Museum Conservator (IS-1001-11) - Smithsonian Institution

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 

The National Air and Space Museum (NASM), Conservation Unit is seeking to fill a museum conservator position to support the renovation and redesign of our Washington, DC location.  The candidate will work in a team of conservators to provide conservation work to support the ongoing renovation of 23 galleries.  We are seeking individuals with a diverse range of material experience to support the examination, documentation, and treatment of a variety of objects in the NASM collection. The collection features artifacts from the 18th century to the present and represents a full range of materials relating to the history of aviation and space exploration. The Emil Buehler Conservation Laboratory has a range of testing and analytical capabilities and partners with other Smithsonian museums to enable access to a wide variety of analytical equipment.

 

The primary duty of this position is to work within a team of conservators to examine, document and treat objects for display in the newly re-designed and upgraded galleries at the Washington D.C. museum location.  The candidate will work with gallery team members and curators to provide input regarding exhibition design, environmental requirements, and mount fabrication. Both large and small artifacts will require varying levels of treatment and preservation. Collaboration with unit colleagues in the Collections Division will be undertaken on larger team projects. The conservation team meets regularly to ensure deadlines for gallery installs are on track and to work as a unit to problem solve and determine solutions to challenging treatments. All documentation will be recorded using The Museum System artifact catalogue and database at NASM. Administrative support for the conservation unit and the project includes identifying and purchasing supplies and equipment related to treatment needs; working with volunteers; participating in NASM and Smithsonian wide safety programs as required; and collaboration with NASM colleagues. On-site gallery installation and deinstallation support is scheduled to meet project timelines.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION

The candidate should be self-motivated, willing to work independently and in a team environment and should be capable of managing multiple projects, deadlines, and tasks. Individuals must be able to clearly communicate verbally and in writing to complete thorough documentation on each object and to convey technical information.  Knowledge of current conservation practices and methodologies and the necessary environmental conditions for objects. The ability to use a variety of analytical equipment to answer material and treatment questions is ideal. Knowledge of laboratory safety in relation to museum practices is required. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Requirements:  The ideal candidate will have completed graduate level training in museum conservation. Skills in materials science, conservation treatment, chemistry, or related subjects in addition to digital photography and technical writing are required. Professional Associate status in the American Institute for Conservation or working toward this level is desired. Qualifications will need to be met at the IS-1001-11 level.
 
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

 

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

  

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

 
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

 

Relocation expenses are not paid.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact OHRTrustBranch@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

 

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.