Assistant Conservator (Plastics Survey)

JOB TITLE: Assistant Conservator (Plastics Survey)

DEPARTMENT: Collections

REPORTS TO: Head of Conservation

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

DATE OF HIRE: April 01 2026

SALARY: $72000

Note:This positionrequiresacover letterfor consideration. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Head of Conservation the Assistant Conservator is a key contributor to the project team implementing a comprehensive survey of the synthetic materials collection at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Over 9000 plastic or plastic-containing artifacts have been identified within the Museums collection many of which are exhibiting typical indicators of plastic degradation. The artifacts include a variety of materials with personal connections to victims survivors and the countless other individuals affected by the events of 9/11 and its aftermath. Many of the objects have been recovered from Ground Zero and exhibit important contextual damage associated with their provenance which complicates their condition assessment and preservation needs.

This project is part of an initiative to examine the Memorial & Museums plastics collection survey the condition and identify plastic compositions for each object identify the most at-risk artifacts for rehousing and photogrammetry and implement an institution-wide policy for collecting handling housing and documentation. Work will take place primarily at the Museums off-site storage facility in Jersey City New Jersey and the Museum in Lower Manhattan. This is a full-time two-year position.

This project has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Note: This is a grant-funded position with a fixed term ending approximately April 2028.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage the day-to-day project activities and generate deliverables specific to surveying assessing condition and documenting the 9000 plastic and plastic containing artifacts in the collection using a custom designed survey form.
• Work with the Head of Conservation Preventive Conservator Collections Manager and contracted industrial hygiene company to prioritize sampling of artifacts that were recovered from the attack sites to test for hazardous materials according to the Museum Operations & Maintenance Plan. Appropriate hazardous materials training will be provided by the museum.
• Work with conservation staff to organize an on-site plastics identification workshop; conduct plastic identification for objects as needed using visual identification.
• Establish a photogrammetry workplan which will be coordinated with the Museums conservation staff for a selection of the most at-risk artifacts. Conduct photogrammetry on select plastic objects with appropriate training provided by the museum.
• Manage the resulting digital images by renaming and storing files according to 9/11 Memorial Museum standards prior to their ingest into the digital collections management database Collective Access.
• Update catalog records in the Museums collections management system as needed.
• Research select and purchase upgraded storage and rehousing materials for high-priority artifacts. Manage and participate in the rehousing and return of the artifacts to storage.

REQUIRED SUPPORT FOR ORGANIZATIONAL EVENTS

• Participate in the Annual 5K Fundraiser and 9/11 Commemoration as assigned.
• Assist with other special projects and events in support of 9/11 Memorial & Museum as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS REQUIREMENT

• Masters degree from an accredited institution with a concentration in conservation museum studies studio art art history humanities or similar area. Any combination of acceptable trainingon-the-job experience and/or educationwill be considered.
• Up to 5 years professional experience with and knowledge of conservation collections management and registration best practices principles and techniques location tracking registration and accession records cataloging and collections storage principles and practices.
• Fundamental understanding of preventive conservation as it relates to collections housing storage packing and moving; knowledge of museum-approved housing materials and suppliers.
• Experience taking part in or managing a collections survey preferred.
• Conversant with analytical methods and recent technologies in the conservation field; knowledge of or interest in digital preservation a plus.
• Proficient computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Office; familiarity with museum collections management systems.
• Proficient understanding of digital photography and digital image storage and management; previous experience or familiarity with photogrammetry a plus.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent tasks while maintaining flexibility with shifting priorities and deadlines; ability to coordinate several tasks with many people simultaneously.
• Proactive detail-oriented flexible and resourceful; a team player who embraces the collaborative benefits of museum work while also completing independent tasks in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated initiative resourcefulness and a creative approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to follow oral and written instructions.
• Displays a high level of respect and support for colleagues builds professional and respectful relationships across departments; committed to diversity equity inclusion and accessibility.
• Commitment to advancing the organizations mission.
• Flexibility to regularly travel between the Museum and off-site storage in Jersey City NJ as well as infrequently to the Museums off-site storage facility in Rotterdam NY as project needs dictate. Travel and per-diem costs will be covered.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum (9/11 Memorial & Museum) is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who meet the qualification requirements of the role will receive consideration without regard to their race color religion sex sexual orientation age national origin disability status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum endeavors to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and other accommodation needs under applicable law. If you are an individual with a legally recognized accommodation need and require assistance during the application process please contact Ronni Cantor at with your specific accommodation request.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is committed to an organizational culture that supports and reinforces our institutional values including our commitment to inclusive representation. We are committed to reflecting the unique experiences of the nearly 3000 victims who were killed indiscriminately in the 1993 and 2001 terrorist attacks and the wider communities impacted in lower Manhattan at the Pentagon and near Shanksville PA.

Required Experience:

Junior IC