporating context and presenting lesser-known stories to portray a complete, systemic picture of the region and its history.
• Constructing Intersections - Creating welcoming common spaces that encourage serendipitous and unstructured engagement and foster meaningful interactions between diverse groups of people.

Reports to: Director of Exhibits & Collections

Responsibilities:

• The conservator will manage, preserve, treat, and document the artifacts, specimens, and art in the museum's extensive natural science and cultural history collection. In partnership with the collections and exhibits staff, the conservator will coordinate exhibit installations, assist with design, construct displays, dioramas, display cases, and models, and ensure the availability of necessary materials. The conservator is a vital member of the museum's Exhibits & Collections staff and will direct and supervise curatorial and technical staff in the handling, mounting, care, and storage of artifacts. The successful candidate will possess a high level of professionalism and work collaboratively with colleagues and staff. We look at each candidate in terms of combined skills; different combinations of skills can serve to qualify for the position.

Qualities:

• Manage, preserve, treat, and document the artifacts, specimens, and art in the museum's collection.
• Document findings and treats items to minimize deterioration or restore them to their original state.
• Coordinate exhibit installations, assisting with the design and construction of displays.
• Work with storage mounts and work with exhibit mount makers.
• Ensure the useful life of the artifacts and specimens through monitoring and regulating environmental conditions in the galleries and storage areas.
• Determine whether objects need repair and choose the safest and most effective repair method.
• Create and maintain condition reports and conservation reports. Reports to Director of Exhibits and Collections when restoration problems require outside experts.
• Prepare artifacts for storage and shipping.
• Supervise and work with volunteers and interns.
• Recommend preservation procedures, such as temperature and humidity control, to curatorial and building staff.
• Oversee housekeeping and pest and environmental monitoring at MoSH properties.
• Develop and recommend a Disaster Response plan for collections and direct staff if the plan is activated.
• Study object documentation or conduct standard chemical and physical tests to ascertain the object's age, composition, original appearance, need for treatment or restoration, and appropriate preservation method.
• Physically capable of lifting and carrying heavy objects.
• Project management skills, including working independently and in collaboration with other MoSH staff and outside vendors.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.
• Interest in developing diversity initiatives focused on working with historically underrepresented populations.

Range of Experience:

• Master's degree in conservation or closely related field
• Preferred three or more years of experience in a conservation role, along with expertise in artifact handling, preferably in a museum context
• Expertise in a wide range of organic and inorganic materials
• Knowledge of regional archaeology, biology, and history

Compensation

Compensation is commensurate with experience and abilities. The Museum offers a full range of benefits, including health care, vacation, sick leave, 401k, and death and disability insurance. The Museum also offers life, dental and vision insurance.

MoSH values diversity throughout our museum. In order to tell authentic, holistic stories of our region's history, culture, and science, MoSH strives to create a diverse workforce to support our collections, exhibits, and programming. MoSH is an Equal Opportunity Employer.