Assistant/Associate Conservator/Objects Conservation Department
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s finest museums, seeks an Assistant/Associate Conservator in the Objects Conservation Department. This position will assume responsibility for the conservation of the complete collection of the Department of Musical Instruments. Counting over 5000 objects, the collection spans string, wind, and percussion, as well as mechanical instruments – both western and non-western – and a wide array of materials used in their manufacture. Since one person alone cannot be expected to expertly cover this variety of materials and cultures, the conservator will confer as necessary with fellow conservators in the Department of Objects Conservation on appropriate care and treatment. Similarly, the complexity and variety of the collection may necessitate consulting and contracting with experts outside of the Museum, and the conservator would be expected to oversee and supervise their activities.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
- Conservation of the collection of the Department of Musical Instruments.
- Monitor and advise on conditions for display and gallery environment.
- Confer with curatorial, conservation, engineering, and buildings staff on conservation and environmental issues.
- Supervise contract conservators, fellows, interns, and outside consultants.
- Prepare and maintain instruments for recording, video, and public performance.
- Prepare visual and written documentation of treatments and research, as well as their proper filing for future access.
- Examine objects for acquisition and incoming or outgoing loan.
- Examine objects concerning material identification and manufacturing technology, including use of analytical instrumentation such as x-radiography and microscopy.
- Prepare samples for analysis by the Department of Scientific Research and communication with scientists regarding goals and results.
- Sustained interaction with the musical instruments community, and adding to its general knowledge through presentations and publications.
- Other related duties
Requirements and Qualifications:
Experience and Skills:
- Required: a minimum of five years of conservation experience, preferably in a museum, working with musical instruments comprised of wood, metal, and other organic materials.
- Required: demonstrable analytical skills, and familiarity with scientific research techniques.
- Required: good organizational, communication, and teamworking skills.
- Required: demonstrable photography and computer skills (including word processing and imaging software for the purpose of documentation).
- Preferred: specialization and extensive experience in the examination and conservation of musical instruments.
- Ability for independent decision making in relation to playability and non-playability.
- Strong background in history of musical instruments.
Knowledge and Education:
- Required: minimum of a master’s degree from an internationally recognized program, e.g. master’s degree in music/history of musical instruments with concentration in conservation, master’s degree in conservation (objects) with concentration in wood or musical instruments, or equivalent.
Please send cover letter, resume, and salary history to careers@metmuseum.org with “Assistant/Associate Conservator/Objects Conservation Department” 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.