THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Assistant/Associate Conservator
The Objects Conservation Department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art upholds the highest professional standards in the conservation of the Museum’s three-dimensional works of art. The Assistant or Associate Conservator will be part of a team responsible for conservation of the Asian Art collection consisting of over 35,000 objects in a wide range of materials, spanning 5,000 years. The Assistant or Associate Conservator’s principal responsibility will be for the metalwork, comprising more than 4,000 objects, mainly of gold, silver, and copper alloys, some from archaeological contexts, and exhibiting a variety of methods of manufacture and decoration. The Assistant or Associate Conservator will collaborate with others on the conservation of objects of mixed media including metals.
This is a full-time permanent position.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
- Undertake conservation of metal objects in the Asian Art collection, including examination, treatment, and oversight of environmental conditions in storerooms and galleries.
- Examine objects for acquisition, incoming or outgoing loans and gifts.
- Examine objects concerning material identification and technology, including use of analytical instrumentation such as x-radiography and microscopy.
- Prepare samples for analysis by the Department of Scientific Research, and communicate with scientists regarding goals and results.
- Liaise with conservators, curators, technicians, riggers, Buildings staff, Exhibitions staff, and Registrar.
- Prepare visual and written documentation of treatments and research, and file according to department protocols.
- Travel domestically and internationally as needed to examine, treat, and courier artworks in connection with loans.
- Supervise contract conservators, fellows, and students.
- Assist senior staff in time-sensitive projects as assigned by Conservator in Charge.
- Participate in departmental fundraising activities.
- Broaden knowledge of the conservation field by taking advantage of the department’s expertise and resources, and the Museum’s opportunities for professional development.
- Disseminate activities and findings in a range of platforms including public and professional lectures, and print and digital publications.
- Other related duties
Requirements and Qualifications:
Experience and Skills:
- Minimum of five years of professional experience working in a museum required.
- Experience in the examination and treatment of a wide range of objects required.
- Expertise in the examination and treatment of metals, including archaeological metals, preferred.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills required.
- Skill using state-of-the-art conservation documentation tools, including digital photogaphy, multi-spectral imaging, and Reflectance Transformation Imaging preferred.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work on a ladder or rig required.
Knowledge and Education:
- Master’s degree from an internationally recognized graduate conservation program required.
- FDNY C-14 Laboratory Certificate of Fitness or willingness and ability to attain certification within six months of hire required.
Please send cover letter, resume, and salary history to careers@metmuseum.org with “Assistant/Associate Conservator” in the subject line.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and national service alumni encouraged to apply.