Month: January 2016

SAINT LOUIS ART MUSEUM

Employment Opportunity 

JOB DESCRIPTION: Assistant/ Associate/ Paper Conservator
Grade J, K, or M (exempt)
REPORTS TO: Head of Conservation
SUPERVISES: Conservation Technician and grant funded interns under the direction of the Head of Conservation
SPECIFICATIONS: Degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent and a minimum of 4 years conservation experience in paper conservation is required. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and will have a starting range in the mid-$40,000 (assistant) to mid-$60,000 (conservator) yearly with comprehensive benefits.  Experience in administration and staff supervision is preferred.
JOB PURPOSE: The Saint Louis Art Museum seeks a collegial, collaborative, and energetic paper conservator to join its dynamic conservation team. SLAM’s growing collection of over 14,000 works in the prints, drawings, and photography collection spans the 16^th – 21^st centuries with notable works by both Eastern and Western masters. An ideal candidate will have a broad and solid foundation in paper conservation treatment techniques and be capable of collaborating with other conservation staff to solve unique preservation challenges. A successful candidate will relish in the opportunity to oversee the conservation of masterworks and will possess the attention to treatment and general preservation details that such works require. The candidate will also have an excellent sense of project management and conscientious observations of deadlines. As the museum’s conservator of paper, the candidate will be expected to plan, supervise, and participate in the conservation and restoration of works on paper in the collections of the Saint Louis Art Museum, as well as, advise the Museum generally on the care of these collections; and to assist in determining conservation policy for the Museum.
DUTIES, WORK PERFORMED:
Examine and appraise physical condition of the Museum’s permanent collections:

• Assess deterioration and damage, and potential complications involved in treatment.
• Design and carry out conservation treatment in consultation with the Curator of Prints, Drawings and Photographs.
• Provide written and photographic documentation to record condition of objects, treatments proposed, and treatments performed.
• Recommend other Conservators outside his or her field of expertise and review their treatment proposals.
• Advise on preventative maintenance in the Museum as a whole in the areas of environment, handling, storage, and installation.
• Examine works on paper prior to acquisition to aid the Curatorial staff in determining their physical and aesthetic condition, as well as their authenticity.
• Examine works requested for loan to determine suitability for travel and to document their condition, and advise the Registrar and others on any special packing and shipping considerations.
• Supervise the technician assigned to the department of prints, drawings and photographs, and in particular, review the design and fabrication of mats and frames for the collection.
• Advise the Registrar and Curators on the installation, storage and maintenance of works on paper in the collection.

Administer the Paper Conservation Lab:

• Assist in preparing, monitoring and controlling the budget.
• Recommend acquisition of new equipment.
• Monitor and order conservation supplies.

SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:  None
The above statements of this job description describe the general duties and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They do not claim to describe all of the functions of this position. Employees may be assigned other duties and the essential functions may change or be changed from time to time.
Applicants should apply through the Museum’s website – www.slam.org. Applicants to previous postings do not need to reapply to be considered.

Samuel H. Kress Fellowship in Painting Conservation
Appointment: two and one half years with a possible renewal for an additional year
The Kress Program in Painting Conservation, The Conservation Center of the Institute of Fine Arts, NYU
The Kress Program in Painting Conservation was established in 1989 to care for the approximately one thousand paintings in the dispersed Kress Collection, now principally located in eighteen public and private museums and twenty-three university study collections across the United States. The other, no less important, objective was to train young American conservators in the classical tradition of restoration of Old Master paintings long espoused by the Kress Foundation, which has generously funded the program.
A two and one half years fellowship is open to graduates in painting conservation from a recognized post-baccalaureate training program (Masters or PhD level) in either the United States or abroad. Work experience in research or conservation practice after graduation is desirable. The candidate’s principal interest must be the restoration and conservation of Old Master Paintings, primarily of the Italian Schools.
The Fellow will work under the direction of Dianne Dwyer Modestini, Conservation Consultant to the Samuel Kress Foundation, Conservator of the Kress Program, and Research Professor of the Conservation Center of the Institute of Fine Arts, NYU. Duties include: conservation of paintings from the dispersed Kress holdings of various museums nationwide; occasional site visits to regional galleries and study collections to perform condition surveys; and assisting Professor Modestini with her studio class for paintings conservation majors. The Fellow coordinates the documentation for the Kress paintings conserved and studied in the program and prepares reports for the IFA web site. Participation in public outreach activities is required on a case-by-case basis. The candidate should be proficient in the study of paint samples both in cross-section and with PLM and be familiar with the use of SEM, FTIR, XRF, IRR and X-radiography. Excellent English prose style is required and a reading knowledge of Italian is desirable.
The stipend is $41,000 plus benefits. There is also an annual travel budget of $5000 to attend national and international professional events or perform research related to specific paintings.
The successful candidate should be able to begin by March 15, 2016 at the latest.
Please provide the following documents: Cover letter, Statement of Interest, CV or Resume, and contact information for two letters of recommendation from teachers or colleagues familiar with your professional experience. Please submit your documents by February 15, 2016 through the NYU web site: www.nyuopsearch.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=52809 (copy & paste in your browser if the link does not work).
 
For specific questions please contact dianne.modestini@nyu.edu or hannelore.roemich@nyu.edu
 
Note: Please enter the names and email addresses of both your references in the system. After all the required documents have been uploaded you will receive a confirmation number

POSITION: Assistant Drawings Conservator
EMPLOYER: The J. Paul Getty Trust
Job Summary:
The J. Paul Getty Museum is seeking an Assistant Conservator to oversee the care, preservation, and technical study of its collection of old master drawings. As a member of the Department of Paper Conservation, the Assistant Conservator’s work is conducted in close collaboration with the Getty Museum Department of Drawings with its active exhibition, acquisition, research, publication, and loan programs. Duties in this full time position include all aspects of the examination and conservation treatment of drawings and other works of art on paper and the documentation thereof, including technical and materials analysis; familiarity and experience with established institutional preventative conservation practices is also required. The candidate is also responsible for a broad range of other types of works of art on paper that are included in many of the Museum’s special exhibitions.
The Department of Paper Conservation conducts an active and influential program of conservation and study of the three Getty Museum paper collections (Drawings, Manuscripts and Photographs) with emphasis on their continual rotating exhibition, loans, and publication programs. The Assistant Conservator will report to the Senior Conservator; will also work closely and collaboratively with colleagues across the Museum and other Getty Trust programs, notably the scientific staff of the Getty Conservation Institute.
Major Job Responsibilities:

• Examination, documentation, study, and treatment of drawings and other works on paper, including evaluation of new and proposed acquisitions
• Research and work toward the development of improved understanding of the collections and methodologies for their long-term preservation
• Oversight of all conservation and preservation needs for regular Drawings exhibitions and special exhibitions involving works of art on paper, including loans; participates in the planning and implementation of these exhibitions; advises on effective and safe presentation of artworks
• Collaboration with Drawings curators and outside colleagues to investigate materials and techniques
• Support of loan programs, incoming and outgoing, through his/her expertise
• Development and maintenance of standards for Drawings handling, storage, installation, packing and shipping, including loans
• Oversight of handling of drawings by all staff members
• Development and research of best practices for conservation treatment and the exhibition of works of art
• May organize and conduct presentations of material for classes, other scholarly groups, and professional gatherings
• Communication with professional colleagues on a regular basis and participation in professional organizations

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree; MA in conservation or equivalent degree preferred
• 2-4 years experience in conservation

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated abilities in the examination, analysis, documentation, and treatment of works of art on paper and ability to operate related technical, analytical and imaging equipment
• Background in chemistry, physics, art history and knowledge of production methods and techniques for works of art on paper
• Effective verbal and written communicator to a variety of audiences
• Scholarship and publications
• Problem-solving and time management skills; ability to work on several projects simultaneously is essential
• Proven ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of Word, e-mail, Excel, and basic office software

TO APPLY: https://jobs-getty.icims.com/jobs/2695/assistant-drawings-conservator/job

Fellowship in Paper Conservation
Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts
The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts, the non-profit paper conservation laboratory located in Philadelphia, PA, is pleased to offer a twelve-month fellowship in the conservation of works on paper beginning September 1, 2016.  The candidate will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of paper-based materials, in a modern, well-equipped conservation laboratory.  The candidate may also have the opportunity to participate in on-site collection surveys, treatment projects, and educational programs.
The applicant should have a Master’s Degree from a recognized conservation training program or have equivalent experience from a formal apprenticeship.   Stipend is based on a salary of $30,000/year plus benefits, two weeks vacation, two weeks research leave, and a $2,000 travel allowance.  Interested applicants should send a resume, three letters of professional reference, and three sample treatment reports to Mary Schobert, Director of Conservation, CCAHA, 264 South 23rd Street, Philadelphia, PA  19103.   Deadline for applications is March 4, 2016.

Associate Conservator
Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University
Grade 56
The Associate Conservator conducts conservation examinations and surveys, undertakes and documents preventative and interventive conservation activities, provides support to the museum’s conservation department in exhibition, loan, acquisition, and curatorial initiatives.  Reports to the Senior Conservator.
Conservation (80%):

• Performs a range of conservation examinations and treatments, including stabilizing and cleaning of organic and inorganic materials.
• Conducts collection surveys and analyzes results in consultation with the Conservator and/or Senior Conservator.
• Completes written technical examinations including history/fabrication technology and selected material analysis in accordance with departmental standards.
• Performs photographic documentation and updates technical reports in museum database.
• Undertakes routine bi-monthly environmental monitoring activities, producing a comprehensive report on the environmental status of the museum facility and troubleshooting issues with the Conservator and Building Manager.
• Conducts insect/pest identifications as part of the Museum’s Integrated Pest Management program; generates bi-monthly IPM reports and advises collections staff on related pest management issues.
• Implements procedures to address preservation problems in consultation with the Senior Conservator and other collections staff.
• Serves as courier for museum loans as required.

Consultation (20%):

• Provides exhibition checks and technical advice on preventative conservation measures for objects in storage in collaboration with collections management staff.
• Advises on appropriate temperature, humidity, and light levels for museum galleries and storage spaces.
• Advises staff on appropriate storage systems for complex fragile objects and develops prototypes for storage containers and object re-housing.
• Supervises conservation interns on designated projects.
• Supports the conservation department’s mission and responsibilities and performs other duties as required.

Position Requirements:
 Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Conservation and 3+ years of museum experience with 1+ in conservation.

Additional Qualifications:

• Demonstrated excellence performing conservation treatments.
• Knowledge of cultural history, technology, and materials of three-dimensional objects as well as a good understanding of chemical and physical processes of deterioration.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Good analytical and problem solving skills; ability to establish and achieve priorities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to lift 35-40 lbs.
• Position may require long periods of standing and bending.
• The work associated with this position is primarily performed in a conservation lab.
• This individual will be using specialized conservation tools, equipment and solvents.
• Must be aware of environmental hazards posed by substances such as solvents and mold and appropriate, safe methods of working with such substances.

For additional information and to apply for this position, see http://hr.harvard.edu/search-jobs, position number 37856BR.