Conservation Lab Manager

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites (ISMHS):
The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites (ISMHS) is a statewide museum system with 12 locations, including a central museum based in Indianapolis. Our mission is to ignite wonder, inspire curiosity, reveal stories and create connections. Our values are Integrity, Stewardship, Interconnectivity, and Transparency.

Role Overview:

The Conservation Lab Manager is responsible for the preventive care and physical preservation of the ISMHS collection, working in partnership with the Director of Collections to maintain optimal storage and exhibition environments. You will oversee the daily operations of the conservation lab and serve as an active member of a collaborative team dedicated to comprehensive collections care. Core responsibilities include preventive conservation, exhibit preparation, storage management, inventory, cataloging, and documentation for both cultural and natural history materials.

The position requires adaptability and a willingness to develop skills in conservation techniques, mount making, and data entry to support effective stewardship of the collection. Strong communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively with colleagues and cross‑functional project teams are essential.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $56,650 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

• Coordinate and manage preservation of ISMHS collections.
• Oversee daily operations of the conservation lab, including workplans, resource use and safety standards.
• Supervise the Conservation Coordinator and Conservation Specialist, as well as interns and volunteers. This includes setting goals, directing workflow, developing strategies and maintaining communication between conservation staff and ISMHS colleagues.
• Provide input on ways the conservation lab can further the strategic goals of making the ISMHS collection more visible and accessible and enhance ISMHS' reputation in areas of expertise.
• Facilitate the use of ISMHS collections objects for research and exhibition, including loans, by preparing artifacts for examination and handling.
• Work on object preparation for exhibitions, including preventive conservation measures, mounting and installation.
• Oversee the installation of collections objects in ISMHS core galleries and temporary exhibitions
• Serve on internal teams for exhibitions and other institutional projects.
• Assist natural science curators with data updates in the collections management system.
• Carry out annual inventories for natural history specimens and cultural history artifacts across the museum system.
• Assess the condition of artifacts in the collection and prepare condition reports to determine conservation needs.
• Carry out preventive and basic conservation treatments as appropriate.
• Monitor and assist with cleaning and maintenance of 92 County Icon sculptures; identify issues that require in-house or contract conservation and work with team to identify appropriate treatment plans.
• Clean objects in storage and on exhibit; assist with cleaning at sites and routine cleaning at museum.
• Prepare collections records and assist with photography sessions.
• Facilitate contracts related to conservation and collections care.
• Identify supplies needed for conservation lab operations and overall collections care and provide budget information to Director of Collections.
• Communicate with staff, other museums and the general public to promote the preservation of artifacts and to promote the ethical responsibilities of museums.
• Assist with grant proposals and other development activities as needed.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

Credentials:

• Bachelor’s degree and advanced training in artifact handling.
• At least three years of experience at the management level, preferably with supervisory experience.
• Experience in the preparation of historic artifacts for storage and exhibition in a museum setting.
• Demonstrated skill working with delicate objects.
• Strong interest in developing new skill sets.
• Thorough knowledge of proper procedures related to conservation, including documentation and record keeping.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to…