Classification: Fulltime; Non-Exempt
Reports to: Collections & Exhibitions Manager
Job Summary: The Conservation & Collections Care Technician plays an integral role in the stewardship of NRF Collections, including the research, documentation, preservation, and conservation of objects to ensure their long-term care and accessibility to the public. This position will be based primarily at Rough Point Museum and will work with collections housed at Rough Point and at offsite storage.
Salary Range: $25.50-$27.50 per hour $53,040 – $57,200 (commensurate with experience)
Full-time, year round position
Generous benefits: 100% employer paid medical, dental vision and life, insurance (eligible the first of the month following date of hire),
Employer contribution to health savings account,
100% employer paid life, long term disability and AD & D insurance
401(k) contribution (not a match)
15 vacation days, 10 sick days, 12 holidays
Professional development assistance.
Interesting work environment on the ocean in Newport, RI and free on-site parking
Specific Responsibilities:
- On-site collections care including light repair and cleaning of objects (dust removal and vacuuming) in a variety of mediums including paintings, textiles, decorative arts, gilded frames and furniture
- Work with Collections & Exhibitions Manager to plan for the physical care of collections
- Maintain spaces used for collection storage, preparation, and exhibitions
- Responsible for basic collections housing techniques and creates simple, custom-fit enclosures
- Conducts r condition assessments and recommendations for objects in need of conservation treatment; assessment of whether treatment can be carried out in-house
- Keeps records of condition reports and work performed on objects in collections management database Collector Systems
- Completes regular inventories of collections
- Works with Collections & Exhibitions Manager on installation and movement of objects including furniture, paintings, decorative arts, etc.
- Assist Collections & Exhibitions Manager with exhibition prep and other collection-related installations, including working with exhibit preparators or mount makers, as needed
- Integrated pest management and monitoring of environments in all spaces where collections are housed and sharing data as needed
- Replace light bulbs on painting lights and related collection/exhibition lighting.
- Carry out mitigation measures to ensure collections safety; including overseeing the temporary removal of objects and/or prepping objects to further protect them for events and programs.
- Serve as a member of the Emergency Preparedness Task Force and work with the Collections & Exhibitions Manager to update Emergency Preparedness-related policies
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in related field: Art History, Art Conservation. Museum Studies, Historic Preservation, or related.
- At least two years of experience handling and caring for museum collections (internship experience accepted) or work as preparator/technician/conservation assistant or equivalent training.
- Art handling skills and knowledge of museum standards regarding care of collections and collections data management, condition reporting.
- Flexibility in handling a variety of tasks and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Must be able to work independently and follow instructions regarding priorities of tasks.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills as work may be performed in view of the public at Rough Point .
- Ability to lift and carry at least forty pounds and climb and work from a ladder.
The job description is meant to outline the role, but not define potential candidates. If you do not meet all the qualifications, but are enthusiastic about the work of NRF and this position, please apply!
If you are interested in this position, please submit a cover letter and résumé to Maeve Sheehan, Human Resources Administrator via email: Maeve@NewportRestoration.org. Applications will accepted until March 7, 2025.
