Penn Museum Conservation Technician position
Listing Start Date: January 29, 2025
Expires: February 7, 2025
The Conservation Department at the Penn Museum is seeking applicants for 1 conservation technician position to work on the Buddhist mud plaster murals project at the Museum’s off-site Conservation Lab Annex (CLA) in central New Jersey.
This technician position is a 1-year term, part-time, 28 hour/week position.
Job Description Summary
The Conservation Technician, working part-time, will be responsible for assisting the Conservator in conservation work on artifacts in the Museum’s collection. In this case, the project consists of work on Buddhist mud plaster murals destined for exhibition at the Penn Museum. This work will be carried out in the Museum’s off-site Conservation Lab Annex (CLA). Primary duties include assisting the Conservator with handling artifacts, assisting with treatments; keeping written, photographic, and electronic records of work; and assisting with lab maintenance. The successful candidate must be available to work at the off-site location, which is not accessible by public transit. Occasional research work and stewardship; administrative tasks, and additional tasks as assigned.
Continuation of this position after one year is contingent upon funding.
Compensation: $21/hour
We are accepting applications for this role through February 7, 2025. Applications can be submitted by following the link below.
PRINCIPAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:
Assisting Conservator(s) with the movement of artifacts, using rigging equipment, and moving objects within the CLA facility Under the directions of the Conservator, carrying out conservation treatments such as facing removal, cleaning, stabilization, removal of old fixtures. Responsible for carrying out documentation including written, digital, and photographic modes. Maintaining workspace in a clean and organized manner, cleaning equipment and space, assisting other conservators as needed. Additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum: BA/BS degree and 1-3 experience required, or equivalent combination of both. An undergraduate degree in a related field is desirable but not required. This position is most suitable for a pre-program candidate; someone planning to take a graduate degree in conservation with experience working in a museum conservation lab, particularly experience with documentation and basic treatments. Must be able to work in the offsite CLA, located in central New Jersey. Sound work habits, personal initiative, organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to undertake moderate to heavy lifting are essential. Object-handling experience is preferable; manual dexterity is required; Candidate will uphold collegial and collaborative working relationships with conservation staff and other departments.
**Please note that this position is a bargaining unit position represented by a labor union. Job related responsibilities, duties, qualifications, and compensation associated with this position are determined by a collective bargaining agreement.
More information about the position, including University benefits, can be found by following this link:https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Penn-Museum-Conservation-Lab-Annex-NJ/Conservation-Technician—Conservation-Lab-Annex–Bordentown–NJ–Limited-Engagement-_JR00101804