Month: February 2015

Denver Art Museum

Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship in Textile Conservation

The Denver Art Museum is inviting applications for a one-year, full-time, fellowship in the conservation of its textile collections. There is potential to renew for a second-year.  The museum continues to expand its exhibit, storage and working spaces dedicated to textiles and is poised to offer excellent, advanced-level training in textile conservation.
The scope of this fellowship will require working closely with several curatorial departments on objects of Western, Asian, Native Arts, Modern and Contemporary, and Decorative Arts origin and manufacture.  The fellow will perform examination and conservation treatment of museum objects as assigned. Assignments will vary according to museum and department priorities that reflect an active exhibition schedule.  Additional responsibilities will include review of objects for acquisition and loan purposes; assure accuracy and completeness of records and reports; and share general laboratory duties as assigned. The candidate must also have the ability to undertake research and willingness to participate in symposia, conferences, publications, as well as public programs in PreVIEW, a dedicated space for interpretation of textiles and conservation-related activities.
Successful completion of graduate-level conservation training, or equivalent is required at the time the position commences.  Preferred experience with aqueous treatment, stabilization techniques, dyeing of support fabrics, and preventive conservation methodologies including integrated pest management (IPM) practices.  High-level of manual dexterity, excellent color matching, and familiarity with hand tools and the basics of mount design and preparation are required.
The fellow will be supervised by the Associate Textile Conservator and report to the Director of Conservation. Sound work habits, personal initiative and organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities are essential. Candidate will uphold collegial and collaborative working relationships with conservation staff and other museum departments.
Applications will be accepted through 5 PM, April 3, 2015.  Please direct inquiries to Sarah Melching, Silber Director of Conservation, 720.865.5029, semelching@denverartmuseum.org.
Projected start is October, 2015. The museum offers a full benefit package.  Salary is $34,000 per year with $3,000 allocated for research and travel.
To apply, please submit a letter of application, resume and contact information for three references, plus three conservation treatment examples to:

Denver Art Museum
100 West 14^th Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
Attn. HR
hrcoordinator@denverartmuseum.org

Posting for Conservator of Photography, Modern and Contemporary
Since its founding in 1935, SFMOMA has championed innovative and challenging contemporary art through active exhibition and collection programs. A current expansion project – opening in 2016 – will create an additional 100,000 sq. ft. of gallery and public space, highlighting the Fisher Collection, one of the world’s foremost private collections of contemporary art. The new photography galleries will triple exhibition space for SFMOMA’s world-renowned photography collection. Innovative conservation and collections spaces will underpin the museum’s long-standing commitment to working closely with living artists.
Under the Head of Conservation, the Conservator of Photographs, Modern and Contemporary will be responsible for the conservation, care and research of modern and contemporary photography in the collection.  As a testament to the art of our time, the conservator will work collaboratively with other departmental conservators in the care of objects of mixed media, and share in the supervision and training of the Fellow in the Conservation of Contemporary Art. Engaging with artists, their studio assistants or estates in the documentation and care for artist’s work is a fundamental responsibility of this position.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Examines, documents and treats modern and contemporary photographs, including: documenting the structure and condition of art works through written and photographic records; monitoring conditions of work in storage, exhibition and transit environments; performing all aspects of the treatment of photographs and related artworks with adherence to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Institute for Conservation and in accordance with SFMOMA Conservation Department policies.

• Engages with artists, their studio assistants or estates to foster relationships that underpin the long-term care and display of their work in the collection.

• Models highly collaborative modes of operating through fluid communication with staff and respect for the diverse expertise essential to an art museum.

• Participates in training and supervision of the Fellow in the Conservation of Contemporary Art, with a greater supervisory role when the Fellow’s specialty is photography conservation. Assists in the instruction and supervision of staff interns, students, and volunteers.

• Advises curators, colleagues within the Collections Division, other museum professionals, artists, scholars, collectors, donors and the public on the care of modern and contemporary photography, and proper procedures for exhibition and display.
• Researches modern and contemporary photographs in the collection, exploring photographic processes, artists’ methods, and scientific data on properties of materials.

• Publishes and presents at conferences to ensure active engagement with colleagues in the rapidly expanding and changing field of photograph conservation.  Attends and hosts workshops on photographic materials, processes and care of photographs.

• Represents the museum to other conservation and art-affiliated individuals and institutions on a local, national and international level.

• Maintains work areas in the conservation studio, including researching and ordering supplies and equipment, maintenance of materials, replenishing of supplies, with the support of the Conservation Technician.

• Travels for museum business and on-site conservation work or study as needed.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Successful candidates will have graduated from a recognized conservation training program with a specialization in modern and contemporary photography, direct experience working with living artists, and a minimum of five to seven years work history. They will have knowledge of modern and contemporary art and an ability to apply the philosophies of modern and contemporary art aesthetics to the procedures of conservation. The ability to collaborate creatively and communicate clearly in writing and conversation with other conservators, museum staff, colleagues, donors, trustees, and the public is essential.
Interested candidates should apply by Friday, February 27^th, 2015. Interview opportunities will be available during the Biannual PMG Winter Meeting in Boston (February 19-21, 2015).
NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE!
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art encourages people of color, residents of SOMA, and other San Francisco residents to apply.  The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.

The City of Roanoke is seeking the services of a conservator to repair, clean, and develop a maintenance plan for the Roanoke Valley War Memorial, located at Lee Plaza in front of 215 Church Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia 24011. The ongoing maintenance plan is to be performed by City Staff.
The Roanoke Arts Commission hired Fine Arts Conservation of Virginia in 2011 to complete a survey and assessment of the Roanoke Valley War Memorial and other items. The report was provided to the City is March of 2012, and listed the Roanoke Valley War Memorial as a Priority One object, meaning there is major active deterioration. Relevant excerpts from that report are provided herein as Attachment A.
Sealed proposals are solicited to establish a nonexclusive contract with a qualified Consultant to provide conservator and cleaning services and associated work, and will result in the issuance of a Purchase Order. There is no guarantee of any minimum amount of services that may be requested by the City, and no services may be requested, all in the sole discretion of the City.
Specifically, the City of Roanoke is seeking conservation treatment as proscribed in the conservator’s report (Attachment A), development of an ongoing maintenance plan, and training of City staff to maintain the integrity of the work.
Services/Deliverables:

All services described herein must be completed by no later than November 1, 2015.
Enclosed with the RFP is a copy of the City’s Purchase Order Terms and Conditions, including Special Terms and Conditions, Attachment B to RFP 15-06-07. Attachment B contains Terms and Conditions that the City plans to include in any Purchase Order that may be awarded, but such Terms and Conditions may be added to, deleted, or modified as may be agreed to between the City and the Successful Offeror. However, if an Offeror has any objections to any of the Terms or Conditions set forth in the Attachment or any changes or additions thereto to which the Offeror takes exception, the Offer should set forth such objections, changes, or additions in its proposal. Otherwise, submission of a bid by a Offeror will obligate such Offeror, if it is the Successful Offeror, to enter into a Purchase Order containing the same or substantially similar Terms and Conditions as contained in such Attachment, and to comply with such Terms and Conditions.
Please review the document carefully. The insurance requirements provided for in the Purchase Order must be provided by the Successful Offeror before any work is performed. The required Insurance Requirements for this Project are set forth in Attachment C.
Offeror shall also provide with its proposal its plan for proper disposal of all wash/waste water. The City requires 100% control and containment of all wash/wastewater and lawful disposal via sanitary sewer. In its plan, the Offer shall provide specific details as to how they will meet those requirements. Offeror are encouraged to use drawings, product references and other “tools” to help articulate its plan for disposal.
All responses to this request for proposal shall be submitted on or before 2:00 p.m. on February 27, 2015, to the address listed below:

City of Roanoke
Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building
Purchasing Division, Room 202
215 Church Ave. S.W., Roanoke, VA 24011
Ref: RFP # 15-06-07, War Memorial Conservation
Attn: Monica Cole, Senior Buyer

Your Proposal, one (1) original and three (3) copies, appropriately signed by an authorized representative of your firm, must be submitted in a sealed envelope or package. The notation “War Memorial Conservation”, RFP # 15-06-07 and the opening time and date must be clearly marked on the front of that sealed envelope or package. Proposals received after the specified date and time will not be accepted.
The City reserves the right to reject or cancel any or all proposals, to waive any informalities in any proposal, to award any whole or part of a proposal, and to award to the Offeror whose proposal is, at the sole discretion of the City of Roanoke, determined to be in the best interest of the City.
Offerors will be evaluated for selection on the basis of those most qualified to meet the requirements of this RFP. Major criteria to be considered in the evaluation may include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, the items referred to above and those set forth below.
1. The background, education, and experience of the Offeror in providing similar services or items elsewhere, including the level of experience in working with municipalities and the quality of services performed or items supplied.
2. Reasonable/competitiveness of proposed fee and/or benefits to the City, although the City is not bound to select the Offeror who proposes the lowest fees or most benefits for services. The City reserves the right to negotiate fees and/or benefits to the City with selected Offeror.
3. The Offeror’s responsiveness and compliance with the RFP requirements and conditions.
4. Determination that the selected Offeror has no contractual relationships which would result in a conflict of interest with City’s contract.
5. The Offeror’s ability, capacity and skill to fully and satisfactorily provide the services or items required in this RFP.
6. The quality of Offeror’s performance in comparable and/or similar projects.
7. Whether the Offeror can provide the services and/or items in a prompt and timely fashion.
Proposal evaluation and award will be accomplished in accordance with this Request for Proposal and Sections 23.2-1, et. seq. of the Code of the City of Roanoke, Virginia. General and/or technical questions regarding the Scope of Services and/or items required or procurement questions under this RFP may be directed to Monica Cole, Senior Buyer, at (540) 853-2871 or emailed to monica.cole@roanokeva.gov.

ART SPECIALIST – ART COLLECTIONS MANAGER

ABOUT THIS POSITION
The City Manager’s Department of Office of Arts & Culture is seeking to fill an Arts Specialist – Art Collections Manager position. This position oversees maintenance of the city’s extensive collection of infrastructure-based public art and tracks the more than 1,000 portable works in the City’s historic Municipal Art Collection. The Arts Collection Manager is also responsible for responding to public calls to repair artworks in neighborhoods citywide; developing community programs and partnerships to increase long-term public involvement in the care of public art; conducting ongoing field assessments of, and reports on, the conditions and needs of completed projects; coordinating with other city departments the maintenance and restoration of artworks; developing and implementing long-range plans and budgets for maintenance and conservation; developing, managing, and updating the database tracking works in the collection; and responding to requests for and coordinating the display of artworks in City Hall and more than 20 other publicly accessible city facilities.
To apply please visit our website at phoenix.gov/jobs.
RECRUITMENT DATES
First review of applications will occur February 23, 2015.  Recruitment may close when we have received a sufficient number of qualified applications.
SALARY
$49,338 – $73,653 annually.  Appointment can be made above the minimum depending upon qualifications.
JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Three (3) years of experience in arts, design or collections management, including experience in managing arts projects, collections or programs.
• A bachelor’s degree in visual art, museum studies, arts conservation or related Art and Humanities field.
• An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered.
• Some positions require the use of a personal or City vehicle on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver’s license, and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two years of experience in arts budgeting, conservation, and maintenance planning.
• Proficiency in database and related collections management software.
• Experience in exhibition methods and practices.
• Experience preparing and making formal presentations.
• Knowledge of artwork construction and fabrication methods.
• Experience writing and managing grants is a plus.
• Experience developing and working with community partnerships is a plus.

HOW TO APPLY
Apply online by completing the required information and attaching your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above.
YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME, PLUS ANY OTHER REQUESTED MATERIAL, MUST BE IN ONE ATTACHMENT.  Only online applications are accepted for this position.  The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• For other important information related to employment with the City of Phoenix, please visit: https://employee.phoenix.gov/Documents/Employment_Information.pdf
• If you need assistance applying for this job, please contact our HR Center at (602) 262-6277.

REFERENCE
Arts Specialist, JC: 41210, ID#13296, 01/9/15, 3M, SH, Benefits:007, Q,
City of Phoenix employees demonstrate superior seamless customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and fiscally responsible activity.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.

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.

Conservation Services at the University of Kansas Libraries (Lawrence, KS) seeks applicants for the position of Assistant Conservator for Special Collections
Application deadline: February 23, 2015
Apply at: https://employment.ku.edu/staff/2712BR
Departmental Program Summary:
The Conservation Services Department provides leadership, coordination, expertise, and services within a comprehensive, system-wide program to preserve KU Libraries’ paper-based collections.

Position Summary:
The Assistant Conservator for Special Collections will serve a central role in the Stannard Conservation Laboratory with primary responsibility for special collections held by Kenneth Spencer Research Library. This position, under the direct supervision of the Head of Conservation Services, helps manage and undertake a range of mission-critical daily operations of the Stannard Conservation Laboratory including: evaluating damaged collections; making treatment decisions and performing conservation treatments on special collections materials; providing exhibition preparation and support; undertaking conservation assessments and surveys; and participating in emergency preparedness and response operations.
Position Description:
Conservation treatment—70%

• Drafts treatment proposals and specifications, and provides basic time estimates for work to be undertaken, for rare books, manuscripts, archival materials, and other paper-based library collections.
• Performs highly complex conservation tasks that require knowledge and expertise in multiple techniques to solve unique problems. Treatments applied in combination include but are not limited to conservation rebinding, rebacking and board reattachment; surface cleaning; aqueous washing and alkalization treatments; mending with various papers; lining; backing removal; tape and adhesive removal; matting and encapsulation; and enclosure construction.
• Carries out proposed treatments and repairs to library and archival materials with minimal supervision and in accordance with accepted standards for conservation practice.
• Documents treatments using a range of written and photographic techniques according to accepted standards for conservation practice.
• Selects and uses appropriate specialized tools and equipment appropriate for the treatment, including, but not limited to: hand tools, book presses, board shear, guillotine, ultrasonic welder, and suction table; may also perform maintenance on this equipment.
• Designs and constructs both simple and complex, custom-fitting enclosures for fragile materials bearing in mind the unique needs of those formats and their chemical interactions with the materials available for construction.
• Assists in the preparation of library materials for exhibition. Fabricates simple and complex mounts. Assists with installation and de-installation.

Project management—15%

• Develops and implements workflows for conservation projects.
• Provides technical advice on the housing, storage, handling and repair of special collections.
• Advises library staff on conservation principles and practices.

• Assists in training staff, students, interns, and volunteers, as necessary.

Departmental responsibilities—15%

• Serves on the Collections Emergency Response Team and assists with disaster preparedness and recovery operations following standard procedures.
• Undertakes collection surveys to assess condition and prioritize conservation treatments, as necessary.
• Assists with preventive programs such as environmental monitoring and pest management as needed.

• Stays current with developments in the field of library and archives conservation.

• Prepares, conducts, and participates in staff and public outreach and education efforts.
• Participates in departmental meetings and planning activities, including departmental goal-setting.
• Compiles statistics and prepares reports as appropriate.
• Assists with equipping the conservation laboratories to meet current and anticipated future treatment needs. May order supplies, tools, and equipment as needed.
• Participates in the broader work of KU Libraries by serving on committees, working groups, and task forces as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Required:

• B.A. degree
• 1 year relevant experience, including training in book or paper conservation.

Preferred:

• M.A. degree from a recognized conservation training program or related field, or demonstration of a similar level of education and training required for the conservation of rare materials.
• A portfolio of relevant work if selected for interview
• Demonstrated knowledge of physical and chemical mechanisms of deterioration of library and archives materials.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals, techniques, and history of book- binding, paper treatment, and conservation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of conservation ethics and practices relevant to research library and archival materials; commitment to the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Standards for Practice.
• Excellent manual dexterity and sustained concentration with delicate and occasionally repetitive tasks.
• Basic computer skills including word processing and use of spreadsheets.

• Competency in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign.
• Experience working in an academic research library.
• Experience managing conservation technicians or students.
• Experience evaluating and treating materials for digital imaging projects.
• Experience in exhibit preparation.
• Demonstrated record of continuing education in conservation through workshops, lectures, and conference attendance.
• Ability to communicate effectively about treatment options and decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Effective organizational skills.

 
For more information on Spencer Research Library’s collections, see: http://spencer.lib.ku.edu/
 

Paintings Conservator
Modern Art Conservation (New York, NY)

Modern Art Conservation, a New York City-based conservation studio, is seeking a fulltime conservator of modern and contemporary paintings. The applicant must be highly skilled in the practical treatment of modern and contemporary paintings and painted surfaces, be well versed in the theoretical discourse of the profession, and possess a knowledge of preventive conservation practices relating to the care of modern collections. A strong interest in structural conservation is a plus. The applicant should be proactive in collaboration with colleagues, have the ability to communicate effectively, in written and oral form, with a wide range of individuals including clients, artists, art handlers and other conservators, as well as have the ability to manage and work on multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines. She/he must show diplomacy and judgment and have a positive attitude and friendly demeanor.
Qualifications:
Master’s Degree from a recognized program with 3 or more years experience in paintings conservation; a career interest in the conservation of contemporary and modern paintings; US citizenship or Green Card; fluent in spoken and written English; physical strength to lift large and heavy artworks; ability to travel; strong interpersonal skills.
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and benefits are offered. The position is available immediately.
Please send a letter, resume with three professional references, two sample treatment reports, two sample condition reports and a summary of treated works/artists by February 25th to: pc2015@modernartconservation.com.