Conservator of Objects

The Barnes Foundation•Philadelphia, PA

1d•$0 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Conservator of Objects is responsible for the examination, documentation, and treatment of objects in the Barnes Foundation collection, as well as research into artists’ materials and methods according to institutional research priorities. The Conservator of Objects supports exhibitions, collections care, loans, and courier activities. The position is also responsible for monitoring works installed at Calder Gardens, in close collaboration with conservation, exhibition, registration, and facilities staff. The position reports to the Senior Director of Conservation and Chief Conservator of Paintings. They will contribute to the activities of the Barnes Foundation under the direction of the Vice President for Art and Education & Gund Family Chief Curator.

Requirements

Master’s degree in art conservation, or equivalent, with a minimum of ten years’ experience in object conservation
Knowledge of, and willingness to abide by, the American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice
Excellent hand skills and knowledge of current conservation treatment practices
Experience with digital and technical imaging for conservation documentation
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively with others as well as to work independently on treatments
Capacity to manage deadlines
Must be able to perform work duties and have transportation to the three campuses of the Barnes Foundation including the conservation laboratory in Merion (site of former Barnes Foundation Gallery), and the Barnes Foundation and Calder Gardens both situated on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia
Criminal Background-National

Nice To Haves

Experience with collections management databases, especially Gallery System’s, The Museum System (TMS), highly desirable

Responsibilities

Performs examination and treatment of collection materials within the specialty field of objects conservation
Performs technical studies to evaluate the materials and techniques used by an artist, maker, or school as necessary and/or as requested in collaboration with the conservation, curatorial, and research staff as well as external constituents.
Responsible for written and photographic documentation of treatments including examination or condition reports, treatment proposals, and treatment documentation; responsible for digital images taken for treatment documentation and collaboration with the Senior Conservation Coordinator for attachment to the collections management database, TMS.
Prepares incoming and outgoing condition reports for the transfer of the Barnes Foundation collection to offsite storage and/or between campuses for purposes of conservation, storage, or other scholarly activities.
Participates in the loan and exhibition programs and prepares condition reports for loans of Barnes collection materials, temporary exhibition loan materials, makes recommendations for packing, and participates in courier responsibilities.
Consults on display, installation, and mount making for borrowed objects with lending institutions and consults internally with conservation, preparation, and curatorial staff for Barnes Foundation materials.
Monitors artwork installed at Calder Gardens, and is responsible for collaborating across departments for its care with a focus on preventive conservation
Manages chemical hygiene and safety protocols for the Merion conservation laboratory.
As a member of the conservation department, works with contract and project conservators, department interns and volunteers, and assists with supervision, as requested.
Assists in the ongoing training of Barnes Foundation collections staff, contract conservation staff, and interns on the basics of conservation and art handling; participates in presentations and conservation tours for staff, students, docents, donors, or other public constituents of the Barnes Foundation, as requested.
Keeps current in the field of object conservation by attending conferences as funding permits, reading professional journals, and conferring with colleagues.
Delivers research papers at professional meetings and/or publishes in professional journals as departmental funding and time permits.
As a team member of the conservation department, assists in the research, maintenance, and ordering of supplies and equipment in the conservation department.
Maintains a safe and professional workspace.
Performs other duties as requested.