Month: September 2015

Job Posting: Associate Paper Conservator – Oliver Brothers (Boston, MA)

Position Description
Oliver Brothers, ( www.OliverBrothersOnline.com ) is seeking a part-time, experienced conservator Paper Conservator to work in our Beverly location, 25 miles north of Boston, MA, Oliver Brothers is a multidisciplinary conservation firm that specializes in the repair and preservation of a wide variety of artistic and cultural property. Our studio treats a wide variety of paper-based objects both Western and Asian, historic and contemporary, including, drawings, watercolors, fine art prints, screens, scrolls, manuscripts, maps, posters, photographs and all forms of archival materials. The ideal candidate should be familiar with a wide range of conservation treatments and have the ability to problem solve as unique treatment issues arise.
Primary Responsibilities

  • Assessment and evaluation of works on paper
  • Perform conservation treatments of works on paper
  • Maintaining workflow by completing treatments in a timely manner with written documentation.
  • Preparation of condition reports, treatment proposals, treatment records and other documentation of works on paper
  • Other responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time

Position Requirements

  • Possess a degree in conservation with demonstrated specialization in paper-based works of art from a recognized conservation training program or equivalent
  • Have at least 2 years of practical post-graduate experience with paper-based works
  • Experience with treating photographic materials is desirable
  • Have a good general knowledge of fine art techniques, and art historical periods and styles; including modern and contemporary art,
  • A good understanding of materials and techniques as they relate to paper conservation
  • Ability to demonstrate expertise in diverse conservation techniques and theories
  • Be an innovative and enthusiastic team player with strong critical thinking and applied problem solving skills
  • Have strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills

Hours:
15-20 hours a week; flexible scheduling within a Monday through Friday 9 am – 5 pm schedule
Oliver Brothers is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and should email a cover letter, resume, and salary history to hr@oliverbrothersonline.com. Please put “Paper Conservator” in the subject line of your email.

Was the novelist prescient or had he heard about the opening of the conservation program?

For many years I have been compiling a bibliography of works of fiction which in some manner deal with conservation and restoration. Quite often these works are mysteries that feature conservators whose lives are quite removed from the reality of the conservators I know. The protagonist of Georges Perec’s “Portrait of a Man Known as Il Condottiere” is a conservator turned forger turned murderer whose life is likewise quite removed (I hope) from that of  the average conservator. However, one detail in the description of his training in conservation stunned me: “Gaspard Winckler, trained at the Ecole du Louvre, holding a diploma in Painting Conservation from New York University and  the Metropolitan Museum, New York,…”
While the novel was not published until 2012—decades after Perec’s death–it is believed that he wrote the final version  in 1959 just before he left France for a job in Tunisia. In 1959, the NYU conservation program was just forming its first class of students. Unless Perec was prescient, the program must have been well advertised internationally.

Connecting to Collections Care Fall Webinar Series

Check out our fall round up of Connecting to Collections Care Webinars!
Join us for any or all of these webinars. They are free!
September 24, 2015, “Troublesome Trophies and Fragile Feathered Friends: Introduction to the Care of Historic Taxidermy”  1:00 – 2:30 EDT (90 minutes)
http://www.connectingtocollections.org/troublesome-trophies-and-fragile-feathered-friends-introduction-to-the-care-of-historic-taxidermy/
October 8, 2015, “Insurance 101: Practical Considerations for Protecting Institutional Collections and Loans” 2:00 – 3:00 EDT (60 minutes)
http://www.connectingtocollections.org/insurance-101-practical-considerations-for-protecting-institutional-collections-and-loans/
October 27, 2015, “Marking and Labeling Collections” 2:00 – 3:30 EDT (90 minutes)
http://www.connectingtocollections.org/marking-and-labeling-collections/
November 19, 2015, “The Deaccessioning Dilemma: Laws, Ethics, and Actions” 2:00 – 3:30 EST (90 minutes)
http://www.connectingtocollections.org/the_deaccessioning_dilemma_laws_ethics_and_actions/
December 3, 2015, “Seasonal Affective Disorder: Caring for Collections During Seasonal Special Events” 2:00 – 3:00 EST (60 minutes)
http://www.connectingtocollections.org/seasonal-affective-disorder-caring-for-collections-during-seasonal-special-events/

Job Posting: Collection Management Specialist – Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC)

Job Title:Collections Management Specialist

Agency:Smithsonian Institution

Job Announcement Number:15R-JW-300916-DEU-NCP
This position serves as a Collections Management Specialist reporting to the Director of the National Collections Program (NCP). The incumbent collaborates with NCP staff to carry out the office’s mission, which is dedicated to improving the overall stewardship and management of Smithsonian collections by providing central leadership and policy oversight of Institution-wide collections initiatives. This position serves as a principal advisor on Smithsonian collections emergency management and collections management professional development training.

DUTIES:

The incumbent is responsible for planning, developing, and coordinating implementation of the Smithsonian’s collections emergency management and collections management professional development programs. Duties include:

  • Planning, developing, and implementing policies and procedures for Smithsonian-wide collections emergency management.
  • Developing and coordinating implementation of the Smithsonian’s collections emergency management plan, including preparedness, response, and recovery policies, procedures, training, and logistical support, working closely with Smithsonian collecting units, the Office of Emergency Management, and other central offices to ensure collections-related issues are integrated and addressed by the Smithsonian’s general emergency management program.
  • Developing and providing leadership of the Preparedness and Response in Collections Emergencies (PRICE) committee.
  • Planning, developing, and coordinating implementation of the Smithsonian’s collections management professional development program to ensure the successful application of Smithsonian collections management policy standards and professional best practices.
  • Developing, conducting, and facilitating a series of professional development training and continuing education opportunities on Smithsonian collections and collections management for Smithsonian staff with direct and indirect responsibilities for collections care.

For more information, or to apply, visit the posting directly:
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/415375700
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/415379400

What does the onlooker get from the experience?

According to Eve M. Kahn’s “Antiques” column ( “Repairing a Famous Catch”, The New York Times, September 11, 2015), the L.C. Bates Museum’s twelve foot long preserved marlin (caught by Ernest Hemingway in the Bahamas in the 1930s) will undergo conservation treatment in the museum gallery. Conservation is slow and laborious. Many of the processes are not dramatic or even interesting to the uninformed onlooker.  Whenever I hear about a conservation project done in full view of the public, I wonder what understanding of the conservator’s work will the visitor who watches for five minutes or even an hour take away from the experience.
 

Job Posting: Digital Preservation Specialist – Qatar Preservation Library (Doha, Qatar)

Qatar National Library has an open vacancy for a Digital Preservation Specialist and we would like to ask you kindly if is possible to advertise in  the IAC page again, details of the vacancy are:
Qatar National Library has a new opening for a Digital Preservation Specialist position, if interested please send us your CV to recruitment@qf.org.qa
Job Purpose:
The Digital preservation Specialist is the key professional member of the Library digitization team. This position will develop Oral history program, scope, standards, and future direction. S/he works closely and in partnership with the QNL’s Archivist to identify, record and create METADATA for long term preservation.
Key Result Areas

  • Serve as a senior mentor, role model and coach, bringing knowledge of the professional standards of the oral history profession to Qatar National Library Digitization program.
  • Carry out high priority interviews from start to completion—including but not limited to archival research, interviewing, editing, following up with interviewees, and preparing final interview materials for deposit in the QNL Archives.
  • Create training materials and direct workshops for oral history volunteers.
  • Collaborate with the Library’s Special Collection and Archives team to develop oral history program, scope, standards, and future direction.
  • Identify and prioritize oral history topics, themes, and individual interviews to be pursued.
  • Develop METADATA for oral history items as per international current standards
  • Set standards and ensure quality control throughout the oral history program, for example, documenting best practices, reviewing completed interviews, and advising on resolution of sensitive issues as they arise.
  • Serve as the National Library’s professional oral history advocate, speaking and writing about its oral history program
  • Identify oral history opportunities of potential interest to outside funding sources and prepare proposals for oral history program support.
  • Work with providers from within and outside the Library to evaluate current technology appropriate for capturing oral histories.
  • Maintain a broad network of contacts with professionals engaged in oral history in order to promote professionalism and new ideas within the Qatar National Library oral history program.
  • Keep abreast of developments, trends and issues in areas of responsibility
  • Participate in team work and committees as needed
  • Perform miscellaneous duties and conduct special projects as assigned
  • Familiarize, understand and implement QF health, safety, and environment policy, procedures, legal regulations and objectives applicable to areas of responsibility.
  • Ensures coordination with HSE department in implementing, monitoring and reviewing of HSE performance to ensure work under his/her control is performed in a safe, healthy and environmentally sound manner.
  • This position includes, but is not limited to, other duties as required and defined by the scope, purpose, and spirit of the institution and are not always indicative of the title and grade of the position

Job Requirements

  • Diploma in any Arts and Design or related fields
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience in Oral History operations and support
  • Strong knowledge of capturing Oral History with at least 2 years of demonstrated interview experience (including carrying out research and editing transcripts)
  • Strong knowledge of digital data preservation for long term
  • Strong facilitation, communication, and conflict resolution skills, both verbal and written
  • Audio and video production and editing skills desirable
  • Strong knowledge of standards and best practices related to Oral history and IT Operations and support
  • Experience developing and sustaining outstanding working relations with a very diverse community of Qatar and the region
  • Knowledge of copyright law
  • High level of computer literacy with spreadsheets, word processing and database software and/or business systems (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, VISIO, VB, other graphic software).
  • Good to have a detailed and analytical approach with hands-on experience with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project) and strong organizational skills.
  • Established connections within the oral history profession highly desirable
  • In-depth understanding of the Qatar and Arab Region culture is required
  • Be able to work independently as well as in a team.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills as well as written/oral communications skills in supporting client needs are essential.
  • Perform miscellaneous duties and conduct special projects as assigned
  • Familiarize, understand and implement QF health, safety, and environment policy, procedures, legal regulations and objectives applicable to areas of responsibility.
  • Ensures coordination with HSE department in implementing, monitoring and reviewing of HSE performance to ensure work under his/her control is performed in a safe, healthy and environmentally sound manner.
  • This position includes, but is not limited to, other duties as required and defined by the scope, purpose, and spirit of the institution and are not always indicative of the title and grade of the position

For more information about Qatar National Library or Qatar Foundation, please feel free to visit www.qnl.qa or www.qf.org.qa

NCPTT accepting grant applications through November 3, 2015

NCPTTNational Center for Preservation Technology and Training is now accepting grant applications for two grant programs. In addition to the annual Preservation Technology and Training Grants that award up to $40,000 for research and technology, NCPTT has a new Media Grants Program. The latter program provides up to $15,000 to develop videos, mobile applications, online publications and more.
For more information, check out NCPTT’s website at https://ncptt.nps.gov/grants/

C2CC Webinar 9/24/15: Troublesome Trophies and Fragile Feathered Friends: Introduction to the Care of Historic Taxidermy

Sign up now for the September 24, 2015 (1:00 – 2:30 EDT) Connecting to Collections Care webinar on caring for Taxidermy specimens. It’s Free.
http://www.connectingtocollections.org/troublesome-trophies-and-fragile-feathered-friends-introducti…
Troublesome Trophies and Fragile Feathered Friends: Introduction to the Care of Historic Taxidermy
Taxidermy mounts are challenging composite artifacts susceptible to damage from both environmental and biological factors.  Whether a single trophy mount graces your historic home, several form a diorama in your museum, or you have a collection of natural science specimens, knowing how mounts are made, how they deteriorate and how to care for them is essential for their preservation.  This webinar is an introduction to the care of taxidermy by a master taxidermist and an objects conservator.  The presentation will cover what to look for in a mount to help determine its manner of construction and perhaps its age, how mounts typically deteriorate over time and how to provide proper preventive care.  If refurbishment is necessary, taxidermists and conservators often have differing approaches and the presenters will describe what to expect from the process. Health and safety concerns in dealing with older mounts will also be covered.
Featured Speakers:
George Dante, Founder, Wildlife Preservations, has more than 30 years of experience as a taxidermist, model maker, illustrator and fine artist and  Eugenie Milroy is a Professional Associate member of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) with over 20 years of museum and conservation experience.

Job Posting: Staff Conservator, US Department of the Navy, Museum Management (Richmond, VA)

Job Title:Staff Conservator (Museum Management)

Department:Department of the Navy
Agency:Immediate Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

Job Announcement Number:NE51015-11-1494524NM184841D

SALARY RANGE:

 $49,382.00 to $77,672.00 / Per Year

OPEN PERIOD:

 Saturday, August 29, 2015 to Friday, September 4, 2015

SERIES & GRADE:

 GS-1015-09/11

POSITION INFORMATION:

 Full Time – Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:

11

DUTY LOCATIONS:

 2 vacancies in the following location:
Richmond, VA View Map

WHO MAY APPLY:

 United States Citizens

SECURITY CLEARANCE:

 Secret

SUPERVISORY STATUS:

 No

JOB SUMMARY:

The Navy and Marine Corps team offers innovative, exciting and meaningful work linking military and civilian talents to achieve our mission and safeguard our freedoms. Department of the Navy provides competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and extensive professional development and training. From pipefitters to accountants, scientists to engineers, doctors to nurses-the careers and opportunities to make a difference are endless. Civilian careers-where purpose and patriotism unite!
The mission of the Naval History and Heritage Command is to collect, preserve, protect, and make available the artifacts, documents, and art that best embody our naval history and heritage for present and future generations; advance the knowledge of naval history and heritage through professional research, analysis, interpretation, products and services; make naval history and heritage “come alive” for our Sailors and Marines to enhance readiness and esprit de corps.  This position is located in the Conservation Branch of the Collections Management Division and is responsible for the preservation and conservation of artifacts, textiles, artwork and paper collections and assists other branches and commands in the conservation of large artifacts.
For more details, visit https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/414369800