Conservation Technician (Term Position)

The Field Museum seeks to hire a Conservation Technician to join the Conservation team and assist with on-going preventive care activities and exhibition-related activities for the renovation of the Native North America Hall and the temporary exhibition "Death: Life's Mystery" (working title). Preventive care activities will involve condition assessment, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) monitoring, and exhibition gallery walk-throughs. Exhibition-related activities will involve condition assessment, collaborative conservation discussions, written and photographic documentation, object treatment, Oddy testing of exhibition materials, microfadeometry testing of light sensitive objects, and preparation of microclimates. This is a full-time, 9-month term appointment, which may be extended to 12 months. To apply for the position, interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé on the Museum's website. Questions about the position may be directed to Stephanie Hornbeck, Head of Conservation, at shornbeck@fieldmuseum.org. The deadline for application is September 22, 2021. Duties and Responsibilities * Assist with undertaking conservation photographic and written documentation * Archive documents in the Museum's collections database * Assist with artifact surface-cleaning * Participate in project meetings * Collaborate with Native American community representatives to understand methods of manufacture and desired care of artifacts and to share museum practices * Conduct Integrated Pest Management (IPM) monitoring of assigned areas * Conduct periodic exhibition gallery walk-throughs of assigned areas * Perform Oddy tests on exhibition materials, as needed * Undertake microfadeometry testing of light sensitive objects, as needed * Condition silica gel for exhibition case microclimates, as needed Qualifications * B.A./B.S. degree is required. Major in a field relevant for conservation (i.e. anthropology, art history, archaeology, studio art, chemistry) is desired * Demonstrated hand skills and aptitude for object handling * Ability to use a digital SLR camera and to download images * Basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop * Working knowledge of MS Word and Excel * Excellent written and spoken communication skills * The ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment with conservators, collections staff, and museum colleagues is important * At least one year of museum collections experience, including object handling, is desired * Experience with KE-EMu database is desired The Field Museum is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to create a working environment that is free of sexual, racial, and ethnic discrimination, and one that promotes human dignity and mutual respect among all staff. As such, it is the policy of the Field Museum to hire without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. The Field Museum strives to ensure that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all. If you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to accessibility@fieldmuseum.org.

#06022021