Conservation Technician — Museum Collections & Exhibits

National Museum of Wildlife Art; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Shangri La in Honolulu seeks a Conservation Technician to preserve the historic art collection across indoor spaces and outdoor grounds on a 5-acre site. The role emphasizes preventive care, documentation, and cross‑functional collaboration to support programs, exhibitions and events.

The ideal candidate has hands-on cleaning experience, knowledge of preventive conservation, and familiarity with environmental monitoring.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with object cleaning and minor treatments under supervision.
• Knowledge of preventive conservation practices, materials and handling techniques for diverse object types.
• Familiarity with environmental monitoring and pest management strategies in a museum or collection care setting.
• Proficiency in collections management software (preferably TMS) or ability to learn it.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience in physically handling historical materials.
• Ability to physically perform hands-on collection care duties in indoor and outdoor settings, including areas without climate control and conditions involving heat and humidity.
• Duties include standing, walking and sitting for extended periods, traversing the 5-acre property with uneven terrain, navigating flights of stairs, working in storage environments, and lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds.
• Flexibility to work a varying schedule, including weekends, special events and emergency situations.
• Ability to support multiple projects simultaneously.
• A collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to protecting collections while supporting their role in programs, convenings and events.
• Ability to adapt work plans to changing on-site needs while maintaining conservation and safety standards.
• Sound judgment, high integrity and discretion at all times.

Responsibilities

• Carry out preventive conservation tasks including cleaning, dusting and vacuuming of collection objects made from a range of materials, such as metal, wood, stone, plaster, ceramics, glass, paper and textiles in accordance with conservation protocols.
• Follow established collections-handling procedures, sharing observations or concerns with supervisors to support alignment with professional conservation standards.
• Assist with conservation treatments of objects for display, loan, storage and research purposes.
• Assist with photo and video shoot supervision, pre-construction preparation and other related tasks.
• Collaborate with Content & Engagement and Operations colleagues to support cross-functional activities including events, exhibitions and artist residencies, coordinating collection care and on-site programs through proactive communication and problem-solving.

Education

Degree or certificate in conservation, museum studies, art history or related field

Tools

The Museum System (TMS)

Job description

Shangri La in Honolulu seeks a Conservation Technician to preserve the historic art collection across indoor spaces and outdoor grounds on a 5-acre site. The role emphasizes preventive care, documentation, and cross‑functional collaboration to support programs, exhibitions and events.

The ideal candidate has hands-on cleaning experience, knowledge of preventive conservation, and familiarity with environmental monitoring.