Position Summary

The Assistant Conservator will support all aspects of care and preservation of the permanent collection, including our extensive Native Collection under the stewardship of the Autry Museum. Additionally, the Assistant Conservator will work on larger projects within the Conservation Department, including exhibitions and loans.

Essential Functions

Conduct assessment and treatment of the museum collection to support their preservation, exhibition, and outgoing loan needs, according to appropriate cultural and ethical standards. Document these treatments with written reports, digital photography, graphic documentation, and updates to the database.
Collaborate with the Native Collections and Engagement team and other stakeholders, including artists and consultants from source communities, to ensure collection items are conserved and displayed with cultural sensitivity. Implement Autry collections care practices in line with tribal requests, including pXRF analysis for pesticides and other hazardous materials.
Assist with mounting, installation, and maintenance of collection and loan items on display in core galleries, temporary exhibitions, and outdoor sculpture garden.
Implement preventive conservation procedures such as integrated pest management and monitoring light levels, temperature, and relative humidity in storage, exhibitions, library, and archives.
Complete research on exhibition case materials and collection items, when culturally appropriate. This may include Oddy Testing, microscopy, and pXRF analysis for material identification.
Stay current with professional philosophies, ethical guidelines, procedures, and practices in the conservation field through membership in professional organizations, reading professional literature, and attendance at meetings, workshops, and seminars.

Other Functions

Provide assistance to conservation interns and technicians, directing them to appropriate resources or to the Head of Conservation when needed.
The professional staff members of the Autry Museum act as a team to promote and perform to the best interests of the institution. As a member of this team the Assistant Conservator will be called upon to participate in institution-wide projects, and to participate in special department projects.
Perform other related duties as assigned. The Autry reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate degree in Art or Cultural Heritage Conservation from a recognized University program with an object specialization. Coursework should be completed by the start of the position.
Prior experience in museum conservation at the graduate or post-graduate level required; experience working with Native American cultural items and collaborating with community members preferred.
Strong understanding of professional standards for museum policy and protocols, ethical research, and conservation ethics.
Exemplary communication skills and self-awareness, with an emphasis on collaboration, teamwork, and recognizing when to seek guidance from the Head of Conservation and other colleagues.
Strength in critical thinking, with the ability to evaluate facts and information, make important connections for good decision making, and plan out logistics.
Highly motivated and able to take initiative, with the ability to use project management software and calendars to prioritize tasks, efficiently manage time, and meet deadlines.
Working knowledge of pXRF, polarized light microscopy, and Oddy Testing.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Requires use of a computer, microscope, digital camera, hand and power tools.
Must have physical mobility and stamina to complete tasks that involve long periods of intense concentration; extended periods of standing, walking, or sitting; frequent stooping and bending; working at elevations up to 12 feet high on ladders or lifts; and occasional work outdoors. On occasion this position requires lifting items weighing up to 35 pounds and walking up to 10 feet before placing the item.
This position requires travel between two main campuses.

NOTE: We will be hiring for this position in January 2025.

COVID-19 PROTOCOL

We take the health and safety of our colleagues, visitors, and their families very seriously. To that end, we have concluded that the best way to ensure the safety of everyone is to require that all staff be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

Please know that in order to become employed by Autry Museum you may provide satisfactory proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19

More information will be provided as we move along in the recruitment process.

Generous Benefits Package

Best-in-class healthcare insurance plans:
- 2 Medical HMOs - Narrow Network and Full Network
- 2 Medical PPOs - Traditional and High Deductible PPO with Health Savings Account (HSA)
- 2 Dental Plans
- 1 Vision Plan
- Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to cover eligible costs of healthcare
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care costs
Paid Time Off policies that include vacation, holidays, sick time, and bereavement leave.
403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions up to 4%.
Employer-paid Life and AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) insurance.
Additional opportunities to enroll in Supplemental Insurance plans, including:
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- Identity Theft Insurance

Please note you must be a California resident - we are not a multi-state employer.

Autry Museum of the American West

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Assistant Conservator