We have a position open in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, at Edsel &
Eleanor Ford House. To apply, send a letter of interest and resume to
[log in to unmask]

*Conservation & Collections Manager (Conservator)*

*Department: Material Culture*

*Reports to: Director of Material Culture*

*Full Time; Exempt, Full Benefit Package Eligible*

*Level 5, Revised: January/2024 *

*Salary: $53,600 – $75,000 *



*Position
Description
                         *

As a member of the Material Culture team reporting to the Director of
Material Culture, the Conservation & Collections Manager serves as the
department manager. The Conservation & Collections Manager is responsible
for the conservation and restoration of collections while overseeing the
care and preservation of collections and historical interior spaces, which
include furnishings, decorative arts, textiles, paintings, outdoor
sculptures, vehicles, and architectural features and historic finishes.



The Conservation & Collections Manager performs a wide range of advanced
conservation and administrative duties requiring specialized knowledge of
collections materials. They provide both strategic guidance and practical
experience about the collections’ long-term preservation and oversee the
day-to-day workload of the collections care team. They will also work with
the Archivist and Registrar to assist in prioritizing and ensuring
completion of conservation needs.



*Responsibilities*

Considering the unique needs and challenges of Ford House, whose
collections are housed in historical buildings with features and finishes
that are part of the historic fabric of the site, the Conservation &
Collections Manager will be involved in the conservation and preservation
of the collections.



·       Oversees the day-to-day care, preservation, and housekeeping of
collections and historical spaces and supervises the collections care team
members.

·       Manage the preventative conservation program including
implementation of a cyclical maintenance program for collections and
interiors, environmental monitoring, and pest management oversight.

·       Works closely with Director to maintain, track, and monitor safe
physical environmental requirements for all collections, including
security, climate control, lighting, housing materials, integrated pest
management, and appropriate storage and display conditions.

·       Effectively supervise the work of the collections care team,
interns, and volunteers, overseeing the care and cleaning of the interior
of the historic buildings and their contents according to established
procedures and museum practices.

·       Performs preservation cleaning and basic conservation treatments of
historical buildings on a scheduled basis according to Ford House’s
cleaning and preservation standards.

·       Responsible for planning and implementing cyclical deep cleaning
projects with Director and Registrar. Oversees project completion,
including all documentation.

·       Plays major role in researching, testing, and implementing cleaning
practices and preservation standards for collections, historical interiors,
and exhibitions.

·       Assess and prioritize the objects within the collection for
conservation treatment.

·       Create conservation proposals/treatment options for objects in need
of conservation, performing conservation treatments, when appropriate,
adhering to the standards and practices set out by the American Institute
of Conservation, and solicit proposals for conservation treatment(s) by
contractors.

·       Develop, review, and manage the long-term conservation and
preservation plan.

·       Conduct object handing and collections-related care and safety
training for staff.

·       Maintain departmental and conservation lab supply inventory.

·       Work with other departments to ensure care and preservation of
institution-wide collections elements, including but not limited to outdoor
sculptures, historic buildings and structures, and use/hands-on objects.

·       Assist in annual budget preparation for departmental activities and
facilities.

·       Participate in disaster preparedness planning and any recovery
efforts.

·       Participate in Ford House projects, programs, and events.

·       Represents Ford House at relevant professional forums and
establishes and maintains collaborations with appropriate institutions.

*Physical and Environmental Demands*

Ability to walk up and down stairs while carrying objects weighing up to 55
pounds; to bend, stoop, and lift to move materials; to push/pull, lift and
carry up to 55 pounds on a regular basis; and to reach above and below
shoulder height. Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
Ability to sit at a computer terminal for long periods of time. Tolerance
of dust and mildew (protective gear provided). The nature of the position
requires the ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments in
varying temperatures and weather conditions.

*Supervisory Responsibilities*



·       Directly supervises Museum Technicians, Historical Buildings
Housekeeper, volunteers, and interns.

*Uniform Requirements*



This position does not require a uniform, but the manager must present a
clean, professional appearance. A uniform shirt will be provided to wear at
specific events, and the shirt should be maintained by the Manager.



*Skills and Requirements*



·       Successful completion of background and credit check.

·       Bachelor's degree in a field related to conservation and considered
preparatory to graduate studies in conservation (e.g., art history,
anthropology, fine art, or chemistry). A master's degree in conservation or
degree in progress is highly desirable.

·       Three to five years’ supervised conservation treatment of
historical and/or decorative objects experience.

·       Considerable knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices
of conservation, as well as the techniques, tools, and equipment used in
practical conservation of objects and historic finishes.

·       Considerable knowledge of materials and current scientific
processes used in conservation and restoration.

·       Identify and assess preservation needs for various objects,
architectural features, and historic finishes.

·       Plan future conservation and maintenance projects and manage
projects.

·       Demonstrated personnel and project management experience.

·       Write accurate, clear, and concise proposals and reports detailing
activities.

·       Motivate and lead staff and work groups in a professionally
effective manner.

·       Train and supervise personnel engaged in preservation and
collections care activities.

·       Maintain confidentiality in all professional matters.

·       Demonstrated ability to communicate, orally and in writing.

·       Good organizational skills and attention to detail.

·       Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite.

·       Familiarity with collections database software.

·       Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to
establish and maintain effective relationships with coworkers, visitors,
vendors, and others in the workplace, and to work cooperatively and
productively as a member of a team.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply
for jobs unless they believe they meet all the listed criteria. We are most
interested in finding the best candidate for the position, so we encourage
you to think broadly about your background and skill set in relation to the
role.

*Work Schedule*



·       This is a full-time position with benefits.

·       Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

·       Must be able to travel to various locations including Ford House
and the off-site collections facility.

*Benefits*

·       403(b)

·       403(b) matching

·       Dental insurance

·       Employee assistance program

·       Employee discount

·       Flexible spending account

·       Health insurance

·       Life insurance

·       Paid time off

·       Parental leave

·       Professional development assistance

·       Retirement plan

·       Vision insurance

*Please, no phone calls. *

*To apply, send letter of interest and resume to *
*[log in to unmask]* <[log in to unmask]>*.*

*Ford House is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and
will not discriminate against an applicant on the basis of age, sex, sexual
orientation, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin,
alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, veteran or military
status, genetic information, or any other legally-recognized protected
basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation
under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state
or local laws. *

  .FO OFF

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