Conservation Technician of Works on Paper
The Conservation Center in Chicago is searching for a Conservation Technician for the Works on Paper Department. This position would be a great opportunity for a pre-program student or a third-year graduate student who is looking for hands-on treatment experience.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in related field OR equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable and demonstrable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.
- Demonstrated ability to handle works of art according to conservation handling guidelines and basic knowledge of materials and techniques of works of art on paper, including blueprints, books, pamphlets, and photographs.
- Positive outlook as well as an effective communicator that can remain calm under pressure.
- Demonstrates the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously. Effectively manages time to complete deadline-driven work.
- Ability to perform physical labor as required for specific treatments.
- Demonstrated ability to make sound judgements about workplace safety and safe use of materials in the lab.
- Previous experience in private practice strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency in conservation of works on paper and books including surface cleaning, humidification, flattening methods, stain reduction, hinge removal, tear repairs, filling losses, applying hinges, compensation, and remediating mold.
- Ability to perform stabilization and treatment on diverse types of items including the following: Drawings, prints, pastels, watercolors, blueprints, contemporary media, books, pamphlets, folding screens, scrolls, architectural drawings, letters, documents, and photographs.
- Proficiency in creating custom enclosures, such as four flap enclosures, book wrappers, drop spine boxes, and other archival housing methods.
- Ability to provide written condition reports, treatment recommendations, and post treatment reports for a wide range of works on paper.
Benefits include medical insurance, paid holidays, PTO, and a 401 (k) retirement plan.
The Conservation Center is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Interested candidates should submit a resume and three professional references to recruiting@theconservationcenter.com. The Conservation Center cannot sponsor candidates at this time; if applying from outside the US, a US work visa is required before applying.
No phone calls, please.