ASSISTANT SCULPTURE AND DECORATIVE ARTS CONSERVATOR
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Conservator to join the Sculpture and Decorative Arts Conservation Department in preservation and conservation of a wide range of objects, including sculpture, ethnographic objects, furniture, decorative arts and textiles. This position will assist the Head of Objects Conservation with treatment, maintenance and preventive care for three-dimensional objects in the museum’s permanent collection through examination, technical analysis, conservation research, documentation and treatment of objects. The successful candidate must demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to the highest conservation standards in order to preserve the integrity and historic significance of each work of art. Also, he/she must demonstrate proficiency in high quality and aesthetically appropriate conservation treatments in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. The Assistant Conservator duties will include public relations and educational responsibilities such as conservation studio tours; speaking to visiting groups; assisting with workshops, seminars and lectures related to conservation; responding to public inquiries; and training museum staff in collections care. He/she will also assist with the maintenance of departmental records through accurate written and photographic documentation. For more information about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, please go to www.vmfa.museum.
Qualifications: Applicants must have a graduate degree from a recognized art conservation training program, specializing in objects plus a minimum of 5 years postgraduate experience or equivalent experience, education, and training. A minimum of one-year, full-time employment in an objects conservation laboratory setting under the supervision of an objects conservator is also required. The successful candidate must have a thorough knowledge of conservation principles and practices; knowledge of analytical techniques frequently used in conservation; and knowledge of safe methods of handling chemicals and hazardous materials based on OSHA standards. He/she must demonstrate the ability to propose and perform treatments based on an evaluation of the aesthetic, historic, and scientific characteristics of a wide range of objects; the ability to document treatments in written and photographic form; and skill in writing clear, succinct and accurate condition and treatment reports and proposals. He/she must be proficient in operating photographic and scientific equipment and conducting materials testing. Frequent domestic and/or international travel is likely required during the tenure of the successful candidate. Experience with word processing, spreadsheets and database software is also required. The selected candidate will have the ability to work independently and in concert with other museum co-workers and outside contractors. The successful candidate must be able to wear a respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridges and successfully pass a security background check.
To apply, log onto the Commonwealth of Virginia Online Employment System at https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com to submit your application, letter of intent and resume no later than August 21, 2015. Please contact the HR office at 804.340.1485 if you need assistance. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. EOE
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AIC Blog Archives: Conservators Converse
Former Blog of the American Institute for Conservation