Please quote Competition # CCH2272BK
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from Aboriginal People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, on your application form, cover letter, or on your resume.
Duties:
Under the general supervision of the Manager, Collections Unit, the Senior Conservator undertakes planning and professional work involved with the preservation and conservation of the Nova Scotia Museum Collection. The Nova Scotia Museum Collection consists of significant artifacts and specimens including textiles, paintings, instruments, vessels and tools, animal specimens, botanical specimens, archaeological artifact, minerals, fossils and others. These objects are exhibited at 28 museum sites across the province and stored at 4 storage locations. The Conservator recommends and executes treatments related to the conservation and preservation of this collection. The individual is responsible for implementing collections policies, plans and initiatives, developing professional standards, procedures and strategies, and assisting the Manager with policy formulation to enable the Collections Unit to fulfill its mandate. The Senior Conservator also develops collaborative relationships with Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage colleagues and those working in other museums and similar institutions. The Senior Conservator is expected to have strong verbal and written skills. He/she is committed to using emerging technologies in the conservation and protection of the Nova Scotia Museum’s Collections. The Senior Conservator will work closely with Collections, Interpretation and Infrastructure colleagues on the exhibit, storage and display of artifacts and specimens, as well as environmental conditions of galleries, storage spaces and other museum environments.
Qualifications:
The incumbent will have a Bachelor’s Degree plus 5 years related experience; or Master’s Degree plus 3 years related experience. Post-secondary training in artifact conservation.
Preference will be given to candidates with education in a relevant area of conservation of cultural and natural history objects. Work experience must include museum or heritage research and work with historical and natural history objects. Must have a scientific understanding of materials including composition of materials, appropriate treatments, agents of degradation and how artifacts can be conserved. The incumbent should also have experience in, and a thorough understanding of, museological practice which encompasses a range of subject areas: collections management, and museum interpretation. Strong interpersonal skills are required. Must have demonstrated experience applying principles of preventative conservation in a museum context. The incumbent will have the ability to write clearly and have experience in developing interpretive texts, grant writing, report writing and writing government correspondence. Must be able to clearly articulate reasoning for a recommended action, within the larger museum context. The successful incumbent will be able to function well in a complex environment and must be able to effectively plan, prioritize and deliver on schedule within an environment with multiple demands. Experience working with a range of stakeholders and special interest groups is also considered an asset.
Specialist university degree in a relevant area of conservation of cultural and natural property or related discipline.
Extensive and thorough knowledge of historical objects related to Nova Scotia.
Experience with conservation theory and research.
Collection management and conservation principles, including care and handling artifacts.
Experience with treatments of cultural and natural history objects, composed of a variety of materials.
Computer literacy and ability to use a museum database system.
Candidate must have strong interpersonal, diplomatic and negotiation skills.
Valid NS Driver’s License required.
Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer or will result in termination of your employment.
Pay Grade: PR 13
Salary Range: $58,129 – $70,661
Closing Date: October 17, 2016
This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union. Applicants applying for this opportunity must clearly indicate in their covering letter or resume that he/she is currently a Nova Scotia Government Civil Service Employee and a member of the NSGEU and include their Employee ID. Failure to do so means that your application will not be given first consideration and will only be included if external applications are pursued. Your Employee Self-Serve access will allow you to confirm what your employment status and ID number are prior to applying for this restricted position.
External applicants and current casual Nova Scotia Government employees will only be considered if there are no qualified Nova Scotia Government Civil Service NSGEU bargaining unit candidates.