Conservator

Pay Group: 6

This position reports directly to the Senior Conservator. The Conservator is responsible for the preservation of the Museum’s large and diverse collections of artifacts and specimens through an established program of preventive maintenance; remedial treatments, based on institutional need and the incumbent’s area(s) of specialization.  They work closely with staff members throughout the Museum to provide optimum standards for display, handling, and maintenance of the Museum’s collections. The incumbent is expected to undertake tasks with minimal supervision; to be proactive in identifying areas of concern; and to serve as a resource for both general conservation inquiries and specific (depending on area(s) of specialization and experience) from staff, other community museums in Manitoba, and the public.

Criminal record and child abuse registry checks will be required of the successful candidate.

Priority 1: Care of Collection

To implement a program of preventive conservation and to perform remedial treatments, when necessary, to ensure the care and long-term preservation of the Museum’s collection of artifacts and specimens.

1. Responsible for the monthly environmental monitoring and the integrated pest management program throughout the Museum complex, taking corrective action when required.
2. Completes condition assessments, photographic documentation, and conservation treatments adhering to professional standards, as assigned by the Senior Conservator.
3. Prepares condition reports, and conservation treatments if required, for all external loans including packing and crating of objects safely for shipment.
4. In consultation with Collections Specialists, plans and implements improvements to storage areas and methods of storage including building new storage boxes, textile supports, or other type of storage mounts.
5. Responsible for completing condition reports for all incoming loans.

Priority 2: Exhibits

To assist with exhibits from design and production to installation and takedown, including handling of artifacts and specimens, regular maintenance, and production of conservation records, for all internal and external exhibitions.

1. Undertakes preventive maintenance and ongoing refurbishment of existing dioramas and permanent exhibitions.
2. Updates preventive maintenance schedule of dioramas and exhibitions as tasks are completed, notes any future repairs required.
3. Designs and constructs exhibition mounts from a variety of materials for museum objects going on display or out on loan.
4. Installs museum collections as part of exhibitions ensuring proper environmental and lighting conditions are met.
5. Responsible for the dismantle of museum collections from exhibitions, completing condition reports and returning collections back to storage areas.

Priority 3: Service to Others

To provide up-to-date information and foster awareness and understanding, in all aspects of collections care and preventive conservation to staff, volunteers and the general public.

1. May conduct behind-the-scenes tours for staff and the general public as requested.
2. May be requested by the Senior Conservator to perform fee-for-service based conservation projects.
3. Provides functional or technical guidance and/or informal training or instruction to coworkers, volunteers, and interns; may coordinate job tasks within the work unit.
4. Responds to requests from outside cultural agencies and answers inquiries from the general public.
5. May perform research in the field of conservation and present results in reports, publications, and other media.
6. May provide input for the preparation of grant applications in support of exhibition refurbishment, collections maintenance and preservation, remedial treatments, professional development, and/or student funding.

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

1. Thorough, current knowledge of the philosophy and practice of conservation within a mixed Human and Natural History museum collection, preferably with an area of specialization in either organic or inorganic materials.
2. Advanced knowledge of digital photography and environmental monitoring devices.
3. General knowledge and understanding of museum operations, including automated collections management systems.
4. Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
5. Functional ability in computer operations, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and Internet research.
6. Knowledge of health and safety procedures as applied to conservation, including WHMIS training.
7. Ability to work in an organized and independent manner, to identify priorities, and to meet deadlines.
8. Manual dexterity; close attention to detail; able to accommodate various working conditions including at heights and in confined spaces.
9. Valid Driver’s License is an asset.
10. Eligibility to obtain a Firearms License.
11. Ability to obtain Fall Protection Certification.

Education, Training, and Experience

1. University degree plus Diploma in Conservation from a recognized University or College training program, and
2. At least three years’ experience in a medium-sized museum setting, preferably in a Conservation Department, or
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

This is a full-time permanent position. The salary range is $56,810.10 to $67,834.17 per annum depending on experience. Application deadline is 4:30 pm on Friday, August 14, 2026.

If selected for an interview, a detailed portfolio consisting of three items will be requested.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

Manager of Volunteer & Employee Relations
Manitoba Museum
190 Rupert Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0N2
HR@ManitobaMuseum.ca

The Manitoba Museum is committed to inclusion and employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace. The Manitoba Museum recognizes the importance of building a workforce reflective of the visitors it serves. Therefore, the Manitoba Museum supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this position. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities. All applicants are encouraged to self-identify if they are members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities) in their application.

This document is available in other formats and accommodations will be provided throughout the selection process upon request. Contact Human Resources at 204-956-2830 if you have an accommodation request.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those being considered for interviews will be contacted. We are not able to acknowledge receipt of applications submitted via Fax or mail.