Associate Objects Conservator
About The Position
The primary objective of this position is the conservation and preservation of materials within the collection of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts that fall under the purview of Sculpture and Decorative Arts Conservation, including sculpture, furniture, decorative arts, textiles, time-based media, and a variety of other three-dimensional objects. Working collaboratively within the Conservation Department and across the museum, this position carries out conservation examination, documentation, treatment, preventive conservation activities, technical analysis, and conservation research. The Associate Objects Conservator will employ the highest conservation standards and ethics in order to preserve the integrity as well as the aesthetic and historic significance of each work while meeting the programmatic needs of the museum. They will work in collaboration with other conservation specialists, as needed, and advise on maintenance and preventive care of the collection including environmental control, storage, packing, handling, and requirements for exhibition. The Associate Objects Conservator will also have public engagement and educational responsibilities such as leading laboratory tours, speaking to visiting groups, responding to public inquiries, presenting conservation projects and activities to museum visitors, and supervising fellows and interns. National and international travel may be required for various activities of this position including research, conferences, workshops, teaching opportunities, and/or support for exhibitions, loans, and new acquisitions.
Requirements
- Knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies typically obtained through the completion of a Graduate Level academic curriculum in Art Conservation.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as an object conservator, including experience working in objects conservation at a Fine Arts Museum.
- Knowledge of currently acceptable conservation methods for treatment of a wide variety of materials including modern materials, furniture, decorative arts, and sculpture
- Knowledge of art history and historic methods of fabrication for a wide range of object types
- Demonstrated ability to perform historic and materials research.
- Demonstrated ability to perform condition assessments, develop conservation treatment proposals, and execute treatments to a high degree of competency and efficiency.
- Demonstrated ability to convey information in a clear, succinct, and accurate manner.
- Demonstrated ability to perform analytical and examination techniques frequently used in conservation and experience in interpreting test results.
- Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and collaboratively with others, and to be professional, diplomatic, and discreet.
- Experience with common computer software programs.
- Knowledge of safe methods for handling chemicals and hazardous materials based on OSHA standards.
- Ability to wear a respirator.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with the conservation and documentation of furniture and time-based media artworks preferred.
Responsibilities
- Employ the highest conservation standards and ethics in order to preserve the integrity as well as the aesthetic and historic significance of each work while meeting the programmatic needs of the museum.
- Work in collaboration with other conservation specialists, as needed, and advise on maintenance and preventive care of the collection including environmental control, storage, packing, handling, and requirements for exhibition.
- Will have public engagement and educational responsibilities such as leading laboratory tours, speaking to visiting groups, responding to public inquiries, presenting conservation projects and activities to museum visitors, and supervising fellows and interns.
- National and international travel may be required for various activities of this position including research, conferences, workshops, teaching opportunities, and/or support for exhibitions, loans, and new acquisitions.
Benefits
- Vacation and Other Leave
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Health Benefits
- Sickness and Disability Program
- Deferred Compensation with Cash Match
- Group, Optional Life, and Long-term Care Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
- Retirement Plans
- State Employee Resources
- Agency-specific benefits such as complementary exhibition tickets and discounts on VMFA memberships, dining, shopping, classes & programs, and more.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
