Assistant Curator

POSITION TYPE  PERMANENT, PART-TIME

JOB DESCRIPTION

General

Reporting to the Senior Conservator, the Assistant Conservator is responsible for supporting the conservation of the Museum’s large and diverse collections of artifacts and specimens, as well as the Museum’s dioramas, galleries and exhibitions. This is achieved through an established program of preventive maintenance, remedial treatments, and the internal communication of conservation knowledge and integration of conservation processes. They assist the Senior Conservator and other staff throughout the Museum in providing optimal standards for the display, handling, and maintenance of the Museum’s collections. The incumbent is expected to undertake tasks under the direction of the Senior Conservator and continue with minimal supervision, while being proactive in identifying areas of concern for the Senior Conservator’s consideration.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

1. Priority 1: Gallery and Exhibition Maintenance

To assist with the preventive maintenance of all the Museum’s dioramas, galleries, and exhibits, including regular integrated pest management, cleaning, and ongoing exhibit refurbishments. This includes completing all conservation-related tasks related to exhibit production and installation, as well as final takedown. In consultation with the Senior Conservator:

1. Undertakes preventive maintenance and ongoing refurbishment of existing dioramas and permanent exhibitions.
2. Updates preventive maintenance schedule of dioramas and exhibitions as tasks are completed, notes any future repairs required, and assists the Senior Conservator with regular monitoring of these displays.
3. Assists with the creation and repair of exhibition mounts, replicas and models for display.
4. Handles artifacts, specimens, and models as well as examines, evaluates, and prepares condition reports, as required, for incoming and outgoing exhibitions and loans.
5. Installs and dismantles museum objects and specimens from exhibition ensuring proper environmental conditions are met for display as well as taking accurate light level readings.

1. Priority 2: Care of Collection

To assist with the implementation of the preventive conservation program and perform remedial treatments, when necessary, in order to ensure the care and long-term preservation of the Museum’s collection of artifacts and specimens. In consultation with the Senior Conservator:

1. Completes conservation assessments, and performs simple to medium-level object treatments as feasible for the Museum’s collections, adhering to professional standards.
2. Regularly and accurately updates the collections management database with object locations, condition reports, treatment reports, and photographic documentation. Maintaining detailed and accurate records (written, computerized, and photographic) of all object interventions.
3. Assist with packing, transport and other object or specimen related logistics in support of conservation, such as identifying object storage locations and transporting objects safely between storage areas, gallery spaces, conservation lab, and offsite locations.

1. Priority 3: Service to Others

To provide up-to-date information and foster awareness and understanding, in all aspects of collections care and preventive conservation to staff, volunteers, and the general public. In consultation with the Senior Conservator:

1. May provide behind the scenes tours and answer inquiries from the general public.
2. May assist Curators in exhibit and gallery development, including field collection of plant specimens for diorama refurbishments.
3. May perform research in the area of conservation and present results in reports, publications, and other media.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

1. Thorough, current knowledge of the philosophy and practice of conservation within a mixed Human and Natural History museum collection.
2. Demonstrated artistic ability, with experience creating or constructing components of dioramas or replicas.
3. Basic knowledge and experience of modelling, casting, and painting techniques.
4. Knowledge of digital photography and environmental monitoring devices.
5. Ability to take direction, follow specific instructions, ask for clarification or assistance when needed, and work effectively with colleagues across different departments.
6. Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
7. Functional ability in computer operations, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and Internet research (e.g., MS Office suite, Argus).
8. Knowledge of health and safety procedures as applied to conservation, including WHMIS training.
9. Ability to work in an organized and independent manner, good time management to identify priorities, and to meet deadlines.
10. Manual dexterity and fine motor skills; close attention to detail; able to accommodate various working conditions, including at heights and in confined spaces.
11. Valid Driver’s License is an asset.

Education, Training and Experience

1. University degree and formal post-graduate training in museum conservation from a recognized University or College training program.
2. Training and experience in art, specifically dioramas or replicas, would be an asset.
3. At least two years of experience in a museum setting, preferably in a Conservation Department, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Please send a cover letter and a resume to employerrep@abcentre.org.

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