Assistant Conservator

Glenstone • Potomac, MD

18d • $63,000 - $78,000

About The Position

The Assistant Conservator will join a team of dedicated conservators and collection managers working directly on the care and management of Glenstone’s superlative collection of post-World War II artworks. The Assistant Conservator plays an integral role in the care, display, and conservation of the collection, which is inclusive of a variety of media and materials. Duties include examining, researching, and treating artworks and supporting the museum’s preventive conservation activities. The position is a critical contributor to all department tasks, including incoming and outgoing condition reporting, supporting acquisitions, preparing artworks to travel on loan, courier travel, exhibition planning and installation, regular maintenance of the collection, and training staff on proper protocols for ensuring the safety of art objects. Due to the distinct challenges posed by contemporary art, Glenstone’s conservation program is collaborative in nature. As such, this position offers significant opportunities to work with outside conservators, vendors, museum professionals, galleries, living artists, and their studios or foundations. The ideal candidate possesses excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines. A positive attitude, willingness to help others, and desire to work in a collaborative team environment are essential. Glenstone seeks an expert problem solver with a proven ability to remain calm in challenging situations. In addition, we are looking for someone that can embrace Glenstone’s core value of continuous improvement through an interest in professional development to advance their knowledge and expertise to surpass our previous best efforts. Essential to success in this role is the ability to apply creative methods to solve installation challenges, attention to detail, the ability to work both as part of a team and under individual direction, and the ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the desire to exemplify qualities including respect, self-awareness, and empathy while engaging with leaders in the field.

Requirements

• Master of Science degree in the field of Art Conservation.
• Specialization in object conservation and/or modern and contemporary art conservation.
• A minimum of one year of post-graduate experience working in a museum environment and/or private practice.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement when assessing the condition of artworks and devising preservation and treatment strategies.
• A heightened sense of discretion pertaining to living artists and sensitive art objects.
• Excellent dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication skills with high attention to detail and the ability to listen to, comprehend, and execute tasks in a timely and effective way.
• Strong cultural competence, interpersonal communication, planning, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and other design software.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with living artists, artists’ estates, and foundations.
• Additional expertise in variable media conservation or preventive conservation.
• Ability to manage assigned projects, create a plan, and execute to completion with little oversight.
• Working knowledge of art information systems and computerized collection management databases.
• Ability to climb ladders, work in tight spaces for extended periods of time, lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.), stand for long periods of time, and use eyes and hands to examine and handle delicate objects.
• Strong writing and public presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts about history, visual arts, and cultural practice to audiences ranging from casual museum-goers to academics.
• Professional working proficiency in languages other than English is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Primary conservator responsible for the maintenance of artworks on public view, including performing regular gallery maintenance, training interns and fellows in the Conservation department to assist with maintenance activities, and scheduling cleaning for outdoor sculpture.
• Produce detailed condition documentation of artworks for acquisitions, loans, and exhibitions.
• Treat artworks with a focus on preparation for loans and exhibitions.
• Research and develop conservation treatment methods, with the goal of presenting the research at a public presentation and/or in a publication.
• Coordinate conservation activities for time-based media works, including video acquisition worksheets, equipment review, documentation, installation, and/or treatment.
• Oversee the maintenance and proper use of the digital preservation system.
• Act as a conservation lead for exhibitions at Glenstone by attending regular planning meetings and supervising installation to ensure artworks are safely installed.
• Serve as the primary conservator working with the Public Engagement Division for special tours and student programs.
• Maintain and oversee proper execution of the Preventive Conservation Manual, which includes guidelines for temperature, relative humidity and light levels in gallery and storage spaces, as well as procedures for handling and working around artwork.
• Keep conservation policies up to date and train new Glenstone associates on their contents.
• Organize and contribute to annual outdoor sculpture maintenance.
• In the event of visitor interaction with artwork or damage, review incidents reported by guides and security; write and circulate reports; and compile monthly incident statistics.
• Oversee Glenstone’s integrated pest management program in coordination with the Operations Division.
• Represent the Conservation department on necessary institutional committees.
• Assist with the management of outsourced conservation treatments and fabrication projects, including invoice review.
• Some travel required, primarily to serve as courier for outgoing loans, beginning with domestic transport and training toward more complex international trips.
• Contribute to Glenstone’s Oral History Program by performing research and conducting interviews with artists, studio assistants, fabricators, and others knowledgeable about artworks in the museum’s collection.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Associates are crucial to achieving Glenstone’s mission and we offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• We also provide a total benefits package that helps you manage your health, protect your income, and prepare for your future.
• To promote collaboration and show appreciation to associates, Glenstone provides a weekly staff lunch and volunteer opportunities.
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; life, long-term and short-term disability and AD&D insurance, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA); a 401(k) retirement account with a matching contribution; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); and tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level