Associate Conservator

American Museum of Natural History; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Museum of Natural History seeks an Associate Conservator to support conservation and restoration of dioramas in Whitney Hall of Oceanic Birds, focusing on roughly 500 bird taxidermy mounts and habitat materials. You will join a multidisciplinary team including conservators, taxidermists, curators, and exhibit staff.

Qualifications include a graduate degree in conservation and at least five years handling collections, with expertise in color restoration.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in conservation or another closely related field.
• Five years experience working with and/or handling collections in a museum or related setting.
• Demonstrated experience restoring color to faded materials and skilled color matching.
• Strong organizational, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop treatment proposals and carry out examination, cleaning, repair, and recoloring of bird taxidermy mounts and habitat materials under the project manager’s guidance.
• Coordinate evaluation of new materials for diorama use.
• Liaise with Exhibitions staff on diorama access considerations and material decisions.
• Occasionally perform written and/or photographic conservation documentation.
• Contribute to final project reporting.

Skills

Conservation degree

5+ years experience

Color matching

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

Graduate-level degree in conservation

Tools

Databases

Job description

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.

The Museum is seeking a full-time Associate Conservator to support the conservation and restoration of the 18 historic dioramas in the Whitney Hall of Oceanic Birds, focused on approximately 500 bird taxidermy mounts as well as habitat materials and background paintings. The Associate Conservator will work as part of a larger project team of conservators, taxidermists, curators, exhibit preparators, designers, and construction staff.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop treatment proposals and carry out examination, cleaning, repair, and recoloring of bird taxidermy mounts and habitat materials under the direct guidance of the project manager.
• Coordinate the evaluation of any new materials proposed for use inside the dioramas.
• Liaise with Exhibitions staff, consulting on diorama access considerations and material decisions.
• In certain cases, carry out written and/or photographic conservation documentation.
• Contribute to final project reporting.
• Sequence and prioritize treatment order across dioramas, working closely with the project manager and Museum curators. Review comparative specimens and reference materials, defining treatment goals and establishing appropriate treatment methodologies. Communicate decision-making to other members of the project team and carefully record all discussions and consultations, supported by other team members.

The expected salary range for the Associate Conservator is $75,000/annual – $85,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.

Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate-level degree in conservation or another closely related field.
• Five years experience working with and/or handling collections (in a museum, historic house, archaeological site, field work, private conservation lab, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in restoring color to faded materials/surfaces and skill in in color matching.
• Strong organizational, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in the preservation and conservation of painted surfaces and/or taxidermy.
• Proficiency working with databases.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
• Positioning/change of positioning: Must be able to frequently position oneself/body to accomplish job duties.
  • Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.
  • Climbing: Ascending or descending physical structures.

Category Full-Time/Term

Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period

Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period 70

Union Status

Union Status Non-Union

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Expected Salary Minimum

Expected Salary Minimum $75,000/annual

Expected Salary Maximum

Expected Salary Maximum $85,000/annual

EEO Statement

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.

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