Conservator Position at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

Announcing a full time Conservation position at the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum.  Interested persons should send resume and cover letter to:
Tara Backhouse
Collections Manager
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
tarabackhouse<-a t->semtribe< . >com
http://www.ahtahthiki.com
The Conservator reports to the Collections Manager and is responsible for all aspects of conservation treatment for the STOF Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s permanent collections.  This position also coordinates and manages the conservation program for the Museum’s collections and exhibitions.  This is a full-time position.  Only US Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible to apply.
Illustrative Tasks: The listed duties are only illustrative and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed by this position.  The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed, if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

  • Administrates a conservation program designed to meet the conservation/preservation needs of STOF Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s permanent collections.
  • Coordinates collections care with the Collections Manager and Registrar.
  • Plans, implements and reviews care of Museum collections.
  • Monitors conditions of works in storage, exhibition, and transit environments.
  • Advises Museum staff and the public on the care of permanent collections.
  • Manages in-house conservation laboratory.  Responsible for the selection of appropriate conservation supplies, tools, and equipment; maintenance of tools/equipment and establishment of quality control procedures to verify the adherence of products to standards.
  • Evaluates and improves efficiencies of workflow while ensuring accepted conservation-sound practices and safe lab protocols.
  • Works with exhibition staff in preparing exhibits to ensure proper environment for objects.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Experience in a wide range of conservation treatment procedures.  The museum is willing to consider conservators with various specialties including paper, objects, paintings, or textiles.

  • Excellent computer skills utilizing Microsoft software programs and add-ins.
  • Ability to communicate in English both orally and in writing.
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
  • Skill in examining and assessing condition of artifacts or works of art; establishing and maintaining optimum environmental conditions; use of laboratory equipment.
  • Ability to determine and perform techniques required for preservation and/or restoration of objects.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships.
  • Capable of handling multiple projects and able to see projects to a point of completion.
  • Ability to serve the Tribal community, the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the STOF tribal community, general public, co-workers and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
  • Ability to work a flexible work schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays.
  • Ability to travel as necessary.

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required.  Master’s degree required in art conservation, or related field.  A minimum of two years of experience/training as a conservator in a museum or similar  facility.
Physical Demands: Typically, the incumbent may sit comfortably to do the work; there may be occasional walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items, such as books, papers; may drive a company vehicle.  No special physical demands are required to perform the work.  Certain conditions utilizing various chemicals needed for conservation work will exist.