Lead Conservation Housing and Framing Technician

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

17d•$55,000•Onsite

About The Position

Utilizing the highest standards of conservation ethics and a focus on long-term preservation, the primary objective of this position is the housing and framing of works on paper within the collection of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for safe display, transit, and storage. Working collaboratively within the Paper Conservation Department and across the museum, this position will provide critical support for the work of the paper conservation lab through handling, unframing, mounting, framing, creating microclimate packages, and bespoke storage enclosures for works on paper. The Lead Conservation Housing and Framing Technician 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 handling, mounting, installation and deinstallation. The Lead Conservation Housing and Framing Technician will also have public engagement and educational responsibilities such as participating in laboratory tours, speaking to visiting groups, responding to public inquiries, presenting housing and framing projects to museum visitors, and mentoring interns and junior staff. 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

Experience handling paper-based artifacts in a museum, gallery, or institutional setting and the ability to handle and manipulate fragile works of art with extreme care.
Knowledge of conservation ethics, practices, procedures, and principles employed in the conservation profession. Ability to use sound judgment during the handling, installation, and treatment of works of art.
Understanding of the environmental factors that cause the deterioration of cultural property.
Experience hinging, matting and framing works on paper and photographs. Preferable to have had previous experience making sealed packages/microclimates for works on paper.
Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and in concert with others, and to be professional, diplomatic, and discreet. Demonstrated problem solving, organizational and time-management abilities.
Must be able to handle responsibility, be self-motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated ability to convey information in a clear, succinct, and accurate manner.
Working knowledge of common computer software programs such as: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and The Museum System (TMS).

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 5 years experience hinging, matting, framing and creating microclimate sealed packages for works on paper preferred.
The preferred candidate will have knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies typically obtained through the completion of an undergraduate degree or equivalent training in fine arts, studio arts, art history, and/or conservation.

Responsibilities

Utilizing the highest standards of conservation ethics and a focus on long-term preservation, the primary objective of this position is the housing and framing of works on paper within the collection of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for safe display, transit, and storage.
Working collaboratively within the Paper Conservation Department and across the museum, this position will provide critical support for the work of the paper conservation lab through handling, unframing, mounting, framing, creating microclimate packages, and bespoke storage enclosures for works on paper.
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 handling, mounting, installation and deinstallation.
Have public engagement and educational responsibilities such as participating in laboratory tours, speaking to visiting groups, responding to public inquiries, presenting housing and framing projects to museum visitors, and mentoring interns and junior staff.
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.