Conservation Technician

        The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County was the first museum in L.A. to open its doors 109 years ago and is poised for an exciting new era as it plans for the future. Having recently completed a new strategic framework, the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County—including NHMLA at Exposition Park, La Brea Tar Pits and museum in mid-Wilshire, and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall—is looking forward to new building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach, and innovative audience engagement. 

       The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County values and endeavors to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and access within its organization and communities. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC), neurodiverse, gender, a person with disability, a veteran, and/or a part of the LGBTQAI community are welcome and encouraged to apply. 

       The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking a Conservation Technician for our Research & Collections department.  The Conservation Technician works closely with the Manager, Conservation Services to perform conservation documentation and treatment of painted panels from the mural L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective by Barbara Carrasco at the Natural History Museum. It is an exciting time as we embark on new journeys of becoming a museum of, for, and with L.A.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to: 

•  Conservation Treatment: Cleans painted mural surface as directed by Lead Contract Conservator and Manager, Conservation Services. Additional treatment steps may be assigned depending on experience. 50%

• Conservation Documentation: Prepares conservation documentation, including written reports, visual diagrams, and photography. Duties include processing, editing, and organizing digital files 25%

• Project Workspace Maintenance: Assists with upkeep of conservation project supplies, including preparing cleaning solutions and other treatment supplies as directed by Lead Contract Conservator and Manager, Conservation Services. Assists with maintaining an orderly workspace on a daily basis. 15%

• Object Movement: Assists with uncrating, moving, and temporary storage of the mural panels. 5%

• Other duties as assigned by the Manager, Conservation Services and as department needs. 5%

This position has the following requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to conservation and considered preparatory to graduate studies in conservation (e.g., art history, anthropology, fine art, or chemistry). A Master’s degree in conservation or degree in progress is highly desirable.

• Basic knowledge of the equipment, materials, and techniques used in the conservation of paintings and/or objects.

• Excellent hand skills required for conservation treatments.

• Excellent attention to detail required for conservation reports and visual documentation.

• Ability to distinguish fine variations in color and texture to perform condition examinations and conservation treatments.

• Ability to effectively implement conservation treatment steps and other tasks as directed by supervisors.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to engagement and inclusion at culturally diverse audiences in museums and in sciences.

    The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience and commitment working with a diverse community. Hourly rate for this position is $26.23 plus excellent benefits. This is a full time temporary non-exempt position. 

    A cover letter, current resume, and list of 3-4 references are required for all applicants. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates please visit www.nhmlac.org/careers-our-museums  and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application.

 The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.