The Dallas Museum of Art is both a responsible steward of cultural heritage and a trusted advocate for the essential place of art in the lives of people locally and around the globe. The DMA is transparent, ethical, and takes informed risks. It promotes research, dialogue, and public participation, helping to reveal the insights of artists from every continent over the last 5,000 years.
Scope of Position:
The Assistant Conservator will engage with the treatment, study, maintenance and preventive care of a wide range of objects and materials in the DMA’s permanent collection, working in consultation with the Associate Conservator. The successful candidate will actively participate in all aspects of practical conservation including examination, documentation and treatment of a range of inorganic and organic materials, both traditional and contemporary; preventive conservation activities such as monitoring the environment, maintenance of micro-environments, pest management and materials testing; assisting in exhibition installations and deinstallations; participating in conservation science research projects; and the mentoring of pre-program interns and post-graduate fellows.
Essential Functions:
- Carries out technical studies and conservation treatments on DMA collections in support of the long-term preservation and accessibility of the permanent collection
- Ensures that conservation labs and other relevant work spaces are operational for the range of preservation activities to be carried out in the project
- Creates condition reports for documentation and upcoming exhibitions
- Records object conditions and preservation treatments in the museum’s collection database (TMS), documenting with photography as required and prioritizing future treatment requirements
- Engage with the treatment, maintenance and preventive care of a wide range of objects and materials
- The candidate will participate in examining, documenting and treating a wide range of inorganic and organic materials
- Working with traditional as well as contemporary works of art
- Working in close collaboration with the Associate Conservator and all members of the conservation and curatorial departments
Education, Experience, and Certifications:
- MA/MS degree in art conservation from a recognized training program
- Minimum of three years professional conservation experience specializing in objects conservation in a museum setting
Key Qualifications:
- Must be able to frequently move/lift heavy objects (up to 35 lbs.), and must be able to wear a respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridges, have confidence and ability whilst working at heights, possess a valid driver’s license
- Candidate must have a thorough knowledge of conservation principles and practices; knowledge of analytical techniques frequently used in conservation
- Has demonstrated excellence while performing conservation treatments in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice
- Knowledge of cultural history, technology, and materials of three-dimensional objects as well as a good
understanding of chemical and physical processes of deterioration - Possesses an interest in contemporary art with a willingness to work with art work from all time periods
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Good analytical and problem solving skills; ability to establish and achieve priorities - Possesses a strong attention to detail
- Good communication and interpersonal skills required
- Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects in a highly productive lab
- Ability to maintain high standards under tight deadlines and follow through on repetitive tasks.
- Must be aware of environmental hazards posed by substances such as solvents and mold; and must
possess knowledge of safe methods for handling chemicals and hazardous materials based on OSHA
standards - Capable of using specialized conservation tools, equipment and solvents
- Capable of working evenings and weekends on rare occasion with given notice
The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, age, disability, or genetics.