Diorama Conservator - Bird Taxidermy & Habitat Restoration

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 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.