Archival Conservation Assistant, Team Lead

Job Title:

Archival Conservation Assistant, Team Lead

Organization:

Sutherland Art Conservation Inc.

Deadline:

May. 3, 2026

Organization Description:

Sutherland Art Conservation Inc. has been providing art conservation services in the Lower Mainland since 2005. We work with both art collections and archival materials, and we are currently involved in a digitization project for historic documents.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Conservator, the Team Lead performs hands-on treatment work and supervises a small conservation team. We are seeking a technically skilled, detail-oriented, and organized individual to support team leadership in performing basic conservation treatments and preventive care for historic archival materials. Working directly under the Conservator, the Team Lead will support the Conservator in supervising Conservation Assistants and treating documents to ensure their preservation while meeting production targets. The successful candidate will be highly organized, able to work collaboratively, have excellent manual dexterity, and adhere to best practices in preservation and conservation treatment, supporting digitization workflows. The Team Lead will assist with coordinating treatments and workflows, training, and monitoring environmental conditions, supplies inventory, and project timelines in support of the digitization project.

Responsibilities:

• Lead daily operations, including the assignment of tasks, monitoring project schedules, and ensuring quality control for treatment plans.
• Stabilize and treat archival materials for long-term storage and access using appropriate conservation techniques.
• Prepare custom archival encapsulation enclosures and other housing materials, pack and prepare materials for long-term storage and travel.
• Oversee the documentation of conservation treatments and the maintenance of accurate records in accordance with best practices.
• Assist with research into treatment methods and conservation materials as required
• Assist with training and mentorship of Conservation Assistants
• Assist with preservation supplies management, equipment maintenance and workspace organization and cleanliness
• Oversee environmental monitoring in the collection’s storage area.
• Assist with conservation assessments and project time estimates
• Oversee metadata indexing services and metadata entry.
• Contribute to training and outreach for staff and visiting groups
• Work collaboratively within a production-focused environment to refine conservation standards and meet assigned targets.

Qualifications:

• A degree or diploma in museum studies to include a conservation module, archival studies, history, studio art practice or related field.
• 1-3 years’ experience in art handling, photographic documentation, record-keeping, and database management systems, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent manual dexterity, attention to detail and ability to work carefully with fragile objects.
• Comfortable performing repetitive tasks and fine manual work.
• Ability to work efficiently in a production-oriented environment while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Effective and professionally guided written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to policies and procedures
• Ability to work independently and perform other related duties as required

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume that outline your qualifications and experience. Candidates who advance to the final round will be asked to provide professional references and a portfolio. Applications in the form of a single .pdf document labelled “Archival Conservation Assistant, Team Lead Application_ [Your Name]” can be sent via email with the subject line ‘Archival Conservation Assistant, Team Lead Position [Your Name]’ to info@sutherlandartconservation.com We appreciate all those who express interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Remuneration:

$58,804 – $65,702 per annum