Job description

Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, is among the top natural history museums in the country. It maintains, preserves, and interprets an extraordinary collection of artifacts, objects, and scientific specimens used to broaden understanding of evolution, conservation, and biodiversity. Carnegie Museum of Natural History generates new scientific knowledge, advances science literacy, and inspires visitors of all ages to become passionate about science, nature, and world cultures. Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History seeks an experienced, full-time Associate Objects Conservator to join our conservation department and work in a fast paced, multi-disciplinary environment. This is a two-year position—the conservator will join a project team working to deinstall and conserve objects from the museum’s Walton Hall of Ancient Egypt.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Masters in Conservation with a specialty in objects and a minimum of 3 years of post-graduate experience working with archaeological materials, or equivalent experience is also required.
• Ideal candidates will have experience with both organic and inorganic archaeological objects.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• The candidate should have strong communication and organizational skills and experience with researching the preservation of archaeological materials is preferred.
• Treatment practice and documentation must be of an exceptionally high standard.
• The position requires a focused individual who can work independently, as well as part of a cohesive team.
• Good communication skills are mandatory.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position will require bending and lifting, walking around the museum, sitting and/or standing for long periods of time during treatments, turning, repetitive motion, climbing, and, at minimum, lifting weights of 25 lbs.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• The new conservator will work both independently and in association with the Conservator to assess the condition of over 300 Egyptian objects that have been on exhibition for 30 years, performing treatments were necessary.
• They will work in a secured visible lab, in view of the public.
• The lab will be part of a temporary exhibition exploring museum conservation.
• The associate conservation will work collaboratively with museum staff to prepare and plan for the object’s eventual exhibition in a new location.
• The Associate Object Conservator will undertake a range of treatments on ancient Egyptian objects in our care to the highest level of quality, and to AIC ethical guidelines.
• The Associate Objects Conservator will be responsible for documentation and treatment reports in accordance with CMNH standards.
• They will also be responsible for reviewing public facing content related to the museum’s conservation efforts on an as needed basis.
• The Associate Objects Conservator will work collaboratively with the Conservator and others to conduct research, write academic papers, or prepare for conference presentations.
• The Associate Objects Conservator will be required to work collaboratively and in an interdisciplinary way with other researchers at the museum and exhibits staff.
• Much of the conservation work and treatment will be done in the public view.
• The conservator must be able to speak and engage with the general public.
• Supervision of interns and volunteers is required.
• Other duties as assigned.

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Females / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.

• GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job. When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below. Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive. If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function? The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function? If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often? Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job? If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential. G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it? If so, it is more likely to be essential.

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