JOB VACANCY
Conservation Engineer, Objects
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Under the general direction of the Head of Objects Conservation and the chair of Conservation and Collections Management, the Conservation Engineer will perform duties related to monumental sculpture projects including their preparation for exhibition, transport, and storage, as well as aspects of conservation. Essential functions include: research materials, develop, design, and fabricate object mounts and mounting systems for large-scale objects and architectural elements, both ancient and modern, for display and storage; work with structural engineers contracted for specific oversize object projects in the development of support systems and earthquake mitigation methods; attend exhibition planning meetings, assist in budget preparations, present installation requirements, provide mounting solutions, and communicate with project managers, designers, conservators, registrars, and facilities staff; supervise the movement of large-scale objects, and design and execute packing and transport systems; install and oversee installation of large-scale objects; in consultation with associated curators and conservators, and with assistance as required, conduct treatment and reconstruction of monumental sculpture and architecture; manage and perform regular maintenance for monumental sculpture in both outdoor and interior environments, including outdoor sculpture owned by the City of Boston; keep abreast of latest developments concerning area of specialty through professional publications, courses, and conferences; maintain written and photographic documentation of all work, and perform data entry as required in Artemis, the Museum’s database management system (training provided); create and produce mounting records and reports; order and maintain shop materials and equipment; travel as courier to install or deinstall exhibitions.
Candidates must have a B.A. in art-related field or equivalent knowledge and experience, and a minimum of seven years of experience in art museum installations and art transport, with a focus on moving, handling, packing, and mounting of three-dimensional, large-scale objects. Candidates must have knowledge of: packing and crating; conservation issues related to display, packing, and shipping of art; earthquake damage mitigation; use of heavy equipment; fasteners and anchoring systems; mount fabrication techniques, including metalworking for brass, aluminum, and steel; mold-making and casting; use of synthetic adhesives, such as acrylics, epoxy resins, fiberglass, carbon fiber; pinning systems to join stone elements, setting of anchors and pins. The successful candidate must work well under pressure and as part of a team, have proven ability to work alone and be self-motivated, and give directions to and oversee others in execution of large-scale object handling. Candidates must possess reasonable physical strength, dexterity, and stamina.
This is a full-time term position (with full-time benefits) through June 30, 2016.
Application materials are being accepted immediately. For consideration, please submit letter of interest and résumé to: resumes@mfa.org
Application materials may also be submitted via postal mail to: Human Resources Department, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. Confirmation of receipt of complete applications will be sent via e-mail. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks diversity in its workforce.