Assistant Conservator, Easel Paintings

Seattle Art Museum•Seattle, WA

5d•$69,300 - $84,700•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Conservator will assist with the conservation of Old Master, Modern and Contemporary easel paintings in the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) collection. As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.

Requirements

Master’s degree or post-graduate diploma in Conservation, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Three years’ experience in paintings conservation and preventive conservation, and evidence of strong bench skills
Knowledge of environmental requirements and controls for handling, storage, exhibition, and transportation of artwork
Ability to use hand and power tools and other equipment required in the conservation and transportation of artwork
Knowledge of materials used to make works of art and the chemical and physical processes of their deterioration
Knowledge of procedures relating to examination and preventive and corrective treatment of art objects, ability to remove unwanted material from delicate surfaces, perform structural repairs, match colors, and execute in-painting
Ability to work with extraordinary precision and attention to detail
Professional verbal and written communication, with an ability to tailor communications according to audience
Successfully assess priorities and work well with deadlines
Strong time management, problem solving, and analytical skills
Exercise discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Asana, Slack and internet-based research
Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance

Responsibilities

Carry out conservation programs, including preservation, conservation, and restoration of works of art across all Seattle Art Museum sites, with a primary focus on paintings
Carry out all facets of examination, documentation, research, treatment, and long-term preservation of paintings in the museum’s permanent collection
Accurately track and generate documentation of projects to be archived in the museum’s collection database
Assist in preservation planning for the paintings portion of the collection
Assist in preservation planning and emergency preparedness and response as needed
Efficiently project manage treatment of works of art throughout the conservation process
If requested, serve as courier for at-risk works of art traveling to other institutions, carry out treatments, surveys, inspections and consultations as necessary
Research paintings from the museum collections and participate in sharing outcomes of research with the public and colleagues internally and externally. When appropriate present findings in lectures, displays and publications
Facilitate access to collections, supporting the museum's outgoing loan activities and exhibition schedule by preparing works of art for loan and display
Assist with supervision of conservation interns
Interact with a broad range of people, including museum visitors and the general public, donors, students, scholars and lenders, concerning conservation and preservation matters
Maintain the highest standards of museum practice through continued education, personal research, and active dialog with colleagues at other museums
Answer phone and mail inquiries about the collections preserved at SAM
Contribute to an institutional focus of delivering exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive customer service—creating positive, meaningful experiences for all visitors, every time
Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow our collective understanding and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM’s work

Benefits

Fully employer paid HMP medical plan or an employee contribution PPO plan
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D
Flexible Spending Account
Short Term Disability
Supplemental Dental Insurance
Participation in SAM’s 403b retirement plan
Discretionary 3% employer contribution to retirement plan after 1 year of service and 1,000 hours worked
Employer match program for retirement plan
Paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, and jury duty
11 scheduled holidays
1 paid floating holiday
Subsidized unlimited Orca card
Onsite fitness facility
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Patron level membership to SAM for FT Staff
Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums for FT Staff
Discounts to museum shop and programming
Relocation assistance