Assistant Paintings Conservator (Columbia, SC, USA)


This job announcement has been re-advertised on February 2, 2018. To see it, go to: www.conservators-converse.org/2018/02/assistant-paintings-conservator-columbia-sc-usa/.


Carolina Conservation is seeking a dedicated and career-oriented Assistant Paintings Conservator for its private practice. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic team players with strong critical thinking and applied problem solving skills. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines while working under pressure will be necessary. Carolina Conservation provides on-site disaster response for fine art collections that have suffered severe damage as the result of a fire, flood, or catastrophic disaster. Applicants please send a cover letter, resume, professional references, and salary requirements to info@carolinaconservation.com.

General responsibilities of the Assistant Paintings Conservator will include the following:

  • Assessment and evaluation of incoming collections
  • Preparation of condition reports, treatment proposals, treatment records, and additional documentation as necessary
  • Execution of treatments under the direction and supervision of the Lead Conservator
  • Perform conservation treatments to easel paintings & other works as directed by Lead Conservator, including, but not limited to: surface cleanings, varnish removals, varnish applications, consolidation, tear repairs, reversible fills, retouching, linings, and related tasks
  • Triage and on-site collection recovery
  • Client consultations and collection reviews
  • Additional responsibilities as directed and supervised by the Lead Conservator

Applicants are expected to meet the following education and work experience criteria:

  • BA or BS in related field (Art History, Fine Art, Chemistry, etc.)
  • Postgraduate degree in Conservation of Fine Art, specializing in the conservation of paintings, or equivalent training and work experience
  • Private practice experience is a plus, but will consider entry-level conservation professionals
  • Ability to work independently and contribute as an effective member of a team
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Digital photography proficiency
  • Computer proficiency

Essential Skills & Personality Traits
We have identified a number of skills and abilities that are critical to success in this position. The following are non-negotiable qualities we are looking for in a candidate:

  • An energetic, positive & optimistic attitude
  • Strong personal and professional ethics and conduct
  • Strong verbal communication skills
  • Ability to build rapport & develop strong interpersonal relationships
  • Professionalism, assertiveness & confidence
  • Meticulous, precise, & detail oriented
  • A team player that enjoys working with others
  • An enthusiastic commitment to excellence
  • Pro-active, responsible, motivated self-manager
  • Enjoys working with their hands
  • Processes new information quickly with a passion for learning
  • A passion for using their knowledge & skills to help others

Benefits include:

  • Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance. Carolina Conservation pays 60% of all employees insurance premiums
  • Two weeks paid vacation + holidays
  • Volunteer and Angel Project opportunities
  • Continuing Education opportunities

About Carolina Conservation
Family owned and operated, Carolina Conservation has specialized in fine art conservation for fire and water damaged collections since 2005. We service major national accounts and companies within the property insurance industry. Due to the high level of service quality we provide to our clients, we have built strong industry relationships that have fueled the rapid growth of our studio operations. Over the past twelve years, we have grown to become the largest conservation studio in the nation exclusively specializing in fire and water damaged fine art and specialty collections. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with education and work history. Carolina Conservation employees are given the potential for strong career growth within our organization. We believe in providing our staff access to ongoing education, training, fieldwork experience, and volunteer conservation opportunities.