• Job Description

  Req#: R2ennEcpPz

  Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

  Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

  At Winterthur, employment is more than just work. The Winterthur employee is offered a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets. Winterthur welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission to build upon the vision of Henry Francis du Pont to inspire and educate through its collections, estate, and academic programs by engaging diverse audiences in the study, preservation, and interpretation of American material culture, art, design and history, and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

  JOB DESCRIPTION:

  The Preventive Conservation Technician is primarily responsible for implementing preventive conservation practices in collection spaces and areas adjacent under the guidance of the Preventive Team Leadership. These practices include but are not necessarily limited to: preventive maintenance and cleaning of objects, historic architecture, and associated exhibition furniture; cleaning of public spaces within collection areas; pest monitoring; environmental monitoring; collection emergency preparedness and response; conservation lighting; a general awareness or all activity in collection areas.

  In addition to these duties this individual will have an opportunity to work closely with the Preventive/Furniture lab approximately 6 hours per week, helping with materials testing, large furniture moves, object prep for storage, and care for furniture storage areas.

  Compensation: $18.00/hour

  Benefits: Including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off plan including 10 holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time; 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family

  Work Schedule: M-F, 7-3; One weekend per month on-call

  Responsibilities:

  1. Observe, monitor, and address (as appropriate) general conditions, environmental conditions, pest activity, security concerns, lighting conditions, and other conditions which put collection objects at risk within assigned areas of the museum, galleries, and storage. Carry out preventive conservation cleaning of these collections and spaces.
  2. Under the guidance of Preventive Team Leadership , support all collection emergency preparedness and response efforts. Participate in team activities and training as assigned. Be a first responder while on duty in collection areas. Be an on-call responder one weekend a month. Maintain collection emergency response supplies monthly and after any incident.
  3. Assisting the Conservation and Lighting Design Coordinator with maintenance of lighting and lighting systems in the museum, galleries, and storage areas.
  4. The Preventive Conservation Technicians are assigned additional responsibilities throughout the year and as projects come and go. Including but not limited to:

  • Assisting the Conservation and Lighting Design Coordinator with implementation of lighting plans for rotating exhibits in the galleries and museum.
  • Assisting conservators, curators, and registrars with collections related projects.
  • Candle bulb creation, replacement, and maintenance.
  • Block maintenance, deep cleaning of collection spaces both of objects and maintenance of the lighting system

  5. Support rotating exhibition, tour, and teaching activities in the museum and galleries.

  6. After care and handling training, object movement and handling as it relates to daily work activities and in service to special exhibits within collection rooms.

  7. Maintain equipment used in collection spaces: lighting track plates, stanchions, exhibition case glass and acrylic exhibit bonnets, as well as museum window acrylics used in collection rooms for visible light filtration.

  8. Maintain collection area bathrooms, closets, and other public/workspaces within collection boundaries and assigned spaces.

  9. Maintain equipment in good working order and bring all needed repairs to the attention of the supervisor.

  10. Maintain open communication for coordinated activities with multiple departments.

  JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  Minimum Experience: High school diploma or GED with 1 year of museum or another collection care experience, e.g. auction house, historic house or gallery setting. Retail experience in display making and maintenance, as well as in store lighting may also be applicable.

  Preferred Experience: BA, BFA or BS in Museum Studies, Art Conservation, or Collections Care with previously held position in museum collection care. An interest in the field of art conservation or preventive conservation as a discipline or study and growth.

  Knowledge/Skills:

  1. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
  2. After training, ability to work with relative humidity, temperature, and light monitoring equipment
  3. Organized and Detail oriented
  4. Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
  5. Basic understanding of collections care practices, providing care and maintenance for spaces and objects.

  Essential Functions:

  1. Must obtain and retain object handling and moving privileges; training provided by Winterthur
  2. Must attend all safety and security training.
  3. Must be able to maneuver and work in small spaces.
  4. Must be able to work safely at heights, using a ladder or lift.
  5. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
  6. Able to use hand and motorized tools and equipment necessary for collection care in a museum setting.
  7. Specialized surface cleaning tasks under the direction of supervisor in conjunction with conservators.
  8. Must be able to utilize and maintain provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

• About the company

  Brandywine Valley Museum of American Decorative Arts and Gardens from home of Henry Francis du Pont (Wilmington, DE)

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