Assistant, Associate or Full Conservator - Objects
About The Position
This role involves producing examinations, proposals, and other related documentation for collections objects, considered acquisitions, and loans from other entities. The position conducts treatment on collection objects and provides recommendations for care and risk reduction. The Conservator consults with curators and external clients on preservation and treatment strategies, assesses and reports the suitability of collection objects for loan, and acts as a courier when necessary. This role also collaboratively advises museum staff and contractors on packing, handling, storage, installation, and environmental conditions required for collection objects. Additionally, the Conservator assists with departmental planning, exhibition proposal review, and policy development & establishment, as well as assisting with the supervision of technicians, interns, and volunteers.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent
- Familiarity with and adherence to the American Institute for Conservation’s (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
- Experience in The Museum System (TMS) collections database or equivalent content management system, facility in digital documentation and productivity software, and experience.
Nice To Haves
- Full-time post-graduate experience practicing conservation in their field of specialty (for Assistant Conservator).
- Minimum of 5 years full-time post-graduate experience practicing conservation in their field of specialty (for Associate Conservator).
- 8 or more years full-time post-graduate experience practicing conservation in their field of specialty (for Conservator).
- Experience working in a Fine Arts museum is preferred (for Conservator).
Responsibilities
- Examine, document and treat art works in the Museum’s permanent collection and on loan under supervision of senior staff.
- Design and carry out conservation treatment in consultation with Curators and stakeholders.
- Provide written and photographic documentation to record condition of objects, treatments proposed, and treatments performed according to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
- Carry out and/or facilitate study and analysis of works in the collection in support of curatorial, treatment, or research projects.
- Produce presentations and/or publications for the advancement of the field and to highlight research initiatives.
- Maintain professional networks and continuing education opportunities to remain current with best practices and philosophies.
- Identify, solicit, and contract specialized vendors to supplement the museum’s in-house equipment or analytical capabilities.
- Recommend other Conservators outside their field of expertise to consult and/or contract on projects, as needed.
- Assist with the supervision of technicians, interns, and volunteers.
- Advise on preventative maintenance in the Museum as a whole in the areas of environment, pest management, display, handling, packing, storage, and installation.
- Work collaboratively with the Curator, Designer, Mountmaker and Preparators on the design of appropriate measures for display and/or storage.
- Examine artworks prior to acquisition to aid the Curatorial staff in determining their physical and aesthetic condition, as well as their authenticity.
- Examine works requested for loan to determine suitability for travel and to document their condition and advise on any special packing and shipping considerations.
- Act as a courier for works of art, particularly objects with condition or handling concerns.
- Monitor stock and order conservation supplies for the lab and specific projects.
- Assist with public outreach, programs, and fundraising initiatives.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
