American Museum of Natural History https://www.amnh.org/
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.
The Assistant Conservator will support general conservation lab activities as well as efforts related to the Human Remains Collection Care Program (HRCCP), part of the Museum’s renewed approach to the stewardship of human remains https://www.amnh.org/about/human-remains-stewardship.
As part of the science conservation team, the Assistant Conservator will offer general support, including the following:
- Address preventive conservation demands within collection storage and display (i.e., integrated pest management, environmental monitoring, risk assessment).
- Complete conservation treatment and documentation of the wide range of natural science and anthropology collections.
- Perform general lab maintenance and support.
As part of the HRCCP team, the Assistant Conservator will support the following programmatic goals:
- Develop and implement project-specific procedures.
- Evaluate rehousing methods/materials through standardized research and testing protocols.
- Monitor and assess the collection storage environment (i.e., temperature/RH, IPM, risk assessment).
- Evaluate collection condition to provide handling and/or rehousing guidance, as needed.
- Rehouse those items that require special attention due to condition or space restrictions.
The expected salary range for the Assistant Conservator is $65,000/annual – $75,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community. Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in conservation or related field plus 2 years of related experience in a conservation lab.
- Familiarity with the mechanisms involved in materials deterioration in a museum environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters degree in conservation or another related field plus two years of related experience in a conservation lab.
- A well-nurtured understanding and thoughtfulness concerning sensitive collections.
- Working knowledge of the principles and methodologies of the conservation profession in general as well as those specific to preventive conservation (collection rehousing, risk assessment, environmental monitoring, climate control and integrated pest management).
- Knowledge of treatment photography and photo processing workflows.
- Familiarity with the mechanisms involved in materials deterioration in a museum environment.
Physical Demands
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
- Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
- Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
Interested individuals should apply for this position through the AMNH Careers site https://careers.amnh.org/postings/4240
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.