Conservation Lab Manager

About This Role

Manage and coordinate the preventive care and physical preservation of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites (ISMHS) collection. Oversee daily conservation lab operations and supervise staff, ensuring optimal storage and exhibition environments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage preservation of ISMHS collections
• Oversee daily operations of the conservation lab, including workplans, resource use and safety standards
• Supervise the Conservation Coordinator and Conservation Specialist, interns, and volunteers
• Provide input on conservation lab strategies to enhance collection visibility and accessibility
• Facilitate the use of ISMHS collections objects for research and exhibition, including loans
• Work on object preparation for exhibitions, including preventive conservation measures, mounting and installation
• Oversee the installation of collections objects in ISMHS core galleries and temporary exhibitions
• Assess the condition of artifacts and prepare condition reports to determine conservation needs
• Carry out preventive and basic conservation treatments as appropriate
• Monitor and assist with cleaning and maintenance of 92 County Icon sculptures
• Identify supplies needed for conservation lab operations and overall collections care and provide budget information
• Communicate with staff, other museums and the general public to promote artifact preservation

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Advanced training in artifact handling
• 3+ years experience at management level
• Experience with preparation of historic artifacts for storage and exhibition in a museum setting
• Valid Indiana driver’s license

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and advanced training in artifact handling
• At least three years of experience at the management level, preferably with supervisory experience, in the preparation of historic artifacts for storage and exhibition in a museum setting.

Nice to Have

• Demonstrated skill working with delicate objects
• Thorough knowledge of proper procedures related to conservation, including documentation and record keeping
• Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to collections conservation
• Working knowledge of computer databases and word processing systems
• Experience with collections management systems
• Working knowledge of and ability to effectively implement supervisory and managerial principles and practices in the supervision of volunteers

Skills

* Required skills

Benefits