Conservation Coordinator
Date Posted: Apr 14, 2026
Requisition ID: 475957
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites:
The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites (ISMHS) is a statewide museum system with 12 locations, including a central museum based in Indianapolis. Our mission is to ignite wonder, inspire curiosity, reveal stories, and create connections through relevant and engaging experiences that are fueld by our collection, sites, and stories. We are a catalyst for lifelong learning that connects the stories of real people, places, and things. We believe learning is for everyone, everywhere, and all the time.
Role Overview:
The conservation coordinator performs preparation, conservation and preventive maintenance of museum collections and is responsible for their storage and exhibition environments. Incumbent will properly handle, document, prepare and exhibit objects using museum archive standards. You will assist in exhibition planning and implementation which includes preventive conservation measures, proper object handling, assisting with case layout design, custom metal mount and plexi mount fabrication, paper object preparation, and basic textile mounting. Assist with preventive conservation and preparation of collection objects for installation and rotations across the museum system. This position will administer the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program under the direction of the Conservation Lab Manager and Director of Collections, encompassing system-wide monitoring, the development of site-specific IPM plans, and ongoing analysis of environmental conditions across the museum system; compile and distribute summary reports with finding and recommendations.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $54,075.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
Monitor, clean, and maintain the 92 County Icons, including performing minor repairs and providing assessments and recommendations for work requiring outside vendor services.
Prepare conservation reports and related documentation, manage and analyze collections condition data using specialized museum software (Argus), and carry out preventive and routine conservation treatments under the direction of the Conservation Lab Manager.
Conduct routine cleaning of objects in storage and on exhibit; provide cleaning support at locations across the museum system.
Assist with object photography sessions and link images to catalog records when needed.
Contribute to annual and project budget planning by forecasting supply needs.
Collaborate with the Conservation Lab Manager, curatorial staff, and external contractors to ensure the proper care and conservation of all objects.
Engage with internal staff, peer institutions, and the general public to champion artifact preservation best practices and communicate the ethical responsibilities of museums.
Maintain accurate and efficient data management practices across assigned collections and projects.
Handle all objects in compliance with museum safety standards and specimen preparation protocols.
Partner with the Conservation Lab Manager to prioritize and complete collection-related projects within established timelines.
Contribute to grant proposals and donor engagement activities as required.
What You'll Need for Success:
BA in museum studies, public history, history or related field.
Strong computer skills, particularly with digital imaging, web publishing, word processing, and database management.
Knowledge of professional and museum standards for the care and documentation of collections.
Working knowledge of proper storage and environmental conditions for artifacts.
Experience in artifact handling.
Experience working with museum collections.
Ability to communicate with other staff, potential donors and the general public effectively through oral and written communications in an understandable and pleasant manner.
Good planning skills and demonstrated ability to set priorities.
Knowledge of a variety of material found in the museum collections
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively on teams.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Valid Indiana driver's license.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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