Artifact Conservation Technician

**Our Story**:
Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving, and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect, and innovation.

This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen.

**The Role**:
Performs technical duties related to the care and conservation of historical artifacts.

**Duties/Responsibilities**:
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.

Skills 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.

In addition to offering a competitive compensation package, we have a strong focus on health and wellness, including fitness facilities and family-focused benefits.

We thank all applicants in advance; however, we will be corresponding only with those selected for an interview.

The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the Region, we respect, encourage, and celebrate our diversity. The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number 519-575-4400, or TTY number 519-575-4608 to request an alternate format.