The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward.

　　This Conservator will be responsible for the execution of artifact conservation activities related to the preservation and conservation of objects associated with the home and contents of Dr. Sullivan and Richie Jean Jackson of Selma, Alabama (Jackson Home Project), which were recently relocated to Dearborn, Michigan. Conservation activities support institutional priorities related to the preparation of exhibitions, condition surveys and the general care of the collections. The specialist works with a variety of teams to accomplish departmental and unit goals in service of the institutional mission. Responsibilities include preservation, presentative care, and documentation of all activities and observations via the museum's collections management system or CMS. Serves as conservation and/or preservation liaison on assigned project including condition surveys, storage upgrades, artifact loans, IAT tours, exhibitions, and programs. Provides training and supervision of specialists, technicians, volunteers, and others as assigned. Reports to the Chief Conservator.

　　This is a two-and-a-half-year project.

　　Essential Responsibilities

　　• Carries out conservation work including the examination, analysis, research, and treatment of artifacts. Works in a manner that adheres to current standards and the American Institute of Conservation Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. Remains abreast of current conservation and analytical techniques.

　　• Provides ongoing training, technical and administrative supervision for assigned specialists, technicians, volunteers, and others. Ensures that work is conducted in a safe manner. Manages laboratories, work areas and budget.

　　• Manages the conservation component of assigned projects including storage upgrades, rehousing projects, exhibitions, condition assessments, digitization and special programs. This may include coordination with other departments or outside contractors.

　　• Utilizes technical knowledge to assess the feasibility of using collection items in programs, exhibitions, and loans.

　　• Conducts surveys of assigned collections to establish the treatment priorities and to advise treatment plans and storage plans. Provides technical information to curators and others regarding the composition and authenticity of artifacts.

　　• Works cooperatively with others to inform and implement the projects long and short-term preservation goals and priorities.

　　• Participates in tours and fundraising efforts as requested. Prepares and presents lectures, professional papers, blogs, social media posts and videos as required.

　　• Performs other activities as necessary.

　　Your Qualifications:

　　• MA/MS in Art Conservation or equivalent training to provide broad knowledge of historic materials, materials science and current conservation techniques, principles, and ethical standards

　　• 5 years supervised conservation treatment experience

　　• Proficient with Microsoft Office software

　　• Demonstrated project and personnel management skills

　　• Valid driver's license

　　Special Skills:

　　• General understanding of exhibit case construction; climate control; exhibit lighting; pest control, disaster planning and mitigation.

　　• Knowledge of conservation analytical techniques including microscopy, micro chemical testing, elementary analysis, and analytical photography.

　　• General knowledge of the preservation requirements for a wide variety of materials including paper, textiles, wood, metals, plastic, natural organics, and painted surfaces.

　　• Advanced knowledge and experience with the conservation of furniture, decorative arts, metals, organic

　　• Demonstrable skill and ability to work in collaboration with other staff and outside contractors.

　　• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, meet deadlines and multi-task.

　　• Must possess the ability to evaluate the appropriateness of storage materials and methods, artifact handling techniques, collection documentation and inventory systems.

　　• Ability to motivate and lead staff and work groups in a professional effective manner.

　　• Experience with the safe movement of large artifacts is a plus.

　　This job description is subject to change at any time.

　　It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity (including but not limited to recruitment, hire, employment, program participation, promotion, salary, benefits, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment or service as a volunteer) based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability. Marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, height, weight or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.