Conservator, Natural History

Published: September 30, 2022    Conservator, Jobs

Job Information

Job Title: Conservator, Natural History 
Job Requisition ID: 32756
Ministry: Culture and Status of Women
Location: Edmonton
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: October 17, 2022
Classification: Technologies 5

About Us

The Government of Alberta is committed to a diverse and inclusive public service that reflects the population we serve to best meet the needs of Albertans. Consider joining a team where diversity, inclusion and innovation are valued and supported. For more information on diversity and inclusion, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/diversity-inclusion-policy.aspx.

Do you love museums and history? Help preserve Alberta’s remarkable stories! The Royal Alberta Museum is currently recruiting a skilled conservation professional.

The Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) is the largest museum in western Canada and one of the top museums in Canada. Located in the Arts District in downtown Edmonton, we collect, preserve, research, interpret, and exhibit objects and specimens related to the heritage of Alberta’s people and natural environment. 

For more information about the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) please visit our website at: https://royalalbertamuseum.ca/.  

Role

We are looking for a conservation professional to join our team who possesses the knowledge and technical skill to work with natural history collections. 

You will be responsible for developing, analyzing, and implementing conservation services for the natural history specimens at the Royal Alberta Museum, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, Reynolds Alberta Museum and associated provincial historic sites, with a focus on natural history specimens. You will work to preserve Alberta’s natural history resources in a manner that fully meets international museum standards and ensures safe access to the collections for exhibitions and research in accordance with the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property’s “Code of Ethics and Guidance for Practice” by:

  • Making recommendations for and implementing conservation measures to allow for long term storage, exhibition and/or research
  • Assessing the stability of specimens through examination and documentation., and conducting treatment as appropriate
  • Participating in conservation research, materials identification and developing preservation strategies for collections
  • Working to ensure that collections are free from hazards or hazards are identified or mitigated
  • Implementing preventive conservation measures, including environmental monitoring and Integrated Pest Management
  • Documenting, in written and photographic format, the condition and treatment of specimens in the collection and maintaining conservation records in the Collections Management database
  • Participating in emergency recovery as related to collections care
  • Communicating conservation needs with stakeholders, sharing best practices with museum colleagues, and promoting conservation with members of the public
  • Working to successfully open and close the seasonal museums and historic sites


You must be a team player who is able to work and communicate with professionals from across the museum, who will bring an understanding of and experience with these unique natural history collections.

Qualifications

A Master’s Degree in conservation with 1-3 years experience in a museum institution or a university degree with an additional diploma or graduate certificate from a recognized Conservation program and 3-5 years experience in a museum institution. Accreditation or intention to work towards accreditation from a professional association is preferred. 
Demonstrated working knowledge of:

  • Conservation science, materials analysis and preventive conservation, particularly with Natural History specimens
  • Museum ethics and practices and adherence to the Canadian Code of Ethics and Guidance for Practice for Conservators
  • Current discipline practices and materials-specific research and trends in the field of conservation
  • Analytical techniques, including experience with three or more of: , microchemical spot test, microscopy, handheld XRF, FTIR, UV or IR photography
  • Organic chemistry, chemical cleaning and properties of adhesion and consolidation, solvent handling and chemistry, dilutions and neutralization, and chemical waste disposal
  • Recognizing factors of deterioration, their identification and remedial techniques

Experience and skills in:

  • Advanced conservation stabilization and  treatment techniques
  • Practical lab equipment use and maintenance, including scientific equipment, machine, hand tools, and other equipment used for the repair, maintenance and conservation of artifacts

For complete details and to apply https://jobpostings.alberta.ca/job/Edmonton-Conservator%2C-Natural-History/563665117/