Opened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's most-visited museum. At ROM, we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections, sharing knowledge, inspiring learning, and fostering community engagement. As a globally recognized field research institute, ROM houses an impressive collection of over 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, showcased in over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces.

We are committed to creating a space where art, culture, and nature intersect, connecting people and communities to the past, present and shared future. We are seeking a Senior Conservator of Organic Objects to provide advanced conservation expertise and leadership in the preservation, examination, treatment, and preventive care of objects in ROM’s collections and temporary custody. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Conservation, you will independently assess complex conservation needs, develop and execute treatments, establish preservation standards, conduct and interpret technical research, and provide expert guidance across the Museum.

You will play an integral role in exhibitions, galleries, acquisitions, loans, collections care, emergency response, and major institutional projects while balancing preservation requirements with access, interpretation, and operational needs. As a senior member of the Conservation team, you will also oversee the effective operation of a conservation laboratory, establish priorities and workflows, and provide guidance and supervision to conservators, interns, volunteers, and project staff as required. This is an opportunity for an accomplished conservation professional to contribute deep technical expertise, sound judgment, and leadership to the stewardship of internationally significant collections.

Examine collection objects, assess their condition and conservation needs, and develop and perform appropriate treatments supported by thorough written and photographic documentation Establish and apply preventive conservation standards for environmental conditions, handling, storage, mounting, display, packing, transportation, exhibitions,



and loans Conduct technical examination and conservation research into object materials, manufacture, deterioration, treatment methods, and conservation materials, including coordinating and interpreting scientific analysis Provide conservation expertise for exhibitions, galleries, acquisitions, loans, collections moves, storage improvements, and other major museum initiatives Collaborate with curators, designers, collections professionals, and project teams to balance preservation requirements with access, interpretation, and operational needs Survey collections, assess risks, establish conservation priorities, and contribute to preventive conservation, emergency preparedness and emergency response Supervise, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior conservators, interns, volunteers, and project staff as required Advance conservation knowledge and practice through research, professional development, publications, presentations, consultations, and public or educational programming Master's Degree in Conservation with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, specializing in the conservation of organic objects; Advanced expertise in Organic Object conservation specialization, including object materials and fabrication techniques, deterioration processes, examination, preservation, and treatment Experience with scientific examination and analysis, including coordinating analytical work and interpreting findings to inform conservation decisions Strong conservation documentation skills, including written and photographic documentation and the use of relevant digital, image management, and collections database tools Proven ability to manage complex projects, priorities, resources, budgets, and deadlines while providing leadership or mentorship to staff, interns, or volunteers Proficiency in conducting and interpreting scientific analyses such as e.g.



p-XRF and digital X-radiography Experience with conservation documentation in a digital content management system. Familiarity with TMS is an asset. Ability to safely perform precise, physically demanding conservation work, travel with collection objects when required, and respond to urgent conservation needs outside regular working hours For permanent and full-time contract positions (conditions apply), enjoy paid benefits for individuals and families, a health spending account, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Worry-free retirement savings : With our optional pension plan, you benefit from an employer-matched Defined Benefit contribution plan, which provides predictable lifetime retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options without the stress of investment decisions.

Perks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff, plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario. Full time Contract OPSEU Local 543 A 30-minute virtual conversation with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact. # All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded. Daily interactions with Toronto's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends.

We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences. We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.

Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility. COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY At ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibits, communities, and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who can further diversify our ideas.

We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.

📌 Senior Conservator (18-month Contract) (Toronto)
🏢 Royal Ontario Museum
📍 Toronto