Assistant Objects Conservator

Posting Details

Position Information Position Title Assistant Objects Conservator Job Description About Gilcrease Museum:
The Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art, known as Gilcrease Museum, houses a comprehensive collection of the art, culture, and history of North America. Thomas Gilcrease, a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation, established Gilcrease Museum in 1949 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Today the interdisciplinary collection contains more than 350,000 items, representing hundreds of Indigenous cultures from across North and South America, with material culture and archaeology ranging from 12,000 BCE to the 21st century. The collection includes more than 350 years of American paintings, sculptures, and works on paper, including the largest public holdings of art of the American West. Adjacent to the museum, the Helmerich Center for American Research houses the Gilcrease Library and Archive. The collection comprises manuscripts, photographs, maps, rare books, and prints related to the history of the North American continent from the 15th – 20th centuries. The museum is owned by the City of Tulsa, which has partnered with The University of Tulsa to steward the museum.

Job Summary:
The assistant objects conservator joins the Conservation Department at Gilcrease Museum during a momentous period as it prepares to move into a new building that includes a new objects conservation laboratory, due for completion at the end of 2024 and opening to the public in 2026.
The assistant objects conservator participates in a wide range of activities within the conservation department, including conservation assessment and treatment of the museum’s collection, loan and exhibition preparation, and research. The position will have a key role in coordinating and implementing the preventive conservation program with the Chief Conservator at both the Gilcrease Museum and the Helmerich Center for American Research (HCAR), connected to the museum, and home to the Gilcrease Museum Library and Archive. This position will have a significant role in the tribal consultation process to help facilitate discussions around condition issues and treatment options.

Characteristic Duties:

• Examine, document, and treat objects in preparation for display, research use, and as prioritized through collection surveys, research projects, and grant-funded initiatives
• Maintain photographic and written documentation of all conservation activities performed, including condition assessments, treatments, and research, ensuring it is accurate and retrievable in the Museum’s databases and shared files.
• Work with the Chief Conservator to coordinate and implement the environmental monitoring program.
• Work with the Chief Conservator to coordinate and implement the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for Gilcrease/Helmerich Center for American Research, including assisting with all monitoring, documentation, and response.
• Assist in rehousing and storage planning.
• Participate in technical research and materials testing.
• Serve as a contributing member of the Gilcrease Museum Emergency Team to regularly update, practice, and revise the Emergency Management and Emergency Response Plans as they relate to collections care and response.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding conservation and participates in public outreach programs, including tours and presentations.
• Occasionally assist the Chief Conservator in the University of Tulsa, Museum Science and Management Program’s Conservation Principles course.

Required Qualifications

• Master of arts or science degree or advanced certificate from a recognized conservation program
• 1+ years of experience as a practicing objects conservation professional with demonstrated abilities in examination, analysis, documentation, and treatment; pre-program and graduate school experience will be considered
• Demonstrated abilities in examination, analysis, documentation, and treatment of objects
• Demonstrated strong knowledge base in collections care that includes integrated pest management (IPM), environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness and emergency response, and developing collections policies
• Knowledge and demonstrated practice of conservation best practices, such as the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice
• Ability to communicate clearly, courteously, and professionally in person and in writing with members of the organization, interns, volunteers, and the public
• Extremely proficient with Microsoft Excel and familiar with Access, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the company.
• A collaborative team player, who can coordinate work effectively with employees, team members, and outside vendors.
• High attention to detail, demonstrated practice of establishing effective priorities and meeting deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications Physical Demands Work requires working with highly sensitive or confidential information and occasional overnight travel may occur. Posting Detail Information Posting Number S652P Open Date 12/19/2023 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants The essential job functions and associated qualifications contained in this document describe the general nature and level of the work performed. They are not intended to represent an exhaustive listing or be inclusive of all aspects of the job. The tasks and procedures involved in the performance of the essential job functions may vary from day-to-day. Major changes in areas of responsibility may occur, as directed by management, and will require revision of this job description. Advertising Summary

EEO Statement

EEO Statement Eeo Statement Summary The University of Tulsa seeks to recruit and retain talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Tulsa is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. The University does not discriminate on the basis of personal status or group characteristic including, but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status. The University of Tulsa is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/ Veteran.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. List of three (3) References
4. A portfolio containing 2 treatments AND 1 technical exam or research paper

Optional Documents