TITLE: Conservator

Date: 01/16/2025

Location: Museum of the Bible, Washington D.C.

Salary: 85k to 90K DOE

Employment Status: Full-Time salaried exempt

Reports To: Assistant Director of Collections Operations

Position Summary

Museum of the Bible seeks a skilled, team-oriented, and experienced Conservator to join our conservation team. This person will have professional conservation duties related to the examination, treatment, exhibition, handling, and storing of objects, specifically parchment, paper, and books. A working knowledge of basic treatment techniques for paintings, sculpture, photography, and textiles is a plus. This colleague should place a great value on the understanding of Museum of the Bible’s collection as well as its preservation and presentation.

Duties & Responsibilities

Performs complex conservation treatments on a wide range of objects, including printed books, manuscripts, single-sheet items and works on paper.
Evaluates the condition of collection items and designs treatment proposals based on the needs of the collection. Presents to curatorial team for approval.
Completes written and photographic documentation of the object’s condition during all treatment stages in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
Manages the day-to-day workings of the conservation lab, maintains equipment and supplies used in daily operations. Ensures the proper care and maintenance of tools and equipment.
Participates in other activities related to the care of book and archival collections, including environmental monitoring, pest management and disaster response and recovery, as assigned.
Engages in education and training of staff and researchers, including care and handling guidelines, and handling of materials for digital imaging.
Assists in exhibition preparation and installation.
Participates in tours and demonstrates conservation practices and treatments for staff and visitors.
Maintains and updates conservation files, both physical and digital.
Maintain Collections disaster plan, serving as lead of Collections disaster response team.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

Knowledge

Master’s degree in Conservation, Art, Museum Studies, or equivalent experience.

Skills / Core Competencies

Minimum of five years of demonstrated experience in conservation of special collections and knowledge of current conservation principles, practices, and procedures in a museum or archive.

Must be able to work independently, outline projects, and meet deadlines consistently.

Must know and follow safe practices.

Experience with advanced technical equipment related to conservation documentation , such as computer database applications, photographic equipment, and scientific microscope.

Expertise in the treatment of papyrus; works on art on paper, vellum and parchment; or similar cultural heritage materials.

Experience evaluating and treating materials to prepare them for digital imaging and/or exhibitions.

Experience in exhibitions including preparation, installation, materials testing and environmental monitoring.

Abilities / Attributes

Able to work evenings and weekends as needed

Stand for extended periods of time and lift 30 lbs

Champion the Museum of the Bible’s mission to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible

As required, inclusion in official or incidental photographs and videos for MOTB and/or guests.

Museum of the Bible

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Conservator - Washington D.C.