Assistant Conservator

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Tucson (AZ)

On-site

USD 42,282 - 52,851

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Tuition reduction

Retirement plans

Job summary

The UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA is looking for an Assistant Conservator for the Arizona State Museum. The role focuses on the preservation and treatment of various cultural collections while collaborating with curators and communities. A Bachelor's degree and 3 years of relevant experience are required.

Outstanding benefits such as health insurance and tuition reduction for employees and family members are offered. This full-time position requires compliance with ethical conservation practices and lab safety protocols.

For inquiries, contact Jim Watson at watsonjt@arizona.edu.

Qualifications

3 years of relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Working knowledge in object conservation necessary.

Responsibilities

Perform examinations and produce documentation for museum collections.
Conduct scientific analysis for material assessment.
Collaborate on conservation treatment designs.
Perform preventive conservation to ensure preservation.
Manage conservation lab activities.

Skills

Object conservation knowledge

Manual dexterity skills

Effective communication

Ability to work with hazardous materials

Collaboration skills

Cultural sensitivity

Knowledge of safety standards

Technical equipment operation

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree in Conservation (preferred)

Job description

Arizona State Museum (ASM) at the University of Arizona is seeking an Assistant Conservator. The Assistant Conservator (Objects) is responsible for the physical care, examination, documentation, and treatment of the museum’s diverse collections which include archaeological artifacts, ethnographic materials, historical items, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, plant‑based material, metals, and mixed‑media contemporary art. The successful candidate will have a background in the conservation of objects with a strong commitment to ethical preservation practices. A significant component of this role involves collaborating with collections managers, curators, and source or Indigenous communities to ensure that conservation practices align with cultural protocols and modern legislative frameworks (e.g., NAGPRA/Duty of Care guidelines).

ASM is the oldest and largest anthropological research facility in the U.S. Southwest, with expansive collections that are exceptional resources for the teaching, study, and understanding of the region’s 13,000‑year human history.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Duties & Responsibilities

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).

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience.
3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Conservation or related field.
Experience working with anthropological collections or composite materials in a museum setting.

FLSA

Exempt

Employment Details

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40
Job FTE: 1.0
Job Category: Cultural Institutions
Benefits Eligible: Yes – Full Benefits
Rate of Pay: $42,282 – $52,851
Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full‑time equivalency (FTE)
Grade: 5
Work Calendar: Fiscal
Job Family: Conservator
Job Function: Cultural Institutions
Type of criminal background check required: Name‑based criminal background check (non‑security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies: 1