UNION LEAGUE CLUB OF CHICAGO
Position Title: Paintings Conservator
Reports to: Art Curator
Position Summary: Responsible for all examination, maintenance, preventative conservation measures and conservation treatments of the art collection of the Union League Club of Chicago. Provides support to the Art Department in exhibition, loan, acquisition, and collection management initiatives.
Essential Functions:
- Conducts annual collection survey. In consultation with Curator, creates, maintains, and updates conservation priority list.
- Responsible for all painting conservation treatments, and consults with Curator on an ongoing basis during course of treatment. Responsible for all written documentation as well as photographic documentation of conservation projects. Researches and advises on care of all other objects in collection.
- In charge of regular maintenance (such as dusting and cleaning glass, etc.) and preventive conservation measures for all works in the collection to protect art and keep safe from hazards (attach painting backing boards, new hardware, examine and advise on environmental/lighting issues and room setups).
- Alerts curator to environmental conditions and lighting conditions that may be hazardous to art work and suggests ways to improve these conditions.
- Interacts with Art Committee, as appropriate, advising of progress on specific treatments and on the priority list as a whole.
- Maintains and updates conservation and collection data in the collection management database (TMS).
- Examines artwork requested for loan (outgoing and incoming) and prepares objects for travel (including treatment). Prepares outgoing and incoming condition reports (written and visual documentation). Alerts curator to any changes that may be the result of travel and/or improper handling and care.
- Advises and assists with safe handling, storage, and installation of paintings, as needed by curator.
- Alerts staff to proper method of handling and moving art work and to potential hazards to art work (such as easels too close to paintings, steam tables directly underneath artwork). Apprises curator of all such hazards.
- Occasionally gives lectures about various conservation topics to membership and writes articles for State of the Union ULC member magazine) or website.
- Keeps informed on new conservation techniques, technology, and theory through membership in professional organizations, reading, workshops, and interaction with other conservators.
- In conjunction with the curator, monitors conservation budget and makes recommendation for equipment for future planning.
- Performs all other duties as assigned by the employer.
Qualifications and Skills:
Education: Graduate Degree from recognized conservation institution w/specialization in paintings conservation.
Experience: Minimum 3 years work experience (post-graduate work).
Additional Skills: Proven experience using different conservation methods, strong research, superior organizational skills, strong communication and public speaking skills. Working knowledge of TMS collection database system a plus. Digital photography proficiency. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Professional and friendly demeanor, sense of humor, along with a strong work ethic is required.
Contact information:
Kathy Mirek, HR Generalist
kmirek@ulcc.org
(312) 435-4816
Options for applying are:
-Faxing your resume to (312) 435-5971 with a cover page specifying your position of interest
-Emailing resume to kmirek@ulcc.org
-Filling out an application at our security entrance: 312 Federal St. Chicago, IL 60604