Job Description

Objects ConservatorID:NPSHFC-002-010Location:Charles TownProgram:NPSWage/Hr:$60.00Hours/Week:40Minimum Age:55For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the National Park Service (NPS). These experienced professionals provide administrative expertise, facilities management, natural and cultural resource planning, and a broad array of other professional skills that support the National Park Service through the Experienced Services Program (ESP).Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.PLEASE NOTE: An ?Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions.This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.Qualifications:MA/MS Degree in Archeology, Anthropology, Art History, Art Studio, Museum Studies, Art Conservation, Chemistry with minimum additional experience of 8 year(s) in museum conservation treatment work and supporting written and photographic documentation for one or more conservation disciplines that meets the standards of the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC)completes preservation related planning documents including collection condition surveys.Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPointDuties:This position is located in the Harpers Ferry Center (HFC) Museum Conservation Services and Collections Program. This program works in close collaboration with parks to conserve museum collections in support of the NPS mission. This position conserves artifacts that represent our cultural heritage and have significant monetary as well as historical value. The incumbent serves as a conservator at Harpers Ferry Center working in one or more conservation disciplines and addressing a wide variety of museum materials (e.g., paper, books, and photographs; textiles; leather; wooden, metal, or stone objects; archeological materials; ethnographic objects; armaments; mechanical artifacts; decorative and fine art objects; natural science specimens, etc.). The incumbent assesses preservation concerns, and conservation needs, carrying out assignments that support overall programmatic and strategic goals associated with conservation treatments, museum exhibits, preventive care, and technical assistance.Examines museum objects using various methods to determine their physical and chemical nature, condition, causes of damage, and previous treatments. Uses specialized examination and analytical techniques, as appropriate, for the identification and testing of materials. Carries out and stays current with technical research in the field of conservation. Researches, reviews, and provides support in developing NPS specifications and standards for conservation methods and materials, as appropriate. Applies the most up-to-date scientific or scholarly research methods to facilitate treatments. Ensures proper laboratory safety procedures and requirements are implemented. Maintains organized laboratory spaces and supplies.15%Trains other conservators, conservation technicians, interns, and park staff in conservation methods and techniques, conducting on-the-job training sessions to develop or improve skills. Responds to park collection emergency calls to assess the scope of the problem and appropriate actions for recovery. As delegated, coordinates strategies for object recovery. Serves on NPS and HFC committees and participates in developing new conservation initiatives or literature, as appropriate. May supervise interns and volunteers but less than 25% of the time. Participates in laboratory tours, school visits, social media, and other outreach efforts, as appropriate, to educate NPS staff, special interest groups, and the public regarding HFCs work, the NPS mission, and the conservation field in general. Provides technical assistance and advice to NPS staff about conservation issues.15%Implements projects within established schedules and budgets. Identifies and recommends specialized supply and equipment needs. Uses appropriate databases and other software for project planning and tracking, developing cost estimates, managing images, and preparing reports. Participates in exhibit development teams with other conservators, curators, interpreters, registrars, designers, fabricators, planners, and others to facilitate conservation, preservation, and security of museum collections in exhibits. Prepares and reviews exhibit specifications. Develops recommendations for preventive care which consider location, staffing levels, budget, and local expertise to create realistic plans, standard operating procedures, and other guidance for park staff. Works collaboratively on projects with other NPS conservators.15%Performs highly-specialized conservation treatments for museum objects, involving complex procedures and a high level of manual skill. Ensures all proposals, treatments, reports, and photo documentation meet the standards of the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and NPS standard practices. Completes photo documentation of objects before, during (as necessary) and after treatment. Identifies needs and contributes to new or revised exhibit preservation guidelines, based on subject - area expertise and technical advances in areas such as lighting design, exhibit case design, use of microclimates, etc. Conducts assessments of exhibit facilities, environmental conditions, object mounts, etc. and recommends specific improvements to enhance object preservation while on exhibit. Installs and de-installs objects for exhibits. Fabricates exhibit or researches, develops, and applies a range of storage options and housing materials to ensure appropriate preservation of objects. Ensures recommendations for preventive care are consistent with current best practices for environmental conditions, facility standards, transport of objects, and exhibition standards.35%Prepares condition reports describing physical attributes of the object(s), existing housings, damage or loss, and information on previous treatments. Uses practical experience and research results to prepare written treatment proposals, including selection of treatment options, procedures, methods and techniques, materials to be used, and time and cost estimates. Prepares written site evaluations, risk assessments, and plans to improve management of collections and minimize impacts of agents of deterioration (e.g., incorrect temperature, incorrect humidity, light, pests, physical forces, pollutants, fire, water, etc.) on museum collections.20%Other:Travel Requirements: As projects dictate, but not to exceed 50% of the enrollee time.Overnight travel: As projects dictate, but not to exceed 50% of the enrollee time.Air travel anticipated: As projects dictate, but not to exceed more than 12 round trips per year.Health and Safety Considerations: Training in proper chemistry lab management and use of hazardous materials. Previous graduate coursework in a laboratory setting will satisfy this training.Required Safety Gear: Fume hoods, extraction trunks, and personal respiratory devices will be used as necessary, depending on solvents used during conservation treatments.Physical requirements: Works in a laboratory environment and incurs some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, recurring bending, stooping, stretching, reaching, climbing ladders, lifting, or similar activities. Use of physical strength may be required to move and lift heavy objects. Position demands exceptional manual dexterity when performing delicate conservation treatments. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.

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