Job Location: 1 Manhattan Square Drive, Rochester, NY 14607

Job Title: Assistant Conservator

Institution: The Strong

About the Institution: The Strong is one of the largest history museums in the United States and one of the leading museums serving families with highly interactive exhibits and programs. The Strong houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play.

Job Description: The Strong owns and cares for the world’s most comprehensive collection of toys, dolls, board games, video games, books, documents, and other historical materials related to play. Under the direction of the conservator, the assistant conservator is responsible for the preventative care and treatment of the collection, including maintenance and preparation of objects for storage, research, and exhibition.

This position requires a driven, self-motivated, professionally trained individual with at least one year of post-graduate experience in conservation. The individual must possess a creative, multi-disciplinary approach and experience working with multiple specialties and/or media/materials. Experience treating mass-produced commercial collections items and digital collections, as well as practical knowledge of the application of 3D printing to object treatments is desired.

This position is anticipated to start May 1, 2024.

Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of the conservator, and in collaboration with curators and other staff, design and fulfill appropriate preventative objectives and treatments for collections items.
• Follow museum-issued storage and conservation policies and procedures. Perform work in accordance with best practices and standards, particularly the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice and the American Association of Museum’s Code of Ethics for Museums.
• Maintain thorough and accurate records of conservation examinations, treatments, photo documentation, loans, etc. using the museum’s collection management system. Records should include notes on current condition, original structure and materials, additions or alterations, etc.
• Assist with the compilation of data for the conservation team’s grant reports and support the research for grant initiatives as requested.
• Provide recommendations for handling, packing, transporting, storing, and other preventative measures for objects.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and professional workspace and contribute to general studio and lab maintenance.
• Assist in museum and collections storage maintenance, including, but not limited to, dusting, vacuuming, organizing, and replacing lights.
• Assist with digitizing hardcopy conservation reports and updating conservation data within the museum’s collection management system.
• Assist the curatorial team with acquisitions and deaccessions, as requested.
• Supervise conservation team interns and volunteers, as directed.
• Adhere to timetables as dictated by exhibit schedules and other project deadlines.
• Together with the conservator and curators, oversee the installation of objects into museum exhibitions, as directed.
• Keep up-to-date technically in the field by attending training/workshops and applying new knowledge to the job.

• Graduate degree in conservation from an accredited university program.
• At least one year of post-graduate conservation experience working in a museum, private practice, or regional studio/lab. 
• Strong work ethic and ability to solve complex treatment issues, work effectively and productively under pressure, and uphold confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work within established priorities and timelines to complete deadline-driven work.
• Manual dexterity and excellent hand skills.
• Working knowledge of safe and museum-quality procedures for handling, storing, transporting, framing, shipping, installing, and exhibiting collections.
• Experience in photo documentation and imaging, including digital photography and technical imaging (including UV, IR, X-ray, and photomicrography).
• Understanding of the application of analytical instruments, including X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy.
• Working knowledge of the impact of lighting and environmental conditions on collections objects.
• Competency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Bridge and Photoshop, and other software suites required for conservation reports and photo documentation. 
• Understanding of how to safely use chemicals/hazardous materials and their interactions, application techniques, and storage methods. Must be able to follow all training and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Skilled in writing technical reports, articles, posters, blogs, etc.

• Experience with treating mass-produced commercial collections items and digital collections.
• Knowledge and implementation of 3D printing applications for conservation treatment.
• Experience in carpentry, woodworking, and use of power equipment.
• Experience using a collections management database.
• Experience developing and maintaining pest management, environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness/response/recovery, and preventative programs.
• Interest in performing research on collections, with a goal of publishing data and results.
• Be an active, contributing member, in good standing, of the American Institute for Conservation.

This Position is: In-Person

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $42,000-45,000 per year

Salary Type: Non-Exempt

Benefits: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid time off, Contribution to Retirement Plan, Employee discount; EAP

How to Apply: https://www.museumofplay.org/jobs/