Historic Sites Conservation Technician

Role Responsibilities

The Royal Alberta Museum is seeking a Historic Sites Conservation  Technician for a six month wage position.  Reporting to the Head of Conservation and working with the conservation, curatorial and collections management teams as well as site staff, this position will contribute to the conservation related tasks in support of  summer operations of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village and associated Historic Sites.  

Key responsibilities in this role include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist with historic sites opening and closing activities, including packing and unpacking, condition reporting and cleaning of furnishings for heritage buildings
• Train and assist seasonal interpreters with routine housekeeping duties, including monitoring and collecting weekly housekeeping checklists
• Carry out in-depth housekeeping tasks on a rotating basis amongst the various sites and buildings
• Maintain housekeeping supplies and equipment and ensure they are in proper working order
• Carry out integrated pest management and environmental monitoring tasks on a rotating basis amongst the various sites and buildings 
• Perform condition assessments of objects and furnishings within the historic buildings, carry out routine maintenance and cleaning as required, and flag objects for winter conservation treatment if the treatment cannot be carried out on site within a short timeframe
• Respond to damage or incident reports and action as appropriate. These may include object damage report, pest sightings, etc.
• Carry out on-site conservation lab activities, including preparing treatment proposals for objects in the lab backlog, making treatment recommendations, carrying out treatments, and updating the collections management database with treatment reports.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.
 

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:  https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.
 

• Agility - Possesses an ability to create an adaptable environment and overcome barriers through proactive and flexible approach to work.
• Drive for Results - Facilitates the creation of plans and strategies based in previous experience and works in collaboration with other stakeholder groups to meet and exceed expectations.
• Creative Problem Solving - Facilitates the creation of a work environment for generating and finding newer ideas to solve existing and potential problems.
• Systems Thinking - Considers the impact of strategies and changes on the work of clients, stakeholders, and team members and support organization vision and goals through strategic planning of tasks and considering relationships between different work approaches and their impact on different programs, divisions and ministries.
• Develop Networks - Develops and sustains a network of relationships across the division and with other GOA ministries on issues and work with other branches to develop effective communication channels to enhance and maximize the effectiveness of interactions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma supplemented with courses related to the position assignment (museum studies and/or conservation); or equivalent as described below.
• A two-year technical diploma in a museum studies and/or conservation or a relevant degree or conservation certificate is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of conservation methods and techniques, and thorough understanding of Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property’s Code of Ethics and Guidance for Practice
• Ability to handle delicate or valuable objects and hazardous materials with care
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and proven track record of working effectively independently and as a team member
• Ability to follow specific instructions, ask for clarification or assistance when needed, and to work effectively with site staff and Royal Alberta Museum conservation team.
• Fine manual dexterity and ability to undertake detailed work 
• Proven problem solving skills – such as  employing equipment and ideas to safely move large items (considering personnel, object and equipment safety).
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds;
• Adherence to OHS rules and safety guidelines
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid first aid certificate.
• Must be able to work in personal protective equipment when required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Equivalencies to be considered as described below:
 

• Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:
  • 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; OR
  • 1 year of experience for 1 year of education. 
     

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.  Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

The home location for this position is the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village with travel to other sites as required.

This competition will be used to fill in two wage positions what will be assisting the museum staff for the period up to six months. 

Your hours of work will be determined by your supervisor. Please note that you will only be paid for actual hours worked. This position  may be required to work daytime, evening, weekends and statutory holidays. This operational schedule may change and this position's schedule would change accordingly. Employees are expected to be available a minimum number of shifts per week.
 

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time or full time.
 

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 
 

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages- working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance