ASSISTANT CONSERVATOR
Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
Harvard University   11 Divinity Avenue  Cambridge MA


The Peabody Museum invites applications for a 15 month full-time position
of assistant conservator.   This grant-supported position is open to
graduates of recognized conservation training programs or conservators
with equivalent training.  An additional one or two years professional
work experience beyond training is required.  Preference will be given to
individuals who have specialized in ethnographic conservation, and who
have good familiarity with paper conservation techniques.  Prior academic
coursework in anthropology and botany, with dye/pigment and/or fiber
analysis will be advantageous.  This position is partially supported by
the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the conservator, the Assistant Conservator will be
responsible for the conservation treatment of tapa/barkcloth objects from
the Pacific.  The earliest accessioned cloths from 1867 and 1869 came
through donations such as the Boston Athenaeum, the Massachusetts
Historical Society, the Smithsonian, and the Boston Marine Society.  Eight
barkcloths are believed to have been originally collected during the U.S.
Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842.  About 35 barkcloths to be conserved
are from the early collecting activities of Alexander Agassiz (1884-85)
and of the joint expeditions of Agassiz and Wm. McM. Woodworth (1899-1900
and 1904-05) from islands including Tonga, Cook, Fiji, Samoa,  Ellice,
Marquesas, Carolines, Society and Easter.

The major responsibilities of the Assistant Conservator will include
archival research, the preparation of written examination/condition
reports,  photographic documentation, stabilization/conservation
treatments including humidification and tear repairs; and the
implementation/construction of appropriate storage systems for the
conserved barkcloths.

The preferred applicant has demonstrated technical skill in conservation
of organic objects, especially plant/fiber materials.  A good knowledge of
conservation theory and chemistry is essential.   This position will
require excellent organizational, planning and writing skills.

Given the existing state of the barkcloth collection (folded and stacked
in storage),  repetitive conservation treatment activities will be
required on a daily basis; the preferred candidate will have the ability
and desire to maintain consistency and high quality at all times assuring
that all procedures are performed in accordance with the AIC Code of
Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.  Ability to focus well,  manage time
efficiently and work productively in an active conservation laboratory
will be necessary.   The preferred applicant will be internally motivated,
able to work independently and able to exercise good judgment.


Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate instructions
clearly to others and to communicate conservation principles will be
essential.     A prior work experience involving supervisory
responsibility will be advantageous.    Available museum personnel support
for this project will include conservation-trained interns along with
volunteers who are interested in conservation and future training in the
field.  The Museum's collection management staff will also be of
assistance especially with regard to rehousing/restorage considerations.

The preferred candidate will have a strong interest in expanding his/her
knowledge of barkcloth technology and preservation.  This position
provides an excellent opportunity to study and investigate the history,
manufacture, and preservation problems of barkcloth and the opportunity to
focus on specific deterioration problems, as well as to engage in
discussions with staff members of other institutions with barkcloth
holdings.    Subsequent to the conclusion of the treatment phase of the
project,  the development of a publishable research paper will be highly
encouraged as appropriate to the questions and problems encountered.   The
Museum is supported by a strong University library system and laboratory
expertise.

REFERRAL INSTRUCTIONS
Please send cover letter, resume, and three letters of professional
recommendation to
T.Rose Holdcraft, Conservation Dept., Harvard Peabody Museum, 11 Divinity
Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138.

 (Initial University posting of this position was on October 16, 1997 and
in the November 1997 issue of the AIC News).