Assistant Conservator

Conservation Examination, Analysis, Documentation, and Treatment:

• Perform examinations and produce written and photographic documentation, including condition reports, treatment proposals, and final treatment reports using museum records and databases.
• Conduct scientific analysis and imaging (UV/IR, pXRF, FTIR, X-ray) to assess material composition and condition.
• In collaboration with supervisor, curatorial personnel, and stakeholders, collaborate on the design and execution of treatments for objects.
• Contribute to the development of conservation methods and remain current with field advances.
• Collaborate with supervisor and curatorial staff to establish treatment priorities.
• Conduct work in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines of Practice.

Preventive Conservation:

• Perform preventive conservation activities to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of collections.
• Assist with environmental monitoring and integrated pest management data collection and interpretation.
• Collaboriate with collections and exhibition personnel.to design and fabricate archival enclosures, storage supports, and custom display mounts.
• Conduct routine collection surveys and housekeeping activities to identify and mitigate potential risks to museum collections.
• Support emergency preparedness activities for collections, including contributing to emergency planning, participating in preparedness training, and inventorying, maintaining, and purchasing supplies for emergency response and recovery.

Exhibitions and Loans:

• Assess the condition of objects selected for loans and exhibitions.
• Prepare collection objects for loan, exhibition, and transport, working closely with the Registrar to ensure compliance with museum standards, loan agreements, and established project deadlines.
• Apply established handling protocols, specialized microclimates, and transit packing methods to support the safe movement and display of objects.
• Collaborate with exhibition personnel on the preparation, installation, and deinstallation of collection objects for exhibit.
• Serve as domestic courier for objects.

Lab Coordination & Public Outreach:

• Support coordination of conservation lab activities and projects.
• Manage and facilitate access for researchers and conservation lab visitors.
• Oversight of conservation volunteers and students.
• Assist with coordinating and tracking the movement of objects in and out of the conservation laboratory.
• Participate in public outreach programs including tours, workshops, and other educational programs.

Lab Safety:

• Assist with conservation laboratory operations including ensuring compliance with federal, state, local, and University of Arizona regulations and policies regarding hazardous chemicals and radiation machines.
• Maintain adherence to laboratory safety protocols and lab cleanliness.
• Inventory, research and recommend laboratory supplies and equipment to support conservation activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge and experience in object conservation.
• Demonstrated manual dexterity skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with hazardous materials.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment, one that values and leverages the benefits of a variety of perspectives.
• Knowledge of the responsibilities and cultural sensitivities involved in working with cultural materials.
• Knowledge of and experience with hazardous chemicals and safety requirements and standards in conservation laboratories.
• Knowledge with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
• Ability to operate and knowledge of technical, analytical, and imaging equipment.
• Proficiency with various computer programs (Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud).