Artifact Conservation Technician
Job Number: 2876
Job Type: Temporary Full-Time
Temp Contract Length: 6 Months
Location: 10 Huron Rd - Doon - Museum
Job Category: Hospitality/Tourism
Number of Positions: 1
Department: Archives and Collections
Division: Planning, Development and Legislative Services
Hours of Work: 35
Union: CUPE 1883
Grade: CUPE 1883 Grade 007
Salary Range: $31.01 - $35.10 per hour
Posting Date: May 27, 2025
Closing Date: June 20, 2025
About Us!
The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:
- Taking only what we need
- Leaving some for others
- Keeping the dish clean
This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.
Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051.
Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.
The Role
Performs technical duties related to the care and conservation of historical artifacts.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Conserves and/or restores historical artifacts, including surface cleaning, scraping, and other mechanical surface treatments of wood, textile and painted finishes; fitting of wood and metal components; and application of protective coatings.
- 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.
- Skill 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.
The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We actively encourage applications from diverse groups, including Black, racialized, First Nations, Métis, Inuit individuals, women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and are committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace.
For an accommodation request, please contact us and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400 to request an alternate format, or email talentmanagement@regionofwaterloo.ca.
Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).