Essential duties:
The Assistant/Associate Conservator will participate in the preparation of the museum’s collection of musical instruments for exhibition in its permanent facility and will also contribute to all activities related to the collection’s preventive care. This position will have primary responsibility for the examination, documentation and treatment of the museum’s historic American and European instruments, although it is anticipated that areas of responsibility within the lab will sometimes overlap.

Conservation treatments will focus on the stability and appearance of the instruments. Procedures intended to improve playability or acoustic quality of select instruments will be carried out by external consultants under the management of Conservation staff.

As an integral member of the museum's Conservation department, the Assistant/Associate Conservator will:

• Examine, document and treat musical instruments from the museum’s collection in preparation for exhibition. Primary responsibility will be the historic American and European instruments. Assess the condition of potential acquisitions.
• Carry out Oddy testing of materials proposed for use in storage and exhibition; assist with IPM activities and with monitoring environmental conditions in storage and in the galleries.
• Participate in planning and implementing the move of the collection from the Tempe location to the museum building in north Phoenix.
• Assist with the installation of the museum’s collection in the new galleries and with the unpacking, condition examination and installation of in-coming loans.
• Supervise volunteers, students or technicians as required.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in an appropriate discipline and a degree in objects conservation from a recognized art conservation program or equivalent apprenticeship experience. At least one year of post-graduate work in a museum conservation laboratory is desirable.
• Experience in the conservation of historic musical instruments or objects with similar aesthetic and structural issues.
• Practical knowledge of digital photography and processing and management of digital images.
• Ability to work independently and excel in a high performance, team-oriented culture.
• Excellent organizational, planning and communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

Other:

• This is a full-time, 2-year term position with possibility of extension.
• Salary is competitive and compensation includes benefits. Salary and title will be commensurate with experience.
• This position will report to the Conservator and will work closely with Registration, Curatorial and Exhibits staff.
• Some travel may be required.
• The collection, temporary conservation laboratory, and staff offices are located in Tempe, AZ, while the museum building is under construction.
• Finalists will be invited to bring a portfolio of completed projects to the interview.

Qualified candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three professional references to:

Barbara Hamann
Conservator
Musical Instrument Museum
8550 S. Priest Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85284

Or Via E-mail to HR@themim.org