Conservation Technician for Gallery & Storage Maintenance

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Philadelphia Museum of Art

Posted 3 months ago

Full Time

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The technician performs routine cleaning and maintenance for artworks, display cases, and storage furniture within museum facilities. They work collaboratively as part of a team to ensure the safety and proper care of art objects in both public and non-public spaces.

Qualifications

The Conservation Technician role requires good hand skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work on repetitive tasks. A Bachelor's degree in Studio Art, Art History, or a related field is preferred, along with prior experience in a museum or similar environment. Good communication skills and teamwork experience are also essential for this part-time, 21-hour per week position.

Job Description

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace
At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status. 

The Conservation Technician for Gallery & Storage Maintenance carry out routine maintenance for artworks on display, casework (Plexiglas/glass cases), display/storage furniture (such as platforms), and occasionally the building fabric itself. Work is primarily performed in the museum’s public spaces (Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Perelman Building, and the Rodin Museum), storage facilities, and several historic houses. Some projects may involve working on a ladder, a single- or double-person MEWP platform lift, or scaffolding at heights of up to 30 feet.

Specifically, you will:
  • Vacuum, dust, and carry out regular cleanings for artworks, and associated display and storage furniture, using specialized museum procedures.
  • Work cooperatively as a small team for the proper execution of the tasks and the safety of the works of art.
  • Work in the galleries during both public and non-public hours.
  • Other tasks as assigned.
 

Your background and experience include:
  • Ability to work on delicate and repetitive tasks, which require very close attention, good hand skills, and the use of tools and color matching skills.
  • Ability to focus on the task, good three-dimensional perception, and sensitivity to a wide variety of materials and their condition is necessary.
  • Prior work experience in a museum or similar environments will be preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art, Art History, or related fields preferred.
  • Good communication skills and demonstrated experience working as a team member

Position and Compensation Details
  • The hourly rate for this position is $21.98
  • This position is part-time, non-exempt, and 21 hours per week
  • This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit
  • This position reports to the Gallery Maintenance Supervisor
  • Physical requirements:
    • Able to remain focused for extended periods of time on repetitive tasks while occasionally in public view
    • Able to move through crowded public spaces to accomplish duties
    • Able to work on a ladder, a single- or double-person MEWP platform lift after safety training, or scaffolding, at heights up to 30 feet
    • Able to move up to 35 pounds
    • Able to work standing or walking for full workday with breaks as scheduled
  • Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.


Institutional Requirements
  • Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
  • Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
  • Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
  • Maintains confidentiality.
  • Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.


Application Timeline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool, or a candidate has been selected.

What We Offer
Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:
 
We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees* including:
 
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
  • Health savings or flexible spending account program
  • Retirement savings program with museum match
  • Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.

 

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Philadelphia Museum of Art

We're Philadelphia's art museum, a landmark building, a world-renowned collection. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors—through scholarly study or creative play—to discover the creative spirit that lies within each of us. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the Museum surprising, lively, and always memorable. Our values define who we are. They drive the way we do things and the decisions we make. We are open – we welcome everyone, opening eyes and minds to the expressive power of the arts. We are connected – we sustain and strengthen the communities we serve, bringing together diverse audiences. We are vital – we bring the arts to life, engaging visitors from Philadelphia and around the world. We are provocative – we believe that the arts can change the way we understand ourselves and how we see the world. We expect every employee, department, and division to work collaboratively with all others, inspired by a shared purpose. We respect each other as individuals and colleagues. We encourage innovation and support one another’s efforts, recognizing that innovation involves risk. We are an equal opportunity employer that actively seeks to employ a diverse group of people who embody our values. Our employees are at the center of the Museum. We want to ensure they are engaged in their work and rewarded for a job well done. We offer generous benefits and compensation such as: • Extensive paid time off • Retirement savings program with Museum match • Excellent health, dental, and vision benefits at low cost to employees • Fully paid life and disability insurance • Museum Perks
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