Job Title: Conservator of Objects, Part-Time
Open Period: Open Until Filled
WHO WE ARE
Artex is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive fine art service provider to museums, galleries, auction houses and private collectors. We specialize in the safe handling of fine art, antiques and museum objects of all kinds. We provide transportation, crating and packing, storage, installation, rigging, and conservation services to museums, galleries, and auction houses, as well as private and corporate collections. No matter the size or scope of the job, we provide solutions that meet or exceed the expectations of our clients, while ensuring them the most cost effective service possible. For this reason, ARTEX routinely chooses to handle the most complex and demanding of projects, ranging from entire museum relocations to the shipment of an individual piece.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Director of Conservation, the part-time Conservator of Objects will be responsible for carrying out the examination, documentation and treatment of sculpture and historic artifacts of stone, metal, ceramic, glass or organic material.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Carry out physical examination and documentation of artworks on behalf of ARTEX Fine Art Services by:
- Surveying the physical condition of artwork to develop treatment plan;
- Performing detailed examination of three-dimensional works of art and cultural heritage;
- Operating specialized equipment, such as microscopes, ultraviolet and infrared imaging and analytical instrumentation in the course of artwork examination and analysis;
- Preparing written reports on the materials, structure, and condition of artworks, and on treatments for permanent records;
- Performing digital photography as well as image processing;
- Adhering to accepted professional standards and to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice in all aspects of examination and documentation.
- Carry out complete conservation and restoration procedures of minor to major complexity on works three-dimensional works of art and cultural heritage, by:
- Carrying out preventive and remedial conservation treatments including structural repairs, cleaning, coatings removal and replacement, protective mounts and frames, and climate control recommendations;
- Preparing artworks for safe display, exhibition, loan, photography, or storage, including knowledge of housing materials, hardware, and museum storage and display standards.
- Operating specialized conservation equipment such as compressed air tools such as airbrushes sprayers, and hand tools, heated suction tables, spatulas and pens, aerosol generator, etc. used in the course of specialized conservation work;
- Enforcing and maintaining the highest standards of health and safety when working with hazardous materials, chemicals, and while carrying out all duties.
- Perform other related duties, as required, including but not restricted to:
- Providing consultation and advice on conservation needs;
- Providing conservation estimates;
- Scheduling conservation examinations, site visits, and projects;
- Coordinating with ARTEX transport, storage, and other services.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The ideal candidate will possess the following education, experience and competencies and attributes as minimum qualifications:
EDUCATION: Master’s degree in Art Conservation, or equivalent combination of conservation training and experience.
EXPERIENCE: 5+ years of extensive experience in the examination and treatment of three-dimensional art and cultural heritage artifacts.
COMPETENCIES AND ATTRIBUTES:
- Demonstrated working knowledge of materials, techniques, and ethics of artwork conservation;
- Extremely fine manual skills, coordination, and precision;
- High degree of patience, concentration, and attention to detail;
- Ability to carry out routine procedures that have a low degree of tolerance of error due to interruption, distraction, or effect of fatigue;
- Perception of subtle differences in materials and in changes as treatment proceeds;
- Sound / critical judgment in a work situation that has attendant and constant risks of damage to works of art;
- Demonstrated judgment regarding when to seek assistance or advice;
- Ability to work effectively under pressure of deadlines and departmental objectives relating to efficiency and productive use of work time;
- Ability to interact and work effectively with colleagues and clients as a positive and productive team member;
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the materials and techniques of traditional easel paintings on canvas, wood, and related supports;
- Thorough understanding of the mechanisms of physical, chemical, and biological deterioration of materials making up artworks;
- Sound knowledge of the principles, processes, and practices involved in the preservation and treatment of artworks, both traditional and the most recent developments;
- Understanding of safe handling, framing, crating, shipping and exhibition practices;
- Administrative skills including processing of written and photographic documentation, ordering or purchasing of materials and equipment, and many aspects of project assistance or coordination as required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE (strongly preferred):
- Advanced skills in: examining artworks to establish their physical condition; distinguishing between original materials and later additions, recommending conservation measures and carrying through to completion restoration operations of minor to major complexity;
- Knowledge of the materials and techniques of modern artworks in addition to traditional artworks;
- Experience in a major fine art gallery or museum.
COMPENSATION:
The compensation package will be commensurate with education and experience.
HOW TO APPLY
If you feel that you possess the experience and qualifications outlined, please submit your cover letter, resume and salary requirements to our HR department at jobs_dc@artexfas.com for immediate review/consideration.
Please put “Conservator of Objects – PT” in subject line.
Consideration will be granted ONLY to those who possess the minimum requirements as stipulated. Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply. Artex, Inc. is a federal contractor and an EOE AA M/F/VET/DISABLED employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, medical condition or disability or protected veteran status. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (301) 350-5500.
