Project Conservator (Museum Specialist - Art), IS-1016-11

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG) is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for the arts and artists of our time. We seek to share the transformative power of modern and contemporary art with audiences at all levels of awareness and understanding by creating meaningful, personal experiences in which art, artists, audiences, and ideas converge. We enhance public understanding and appreciation of contemporary art through acquisition, exhibitions, education and public programs, conservation, and research. In order to fulfill its mission, HMSG develops collaborative relationships with institutions and organizations within the Smithsonian, the United States, and abroad. The collection consists of approximately 13,000 objects of modern and contemporary art, consisting of paintings, sculptures, variable media, and works on paper. The Project Conservator is responsible for conservation treatment and assessment of HMSG sculpture collections in offsite storage during a multi-year remediation project. The Project Conservator will conduct a survey of approximately 1200 sculptures, draft treatment proposals, propose recommendations for rehousing, and conduct treatment on a variety of artworks in various mediums. This is a one-year term position with the option for renewal, pending funding availability and completion of the project’s objectives; located primarily in the Museum Support Center (MSC), in Suitland, MD. This job is not suitable for hybrid or remote work.

Requirements

1-3 years of related experience.
Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in sculpture conservation.
Knowledge of treatments on modern and contemporary sculpture artworks and familiarity with treating a wide range of art making materials from the late 20th century through the present day.
Knowledge of materials science and technology as well as organic and inorganic chemistry.
Knowledge of diagnostic tools used to examine and document the construction and condition of objects.
Skilled knowledge of environmental risk and other phenomena contributing to or causing deterioration of objects in order to prevent damage and select appropriate treatments.
Ability to utilize effective strategies and processes for implementing collections survey and organizing treatment plans for a large volume of works.
Manual dexterity and a background in basic artistic skills and media necessary for performance of exacting precise work with a variety of materials.
Ability to document object condition, treatments, and installation through written reports, photography, and other data.
Ability to use The Museum System (TMS) to generate and maintain reports on modern and contemporary artworks and collections.
Ability to climb a ladder, stand for extended periods of time, and lift at least 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

Performs conservation treatments on artworks which have been identified and assigned as part of the remediation project. This may include cleaning, consolidation, removing non-original materials, repairing chemical or physical damage, and compensation for loss.
Prepares written treatment proposals per project guidelines for all objects that explain treatment objectives, methods, and materials.
Prepares final treatment report, per project guidelines including a clear description about the methods and materials used in treatment of the object, a description of any treatment procedures tested and proven unsatisfactory.
Provides recommendations for safe care and handling of the objects.
Conducts examinations of pre-determined set of artworks, identifying the current condition, the nature and extent of damage (if applicable), and the nature and extent of treatment needed. Keeps detailed records of the examinations, including images/sketches for HMSG conservation files.
Investigates and monitors potential hazards in storage spaces resulting from unfavorable environmental conditions, human neglect, or other issues. Initiates reports on variations in temperature and humidity that could prove detrimental to works of art in the building.
Keeps detailed records of examinations, including images/sketches for conservation files.
Provides statistics, updates, and reports on project progress as needed to HMSG staff, board, trustees, and the Office of Risk Management.
Monitors store of conservation supplies for project.