THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Assistant/Associate Conservator/Paper Conservation Department
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s finest museums, seeks an Assistant/Associate Conservator in the Paper Conservation Department. This position undertakes a wide range of conservation procedures on Western historic, modern and contemporary drawings, prints; miniatures on vellum, paper and ivory; manuscript illuminations on vellum, Islamic and Indian paintings, paintings on palm leaf (individual leaves and bound albums), wallpaper and other materials that are under the jurisdiction of the Paper Conservation Department. Conservation procedures include treatment, examination, evaluating new acquisitions, condition checking of works entering and leaving the Museum, surveying of works in the collection, analysis and identification of materials and structure, by chemical and instrumental means, to determine condition, authenticity, and proposals for treatment and housing. In addtion, all works conserved are photographed and electronically documented, discussed with supervisor prior to treatment and initiate and assist with approved research supporting technical art history, conservation treatment, and preservation. Ancillary conservation procedures include but are not limited to laboratory management tasks undertaken with other members of the department, such as organization and maintenance of conservation supplies, equipment and chemicals according to established safety procedures, preparing chemical solutions, consolidants and adhesives for treatment, obtaining product information, testing materials for treatment, and preparation of materials for laboratory workshops. This full-time position is scheduled to end on December 31, 2015.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
- The examination, analysis, documentation and treatment of assigned works of art.
- Carrying out condition examination of works to be loaned, or on loan, or to be acquired.
- Assisting in the management and maintenance of the laboratory including the preparation of chemical reagents and solutions.
- Assisting in the housing and hinging of works of art.
- Other related duties
Requirements and Qualifications: Experience and Skills:
- Demonstrated excellence in performing complex conservation treatments.
- Excellent manual skills.
- Ability to maintain attention to detail and to sustain focus on long term projects. High quality work as well as efficient use of time is valued.
- Working knowledge of chemical and material sciences.
- Knowledge of preservation standards for archival matting and housing, for environmental conditions.
- Ability to use digital cameras and electronic resources in documenting treatment.
- Ability to devise conservation strategies based on knowledge of materials, chemical processes, and aesthetic and ethical considerations.
- In depth knowledge of the history of paper, papermaking, artists’ materials and art.
- Ability to work effectively and constructively both independently and as part of a team, be attentive and engaged with laboratory activities.
- Demonstrated interest in works of art, their fabrication and history, and aesthetic criteria in relation to individual’s conservation projects.
- Excellent verbal communication skills, excellent written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills, time management skills, including the ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines and achieve goals.
- Ability to work cooperatively at all times with a large group of conservators and curators.
- Willingness to accept supervision and guidance.
- Attentiveness to conservation issues taking place in the laboratory.
Knowledge and Education:
- A graduate degree in Conservation (a Masters or Certificate/Masters) from an accredited university, including course work in chemistry and material science.
- Specialization in paper conservation in graduate level conservation studies, and in subsequent employment.
- A minimum of two years post graduate internship or fellowship in paper conservation, or a minimum of five years of professional paper conservation experience, preferably in a museum conservation laboratory.
Please send cover letter, resume, and salary history to careers@metmuseum.org with “Assistant/Associate Conservator/Paper Conservation” in the subject line. Please submit by June 5, 2015. 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.