Job Information
Harvard University Conservator, Ware Collection in Cambridge, Massachusetts
66007BRAuto req ID:66007BRJob Code:389057 Museum Sr Specialist Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Conservator, Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of PlantsSub-Unit:Sciences Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :057Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:
MA, MS, or Certificate in Conservation from a recognized university program with at least 5 years of post-graduate experience in conservation, stabilization, and restoration required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
6+ years of experience preferred. Demonstrated excellence in performing complex treatments of glass; working knowledge of chemistry and materials science; familiarity with historic and current treatment practices and materials; knowledge of current best practices in storage, handling, exhibition, and environmental standards and controls; competency with basic scientific instrumentation, computers, and digital media; proficiency with collections management software. Proficiency in both written and spoken English required. Strong organizational skills, including the ability to establish priorities, make decisions, and achieve goals; ability to initiate and adapt to change, analyze and solve problems, be flexible with working occasionally off hours, and work collaboratively; excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to negotiate and collaborate with colleagues in peer institutions. Previous supervisory experience preferred.
Additional Information:
In order to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume must be submitted.
Harvard University will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
*All formal offers issued by FAS Human Resources.
Department:Harvard University Herbaria (HUH)Pre-Employment Screening:Criminal, Education, IdentitySchedule:Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMJob Function:Museum Position Description:
The conservator will specifically:
Set program priorities in conjunction with the collection’s Executive Committee.
Conduct surveys to establish treatment priorities and advise on treatment plans and storage and exhibition upgrades.
Perform technical examinations, analysis, research, and treatments. Remain abreast of current conservation and analytical techniques. Consult and collaborate with other conservators, curators, and staff as needed. Perform duties in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
Document treatments and the condition of artifacts using online collections management system and digital photography.
Determine preventive conservation treatments of collections; develop preventive conservation measures and advise on handling, storage packing, loans, and exhibition of collections to ensure safety and care. Advise on temperature, humidity, and light levels for gallery and storage. Assist with exhibit installations and de-installations and collection moves.
Inspect and determine condition of objects considered for exhibit and loan; prepare objects for exhibit and loan.
In conjunction with Collections Manager, understand the importance of integrated pest management: document materials involved in making the glass flowers and document which pests may be attracted to them. Understand how microclimate changes affect materials and pests. Also with Collections Manager, communicate with facilities if issues arise regarding the environmental monitoring program.
Develop and administer Emergency Management and Response Plans with Collections Manager and Director of Collections and affiliated Museum staff as needed.
Ensure that the conservation lab is maintained in a clean, organized, and secure condition to ensure the safety of both collection and staff.
Contribute to the development of grant proposals, reports, research, and publications.
Represent the collection by presenting research and conservation knowledge within the museums and externally. Perform educational outreach as requested.
Train and supervise staff, interns, and HMSC (Harvard Museums of Science & Culture) volunteers working with and educating about the collection. Ensure that work is conducted in a safe manner. Manage laboratory, work areas, and budgets.
Assist in data integration into online collections management system and its upgrades.
School/Unit:Faculty of Arts and Sciences EEO Statement:We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.Physical Requirements:Fine motor skills to conduct detailed conservation treatments, the ability to lift, and occasionally carry, up to 40 pounds; may be subject to standing, sitting, reaching, balancing, and bending and other physical motions in the course of normal activity; vision sufficient to perform essential tasks is required. Requires the use of various hand tools and equipment, exposure to paints, solvents, resins and other chemicals in a lab environment. Must be comfortable working with multiple people in communal office or lab environment.Working Conditions:
Requires the use of various hand tools and equipment, exposure to paints, solvents, resins and other chemicals in a lab environment. Must be comfortable working with multiple people in communal office or lab environment.
Job Summary:
The Harvard University Herbaria seeks a full-time conservator to continue the comprehensive conservation program and conservation lab for the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants. The conservator will expand the conservation plan for the collection and will examine, preserve, and treat approximately 4,300 glass models in all states of preservation. In addition, this position may help to inform students of conservation alongside the conservator by offering training opportunities through conservation internships. More information about the HUH and the Ware Collection is available at http://huh.harvard.edu/glass-flowers.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.Benefits:We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format:On-Site Work Format Details:This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. About Us:The Harvard University Herbaria (HUH) include six collections and more than five million specimens of algae, bryophytes, fungi, and vascular plants. Together they form one of the largest university herbarium collections in the world, and the fourth largest herbarium in the United States. With their state-of-the art research laboratories and world class libraries, the HUH have been a centerpiece of biodiversity science since the early 1800s. www.huh.harvard.edu