Conservator for Paper and Photographs

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Conservator for Paper and Photographs 

POSITION STATUS: Full time, permanent, 35 hours or more per week

DEPARTMENT: Collections

FLSA STATUS: Exempt – Professional 

SALARY RANGE: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 Annually

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Paper and Photograph Conservator ensures the care and preservation of the Museum’s collections and loan materials. The Paper and Photograph Conservator undertakes diagnostic examination, assessment, strategic conservation planning, treatment, mounting, and other requisite hands-on practical, documentation and preventive conservation work for a variety of paper-based and photographic materials including maps, documents, architectural records, prints, art on paper, manuscripts, books, library materials, photographic prints, film-based negatives and cased objects. The Paper and Photograph Conservator also educates and provides advice and technical assistance to the staff and the general public on the preservation, storage, display and handling of historical artifacts and provides staff training and guidance regarding personal and environmental safety in regard to the storage and handling of collection materials.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for the examination, treatment, documentation, and preventive care of objects, including:
  • diagnostic examination and assessment of objects
  • treatment to clean, stabilize, repair, or otherwise preserve and conserve objects
  • full written and photographic documentation (traditional and electronic formats) to record condition, previous repairs or restorations, treatment needs, treatment work, and guidelines for handling, display, storage and loan
  • editing, labeling, and archiving of digital documentary conservation photographs
  • development and oversight of preventive care strategies, including oversight and/or fabrication of mounts, supports, or housings for storage, display, or photography
• Provide guidance and assist with environmental monitoring, collection surveys, packing objects for storage and/or transport, preparing objects for exhibit and loan - including mounting and installation/deinstallation of objects 

• Provide guidance on best practices, materials and methods for mounting, framing, packing, display and storage of paper and photograph materials, and oversee and/or undertake work to mount, frame, pack, house materials as needed 
• Assist or lead development of comprehensive strategies to address short-term and long-range preservation needs in collaboration with CHM staff and outside consultants
• Assist or lead implementation of preservation initiatives in collaboration with CHM staff and outside consultants, including project planning, grant writing, and progress reports
• Develop and implement exhibition conservation guidelines and activities in collaboration with CHM staff, outside contractors and exhibition teams, including serving on exhibition planning teams to provide conservation input on display materials, mounting techniques, environmental parameters, and installation of artifacts 
• Participate in institutional and departmental policy, procedural and strategic development governing the use of the collections, including departmental goals, objectives, and budget planning
• Advise and oversee (as necessary) CHM staff, interns, volunteers and outside contractors on preservation and conservation issues including environmental conditions, packing, display, storage, and handling specifications for new acquisitions, collection materials, and incoming and outgoing loans
• Perform research and technical examination and analysis as needed to identify materials and construction techniques, and assess materials and for use in storage, exhibition, and treatment
• As needed, provide professional consultation to external organizations and the public on conservation and preservation issues
• Maintain the conservation laboratory as a safe, secure and efficient workspace, including general cleaning and upkeep, procurement and inventory of equipment, supplies and materials, management of conservation records, and adherence to appropriate regulations and practices for safe storage, handling and use of conservation materials and supplies (including hazardous materials)
• Collaborate with Properties, Security, and other Collections staff to maintain disaster preparedness; in the event of an emergency, serve as a key member of the Collection Emergency Response Team and participate as needed in any resulting collections recovery efforts
• Recruit, train, and supervise conservation interns, volunteers, and temporary staff
• Conduct training sessions in handling and collections care for new staff, interns, and volunteers
• Coordinate and oversee contract conservation services

OTHER DUTIES:

• Serve as member (or Chair) of Institutional Committees, as appropriate 
• Host lab tours, workshops and presentations to CHM staff, outside professionals, and members of the public
• Serve as conservation liaison to regional museums and the public, providing consultations, referrals, lectures, and tours
• Represent CHM at local, national, and international forums
• Other duties as assigned

REPORTS TO: Senior Conservator

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

The Paper and Photograph Conservator works as part of a team that includes the Director of Collections, and Collections department units of Conservation, Registration, Museum Collections, Research Collections, Research Services, and Digital Collections Initiatives. The Paper and Photograph Conservator also works with staff from the Curation and Exhibitions, as well as outside contractors (such as designers, architects, etc.) to ensure the wellbeing of collections used in exhibitions and public programs and/or served through the Abakanowicz Research Center. Additionally, the Paper and Photographs Conservator advises and works with the Archivists and Collection Managers on the care of collections and maintenance of a safe environment for collection storage, and with the Registrar on the safety and preservation of loan materials (both incoming and outgoing). The Paper and Photograph Conservator collaborates with and advises the Director of Facilities, Security and other staff on environmental issues and standards to ensure the preservation of the collections. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Advanced degree from an accredited conservation program; significant professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree
• Minimum of three years of post-graduate experience assessing and treating paper-based archival and photographic materials; experience in a museum environment preferred
• Knowledge of professional conservation and museum standards and best practices 
• Experience in conservation for exhibition design and preparation of objects for exhibition
• Experience with relevant technologies; experience with collections management software preferred
• Experience working both independently and collaboratively to meet departmental and team goals
• Strong project management skills, including ability to plan, prioritize and execute work in a deadline-driven environment
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities efficiently
• Ability to lift, carry or otherwise move and position objects weighing up to 30 pounds
• Ability to ascend and descend ladders and lifts
• Experience supervising volunteers, interns, contractors and/or staff
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Superior visual acuity, fine motor skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to deal diplomatically and effectively with a wide range of constituents
• Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends
• Commitment to the mission, values, and programs of the Chicago History Museum

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Interested individuals can apply by submitting the following as a single document using the link provided:

• Cover letter stating your interest and intent in applying for the position
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• Full name and contact information (including phone number and email address) for three references 

This job description is not intended to be an express or implied contract between CHM and any employee. CHM employees are employees at will. CHM reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position as necessary to meet changing business needs. CHM is an equal opportunity employer.

5/2026