Conservation Technician

The Strong National Museum of Play is seeking a driven, self-motivated Conservation Technician.  As a member of the Conservation Team, the position will be responsible for the preventative care and treatment of the largest, most comprehensive collection of toys, dolls, games, and video games.  

Essential Duties:

The specifications described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Conservator, complete minor preventive projects and/or 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 American Association of Museum’s Code of Ethics for Museums
• Maintain thorough and accurate records of conservation examinations, treatments, photo documentation, loans, etc., including using the museum’s data management system Argus
• Assist in museum and collections storage maintenance (dusting, vacuuming, replacing lights, etc.).

• Assist with digitizing Conservation records, and making hardcopy data accessible in Argus

• Maintain a clean, safe, and professional workspace and contribute to general studio/lab maintenance.
• Assist Conservator and other team members during exhibition installations and deinstallations.

Qualifications:

The candidate should possess the required skills and knowledge for successful performance. Our general requirements are:

• Minimum: BA/BS degree in art history, fine art, history, archeology, museum studies, chemistry, or a related field
• Manual dexterity/hand skills are required

• Excellent written & verbal communication

• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to work within established priorities and timelines to complete deadline-driven work

• Capable of quickly learning and adapting to new work processes and tasks
• Capable of using ladders and elevated platforms to perform work tasks

• Ability to undertake moderate to heavy lifting
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team

• Object-handling and museum experience is preferable

• Some working knowledge and experience with the use of hand tools and power tools is preferable

Please compile the following into one document in Word or PDF format for submission:

• Resume/CV
• A letter of interest outlining experience
• Three (3) examples of handmade object completed by candidate (can include paintings, sculpture, drawings, book making, furniture, etc.).  Does not have to be from a formal studio class.  Please include photos and brief description of each work. 
• Contact information for three (3) professional references