The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward.

The Historic Resources department has a part-time Conservation Specialist opening. This position is responsible for the execution of artifact conservation activities related to the preservation and conservation of assigned collections under the direction of a conservator. Conservation activities support institutional priorities related to the preparation of exhibitions, loans, condition surveys and the general care of assigned collections. The specialist works with a variety of teams to accomplish departmental and unit goals in service of the institutional mission. Responsibilities include preservation, preventative care, and documentation of all activities and observations via the museum’s collections management system. Serves as conservation and/or preservation liaison on assigned projects including condition surveys, storage upgrades, artifact loans, grant projects, IAT tours, exhibitions, and programs.

Essential Responsibilities

• Carries out examination, survey and conservation treatment activities under the direction of a conservator. Prepares artifacts for new and rotating museum exhibits and coordinates installation with the collection management and exhibits department. Provides timely reports on status of projects to supervisor.

• Moves artifacts as required for conservation, loans, condition evaluation and imaging. Must be conversant in current collection management protocols and able to carry out work in careful manner following established procedures and practices to ensure that artifacts are not damaged during movement.

• Documents the condition of artifacts and applied treatments using the established format for the CMS and digital photography.

• Conducts regular condition assessments of assigned stored collection items to identify condition or operational problems. Notifies conservator of problematic findings.

• Accurately records location changes for moved artifacts via e-mail and/or location change forms for entry into the CMS.

• Carries out research on conservation projects as assigned. Publicizes current projects via the museum’s social media outlets as assigned.

• Routinely maintains assigned lab areas in a clean and uncluttered condition. Assists in the maintenance of supplies, chemicals, and tools. Prepares adhesives, detergents, and solvent mixtures for assigned areas.

• Coordinates assigned projects including interaction with offsite contractors and oversight of technicians and volunteers as assigned.

• Assists imaging specialist and photographer with the movement, handling, and general set-up of artifacts for scanning or photography as requested.

• Performs other activities as necessary.

Your Qualifications

• BA in art, art history or equivalent experience.

• Good hand-eye coordination and basic, demonstrated art and craft skills.

• Good oral and written communication skills.

• The ability to carefully move and pack a variety of artifacts.

• Experience using windows-based computer software including Microsoft Word and Excel, proficient in conducting research (Including internet research).

• Ability to follow instructions and established procedures for movement, conservation and documentation of conservation and collection management activities

SPECIAL SKILLS

• Advanced skill in art and crafts such as: drawing, framing, book repair, leather working. Paper making, paper cleaning methods, painting, photography, color matching, matting.

• Experience using a database such as Access or collection management software desired.

• Advanced knowledge of paper and book materials, manufacturing techniques and degradation.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL

Physical: Sitting, Standing, Walking, lifting, handling, Keyboarding, handling, grasping: Frequently. Pushing, pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, Lifting up to 40 lbs.: Occasionally. Unless noted here, other physical requirements are minimal or not applicable.

Ability to pass physical examination and to wear a respirator while working.

Mental: Ability to follow instructions and to be flexible in assuming different roles and tasks. Ability to problem solve and to make decisions. Ability to work on multiple, simultaneous projects while paying attention to details and managing the pressures related to meeting deadlines.

Environment: Laboratory, imaging studio, historic house and warehouse environment; frequent exposure to chemicals, dust and mold.

This job description is subject to change at any time.

It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity (including but not limited to recruitment, hire, employment, program participation, promotion, salary, benefits, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment or service as a volunteer) based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability. Marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, height, weight or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.