Conservation Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Position: Conservation Assistant I - Africa/Egypt Exhibit

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Gantz Family Collections Center

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.

• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.

• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

The Field Museum seeks a Conservation Assistant to support the care, documentation, treatment, and preparation of Egyptian archaeological and African social history items as part of the Africa Hall Renovation Project. This is a term position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct condition assessment, documentation, and treatment of archaeological and social history collection items and loans; , including written and photographic documentation and, as appropriate, chemical spot testing
• Handle, document, and assist with the treatment of human remains, sacred items, and other culturally sensitive materials in accordance with Museum policies and established protocols.
• When guidance from communities of origin differs from established museum practices, prioritize community guidance and work collaboratively to incorporate it into museum practice.
• Ensure documentation, images, analyses, and collaborative discussions are archived both as hard copies and as digital copies in the Collections Management System (KE EMu).
• Assist with specifying and constructing display and storage equipment, and environmental control measures, as needed.
• Assist with performing Oddy tests of proposed exhibition materials.
• Assist in supervising volunteers and interns as needed.
• Assist with incoming and outgoing loans, as assigned. Some off-site travel may be required.
• Conduct integrated pest management (IPM) monitoring and gallery walk-throughs of assigned areas.
• Share conservation practices, project outcomes, challenges, and solutions with others through discussion, short classes, and presentations, as assigned.
• Maintain a clean and organized collection storage area, workspace, equipment, and supplies clean and well organized.
• Follow safe working practices in conservation laboratories, galleries, collection spaces, and other work areas to protect staff, visitors, and collection items.
• Adhere to departmental policies on the appropriate handling of, and access to, sacred or culturally sensitive materials and ancestral remains.
• Support the maintenance and operation of conservation laboratories, including researching, specifying, procuring, maintaining, and ensuring the safe storage and handling of collections, equipment, and supplies.
• Assist in maintaining clean and organized collection storage, workspace, equipment, and supplies clean and well organized.
• Participate in departmental and project meetings.
• Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive positive work environment through respectful interactions with colleagues, external partners, and the public.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in conservation, studio art, anthropology, chemistry, or a related field is required
• Ability to work safely in conservation labs and museum galleries.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others.
• Previous e Experience working collaboratively with communities of origin on the treatment, display, and storage of museum collections would be a plus is preferred
• Experience with Egyptian archaeological material and/or African social history material is preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of safety precautions to create a safe working environment for self and others; demonstrated ability to work safely with chemicals.
• Experience conducting chemical spot testing is preferred
• Ability to learn and use digital tools and systems necessary for documentation and project work, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office applications, and collection management systems.
• Digital photography experience is a plus. Editing and output to AIC conservation documentation standards will be expected. (refer to the “Guide To Digital Photography & Conservation Documentation” 3rd ed., for typical workflows).
• Experience searching data entry, and generating reports in a Collections Management System; experience with KE-EMu collections management software is preferred but not required. Training will be provided
• Ability to work as part of multiple teams to meet departmental goals.
• Ability to perform detailed conservation work requiring close visual examination, precise handling of collection items, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse constituencies to achieve departmental goals.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends (time off in lieu will normally be offered).

Supervision Received:

Receives general supervision by the Senior Conservator

Supervision Exercised:

Provides general direction and task supervision to Interns (up to 2), or Volunteers (up to 2)

Work Hours and Shift:

35 hours

Hybrid Eligibility:

Not eligible

Location:

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605

Union Representation:

This position is represented by Field Museum Workers’ United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO

Pay Range: $23.56/Hourly

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.