THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Assistant Conservator
The Objects Conservation Department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art upholds the highest professional standards in the conservation of the Museum’s three-dimensional works of art. The Assistant Conservator will work under the supervision of senior staff on the conservation of objects from the Museum’s encyclopedic collection, spanning 5,000 years and made using a wide range of materials, methods of manufacture. The Assistant Conservator’s assignments will be based on the priority projects of the department as determined by the Conservator in Charge.
This is a full-time permanent position.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
- Undertake conservation of objects, including examination, treatment, and oversight of environmental conditions in storerooms and galleries.
- Examine objects for acquisition, incoming or outgoing loans and gifts.
- Examine objects concerning material identification and technology, including use of analytical instrumentation such as x-radiography and microscopy.
- Prepare samples for analysis by the Department of Scientific Research, and communicate with scientists regarding goals and results.
- Liaise with conservators, curators, technicians, riggers, Buildings staff, Exhibitions staff, and Registrar.
- Prepare visual and written documentation of treatments and research, and file according to department protocols.
- Travel domestically and internationally as needed to examine, treat, and courier artworks in connection with loans.
- Supervise contract conservators, fellows, and students.
- Assist senior staff in time-sensitive projects as assigned by Conservator in Charge.
- Participate in departmental fundraising activities.
- Broaden knowledge of the conservation field by taking advantage of the department’s expertise and resources, and the Museum’s opportunities for professional development.
- Disseminate activities and findings in a range of platforms including public and professional lectures, and print and digital publications.
- Other related duties
Requirements and Qualifications:
Experience and Skills:
- Minimum of three years of professional experience working in a museum required.
- Experience in the examination and treatment of objects made using a wide range of materials, methods of manufacture.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills required.
- Skill using state-of-the-art conservation documentation tools, including digital photogaphy, multi-spectral imaging, and Reflectance Transformation Imaging preferred.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work on a ladder or rig required.
Knowledge and Education:
- Master’s degree from an internationally recognized graduate conservation program required.
- FDNY C-14 Laboratory Certificate of Fitness or willingness and ability to attain certification within six months of hire required.
Please send cover letter, resume, and salary history to careers@metmuseum.org with “Assistant Conservator” in the subject line.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and national service alumni encouraged to apply.