Artifact Conservation Technician (YCW at Building Careers in Heritage)

The Role

Performs technical duties related to the care and conservation of historical artifacts.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Conserves and/or restores historical artifacts, including surface cleaning, scraping, and other mechanical surface treatments of wood, textile and painted finishes; fitting of wood and metal components; and application of protective coatings.
• Prepares condition and treatment reports, and follows methods and/or procedures recommended by the Conservator or Manager/Curator for conserving artifacts.
• Conducts standard chemical and physical tests, such as solubility and material ID tests, to determine such factors as material, age, composition and original appearance.
• Disassembles and assembles artifacts as required. 
• Identifies and preserves physical evidence of an artifact’s history and use. 
• Photographs and/or digitally scans artifacts for museum records, research and exhibition.
• Assists in the physical movement of artifacts within and among the Waterloo Regional Curatorial Centre, Region of Waterloo history museum, living history site, other Regional museums and other locations. Ensures that collections are properly transported, handled, and stored.
• Occasionally reproduces part of an artifact, using hand tools and power equipment, and/or sources parts for some artifacts, as required.
• Ensures conservation equipment and materials such as hand tools and various chemicals, used for own work, are properly used, stored and maintained in good working condition.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of treatment conservation techniques for decorative arts artifacts and large historical equipment, including knowledge of a variety of materials, behaviours and sources of material deterioration, normally acquired through a 1-year Community College Diploma in Artifact Conservation plus 1 year of experience in treatment conservation.
• Skill in the operation of electric and hand tools, including cleaning and maintenance. 
• Computer skills using software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and collections databases.
• Skill in digital photography, including use of a digital camera and studio lighting. 
• Ability to read technical material and diagrams related to conservation of artifacts and their historical use. Ability to write condition and treatment reports using descriptive narratives, laboratory journal documenting conservation procedures, and other reports requiring technical language.
• Ability to support and project the Region’s values.