Preventative Conservator

DEPARTMENT: Collections

REPORTS TO: Head of Conservation

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

DATE: February 2023

SALARY: $75,000

POSITION OVERVIEW

The newly established position of Preventive Conservator reports to the Head of Conservation and will be responsible for the implementation of the preventive conservation program at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The Preventive Conservator will oversee collection maintenance in gallery and storage spaces and expand upon existing policies of environmental monitoring; exhibition display and rotation guidelines; collections storage and rehousing; and the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Some artifacts that exhibit damage sustained on 9/11, which is a part of their historical and interpretive significance, require a unique approach to their preventative care. Research and other work that contribute to an improved understanding of these witness materials and to methodologies for their long-term preservation will be an equally important part of the position. It is expected that the Preventive Conservator will stay current with advances in the conservation field and be an active member of this professional community.

Working collaboratively across the organization, the Preventive Conservator will also provide expertise to support acquisitions, loans, exhibitions, and other undertakings fundamental to the Museum’s activities, building on a strong culture of internal teamwork between Curatorial, Registration, Exhibitions, Education, Communications, Institutional Advancement, and Buildings & Grounds colleagues.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Oversee the preventive maintenance policies and procedures of the collection.
  • Coordinate environmental monitoring including re-evaluating and implementing procedures for temperature, humidity, and light exposure.
  • Provide recommendations on environmental conditions, mounting, framing, crating and transit for works traveling outside the museum.
  • Assist in the assessment of the functionality of current storage and housing policies to design and fabricate custom containers for artifacts, works of art, and ephemera.
  • Manage and support the routine maintenance of the artifacts in the Museum’s public exhibition spaces.
  • Provide support for the maintenance of original architectural elements and archeology of the World Trade Center which are essential assets contributing both to the environmental conditions of the Museum and to the visitor experience.
  • Assist in condition surveys to prioritize the preventative needs of the collection regarding storage and exhibition.
  • Participate in technical research and materials testing relevant to the Museum's collection or conservation-related topics.
  • Contribute to the maintenance of collection storage areas for safety, cleanliness, and efficiency.
  • Coordinate with building management the maintenance of offsite storage spaces.
  • Serve as member of the interdepartmental installation team for Museum exhibitions.
  • Handle and assist in the preservation of artifacts that may harbor contaminants of concern related to WTC dust or other hazardous materials associated with the 9/11 with appropriate training provided by the Museum.
  • Assist in the management of projects for volunteers, conservation interns, technicians, and contractors.
  • Disseminate conservation activities and research in a range of platforms including public and professional lectures, print, and digital publications.
  • Recommend new equipment and upgrades and assist in the maintenance of related equipment relate to preventative care.
  • Solicit quotes, evaluate estimates, and assist in selecting vendors for specific collections care projects.
  • Participate in the annual exercise of developing and rationalizing the Collection department’s fiscal-year budget request.
  • Assist in preparation of grant proposals to address preventative care of the collection.
  • Participate in special department projects, especially those involving collections storage, object transport, emergency response, and exhibition. 

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

  • Graduate degree in conservation or preservation required; 2-3+ years of museum experience preferred.
  • Advanced knowledge of conservation ethics, principles, and techniques, inclusive of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice as well as awareness of and commitment to professional museum best practices through membership in professional organizations and attendance at meetings, workshops, and seminars.
  • Proficiency with recent technologies and monitoring systems in the field of preventative conservation.
  • Ability to write clearly and concisely.
  • Ability to work on a lift and ladder required; training will be provided.
  • Detail oriented, flexible, and resourceful; a team player who embraces the collaborative benefits of museum work.
  • Experience managing multiple concurrent projects while maintaining flexibility with shifting priorities/deadlines.
  • Value trust, transparency, and differing perspectives and communication styles.
  • Commitment to advancing the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s mission.
  • Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint required.

WORKING HOURS

This is an exempt, full-time 40 hour/week position and work will take place during business hours. However, with advance notice, schedules may be adjusted to accommodate special projects which involve early morning or evening hours. The Preventative Conservator will be expected to split time between the Museum as well as offsite storage and laboratory spaces in New Jersey. Occasional trips may be required to storage facilities in upstate New York. The cost of transportation to off-site facilities is provided, consistent with the institution’s extant Travel and Expense reimbursement guidelines.

REQUIRED SUPPORT FOR ORGANIZATIONAL EVENTS

  • Participate in special staffing for the 9/11 Memorial's Annual 5K Fundraiser and September 11th Commemoration.
  • Assist with other special projects and events in support of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum mission, as assigned.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Include the position you are seeking in the email subject field.
  • State the location where job posting was seen.
  • Send resume and cover letter as one document addressed to Kerith Koss Schrager, Head of Conservation, to 911mmcollectionsjobs@911memorial.org.
  • Conservators from all specialties and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The National September 11 Memorial and Museum (9/11 Memorial & Museum) is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who meet the qualification requirements of the role will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum (9/11 Memorial & Museum) is committed to an organizational culture that supports and reinforces our values regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). We seek to build a collaborative, open, and equitable space where staff want to be, knowing that their contributions, professional expertise, and distinct voices are valued and respected. We encourage and celebrate an inclusive environment where candor and participation, when it comes to sharing ideas and collaborative problem-solving, are welcomed regardless of one’s role at the Museum or background.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified candidates, during the interview process, to enable individuals with disabilities an opportunity to interview.

Effective April 30, 2022, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum (9/11 Memorial & Museum) requires all eligible employees be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 as a condition of employment and provide proof of such vaccination prior to their joining the institution.