Conservation Assistant: Diorama Restoration & Documentation

American Museum of Natural History; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is seeking a full-time Conservation Assistant to support the conservation and restoration of 18 historic dioramas in Whitney Hall of Oceanic Birds, focusing on roughly 500 taxidermy mounts. You will help document taxidermy, habitat materials and paintings while assisting with treatment as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities include documenting, entering data into the project database, tracking specimen locations, and

Qualifications

• Completed college-level coursework in fine art, conservation, museum studies, or another related field.
• Two years experience working with and/or handling collections (in a museum, historic house, archaeological site, field work, private conservation lab, etc.).
• Proficiency with digital photography.
• Strong organizational, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Carry out documentation related to taxidermy, habitat materials, and paintings. Process and archive conservation and project images.
• Support written documentation, capturing details from examination and treatment conducted by the conservation team. Enter these details into the project database.
• Carry out basic cleaning and treatment of taxidermy and foreground materials and build specimen supports as needed. Track the location of all specimens and foreground materials removed from dioramas. Maintain careful records of their original locations.
• Provide general support to the project managers in tracking progress, ensuring deadlines are met, developing progress reports, tracking orders, managing supplies, and preparing materials.

Skills

Digital photography

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in fine art, conservation, museum studies, or related field

Completed college-level coursework in fine art, conservation, museum studies, or related field

Job description

The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is seeking a full-time Conservation Assistant to support the conservation and restoration of 18 historic dioramas in Whitney Hall of Oceanic Birds, focusing on roughly 500 taxidermy mounts. You will help document taxidermy, habitat materials and paintings while assisting with treatment as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities include documenting, entering data into the project database, tracking specimen locations, and