Exhibit Designer - Museum jobs in Newport News, VA

Description

The Library and Archival Materials Conservator will undertake the direct treatment and preventive conservation care of books, bound materials, and other paper-based objects within the Library and Archival collections of The Mariners’ Museum and Park with a focus on books, documents, maps, plans, and photographs. This individual will work closely with conservation staff and other museum personnel to conserve these objects and prepare them for exhibition, long-term storage, loan, and photography, etc.

The exempt salary range for this full-time position is $62,000 - $68,000 per year. No phone calls, please – only applicants being considered for interviews will be contacted. 

Duties:

• Conduct examination, documentation, and treatment of books and paper-based objects within The Mariners’ Museum and Park’s Library and Archival collections following established conservation procedures, methodologies, and ethics set out by The American Institute for Conservation. 
• Maintain detailed before-, during-, and after-treatment records including both written and photographic documentation.
• When necessary, based on the conservation needs of an object, develop new conservation techniques and procedures in consultation with the Director of Conservation and other conservation personnel.
• Assess the condition of new acquisitions and prepare written condition reports, including photographic documentation. If necessary, conduct basic cleaning and stabilization of new acquisitions and prepare the associated treatment records.
• Construct storage support systems for objects with special needs directly; otherwise provide training and support to collection care personnel based on current storage techniques and methods.
• Consult/work directly with the Director of Conservation, Custom Production, Curatorial, Collections Management and Library and Archives personnel in the preparation of mounts, frames, and the installation of books and paper objects  within the museum’s galleries; this includes providing the requirements for lighting and environmental conditions. 
• Support/facilitate preventive conservation methodology, initiate requests, implement solutions under established conservation guidelines, and make recommendations for resolving difficult or unusual problems.
• Conduct conservation assessment and treatment of objects loaned to the Museum when required and when authorized by the owner and produce the associated written and photographic documentation.
• Conduct conservation assessments and prepare cost estimates for the treatment of potential outgoing loans 
• Provide recommendations in consultation with the Director of Conservation on the ability for objects to travel outside the museum based on their condition; including outlining the requirements for lighting and environmental conditions.
• Assist in review of loan requests and make recommendations toward approval or decline of loans when needed. 
• Construct packing mounts and systems for fragile/special needs objects directly; otherwise provide recommendations/support to collection care personnel.
• Assist in the maintenance/operation of laboratory equipment and facility, and participate in the ordering of supplies and additional equipment as required.
• Participate in professional organizations, workshops, conferences, online courses and other activities in order to enhance personal knowledge and expertise and stay up-to-date with current practices and advances in technology and methodology.
• Oversee/assist the Director of Conservation in the mentorship and training of pre-program, during graduate school, and post-graduate internships and fellowships.
• Promote the importance of conservation within the museum and in an outreach capacity whenever possible.
• Assist the Paper Conservator with projects when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Working knowledge of acceptable practices for conservation and maintenance of library and archival collections with previous experience treating books, archival paper-based materials, and photographs required.
• Working knowledge of historic bookbinding techniques and structures.
• Working knowledge and experience in constructing book cradles, as well as current conservation matting and framing techniques for most types of paper objects.
• Working knowledge of digital photography.
• Familiarity with analytical equipment and methods
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.
• Organizational skills necessary for planning/organizing professional seminars, lectures, workshops, and publications.
• Development of educational materials/activities for public outreach.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Familiarity with accepted practices for achieving and ensuring safety in the laboratory.
• Consistent capacity for respectful and professional interpersonal relations.

Education and Experience: 

• A Bachelor’s Degree with a major in an art, history, or a science-related field of study is preferred.
• A Master’s Degree in Book, Paper, or Library and Archival Materials  Conservation from a recognized graduate conservation training program is required.
• Professional Associate member status of The American Institute for Conservation is preferred.
• A minimum of four years of post-graduate conservation experience is preferred. 

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to pass a background check prior to employment.