Jobs Digest: May 15, 2017

  1. Senior Historic Buildings Adviser, Donald Insall Associates
  2. Senior Design and Conservation Officer, Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils
  3. Assistant Paper Conservator (Revised), The Museum of Modern Art
  4. Executive Director, Open Preservation Foundation
  5. Assistant/Associate Conservator of Furniture & Woodwork, Philadelphia Museum of Art
  6. Associate Objects Conservator, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
  7. Sculpture Technician, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
  8. Conservator of Paper or Photographs (Revised), Williamstown Art Conservation Center

1. SENIOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS ADVISER, Donald Insall Associates (London, UK)

  • Applications deadline: May 22, 2017
  • Permanent, full time but open to discussions about flexible and/or part-time contracts

With nearly sixty years’ experience in the restoration and remodelling of listed buildings, Donald Insall Associates is uniquely placed to provide strategic advice on change and development within the historic environment. Since 2000, the practice has offered a dedicated Historic Buildings Consultancy service to support clients embarking on heritage projects at all scales, from urban masterplans to individual houses. The 15-strong team comprises architects, designers, architectural historians and former conservation officers and Historic England inspectors who work alongside a client’s chosen architect to analyse what is special about a building or place, guide alterations, and support clients through the planning process. The team’s overarching aim is to use their understanding of the past to revitalise historic buildings and, where appropriate, to guide new interventions. The historic environment is seen not as unchanging, but as an ever-evolving part of our identity, an inspiration for new design and a catalyst for regeneration.

We welcome applications from candidates who have the following qualifications, skills and experience:

  • demonstrable passion for the historic environment, and the ability to communicate this to non–experts in an inspiring and accessible manner;
  • a sound knowledge and understanding of all periods of architectural history, and of British history generally;
  • the ability to confidently draw together information gained from site visits and archival sources into succinct and accurate text which is a delight to read;
  • an eye for excellence in design and architecture, and the ability to communicate this effectively with design and non-design professionals alike (applications from qualified architects would be particularly welcome;
  • The following qualifications could be relevant: BA Architectural History, Art History, Archaeology, History or MSt or Post Graduate certificate/diploma in Building Conservation, Town Planning etc. or other Masters-level degrees);
  • demonstrable experience of taking a creative and constructive approach to historic building conservation;
  • strong negotiating and advocacy skills, and the ability to develop proposals within a design team that meet the aspirations of a building’s owners and users and the requirements of the statutory authorities, while respecting the significance of historic places;
  • an understanding of the commercial realities relating to historic buildings and development;
  • high levels of self-sufficiency, motivation and adaptability and the ability to meet tight deadlines and to work effectively as part of a team;
  • familiarity with the roles of various stakeholders in the heritage sector, such as local authorities, Historic England, and national and local amenity groups;
  • knowledge of the English planning system and the National Planning Policy Framework;
  • substantial experience in either the private, public or third sector, in a role which required similar skills;
  • previous experience of mentoring junior members of staff would be an advantage.

DOWNLOAD the job description.

Please email a CV and covering letter to Erica Bomphrey, erica.bomphrey@insall-architects.co.uk stating your notice period and salary expectations. You may be requested to bring samples of your written or project work to the interview.

2. SENIOR DESIGN AND CONSERVATION OFFICER, Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils

  • Closing date: 1pm, 28 May 2017
  • Interview date: 8 June 2017
  • £30,153 – £33,437 pa*

*Plus essential car user allowance, professional fees and relocation allowance considered.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our well respected Design and Conservation Team within our joint service across Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils. The post is based at our Lowestoft office within the Waveney District, which has a distinctive local character made up of 1200+ listed buildings and 16 conservation areas, an attractive coastline and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

We operate, however, as shared service partners with Suffolk Coastal District Council; leading the way in partnership working in delivering high quality and cost effective outcomes for our customers across both Districts. This includes working closely with the Local Design Review Panel and supporting annual design awards to exemplary projects in our area.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated professional with a thorough understanding of relevant legislation and an ability to negotiate to achieve key objectives. You will have a passion for the historic and contemporary built environment and display an independent and positive approach to safeguarding the heritage of the Waveney District. You will be skilled at assessing development proposals and their impacts and providing technical and design advice to listed building occupiers and those in conservation areas.

You need to be able to demonstrate post qualification experience in a design and conservation role and be a full member of the IHBC. The role involves public engagement, consultation and the opportunity to work on some of the major regeneration and redevelopment opportunities in Lowestoft. You will have your own budget to use to support your role and the opportunity to work on a Heritage Action Zone bid for Lowestoft.

In return, we offer a range of benefits including flexible working hours, payment of professional fees, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and free car parking at your place of employment, which are the new offices at Riverside House in Lowestoft.

In addition, we believe that our location offers a truly outstanding quality of life with a heritage coastline of national significance, charming historic market towns and villages, exemplar ecology habitats and a well established cultural setting. Our area offers low house price inflation, a strong record of achievements in our schools and a renowned leisure and recreation offer.

For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Phillip Rowson, Planning Development Manager on (01394) 444442 or Robert Scrimgeour, Principal Design and Conservation Officer on (01394) 444616.

APPLY ONLINE for more information and to download an application form; please return your completed form to: hr@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.

3. ASSISTANT PAPER CONSERVATOR (REVISED), The Museum of Modern Art (New York, NY, USA)

  • Application deadline: June 2, 2017

This is an update to the announcement published on March 31, 2017.

The Museum of Modern Art is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant or Associate Paper Conservator to work within the Paper Conservation section of the David Booth Conservation Department and Center. This role involves working collaboratively on a wide-range of modern and contemporary works across all curatorial departments, and participating in all departmental activities, including examination, documentation, treatment, and research of collection materials, as well as exhibition, collection care, loan, and courier responsibilities. Reporting to the Paper Conservator and The Agnes Gund Chief Conservator, the incumbent will have the following specific responsibilities:

  • Examines, documents, and treats paper works in the collection through written and photographic documentation.
  • Participates in all departmental activities, including acquisition, preparation of works for exhibition, collection care, loans, and research.
  • Monitors hinging, matting, storage, environmental conditions, and other preventive conservation steps for the collection on an on-going basis.
  • Assists with the maintenance of work areas in the conservation lab, including researching supplies and equipment, maintaining materials, and replenishing supplies.
  • Works collaboratively across departments at the Museum, including Conservation, curatorial, Exhibition Planning and Design, and Collection Management and Exhibition Registration.
  • Conducts research centering on treatment protocols, artist materials, and methods.
  • Participates in training and supervision of interns and fellows.

Qualified candidates will possess a Master’s degree in the conservation of works on paper. Two years’ experience with works on paper in a museum setting or equivalent is required for the assistant conservator level; five years’ experience is required for the associate conservator level. Experience performing all aspects of the treatment of works on paper and related artworks, with adherence to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Institute for Conservation. The Museum of Modern Art has an emphasis on the collecting and preservation of contemporary art, therefore demonstrated interest and experience in the conservation of contemporary works is strongly encouraged. Knowledge and experience of documentation procedures, including digital photography and other imaging techniques. Strong interpersonal and written communication skills. Ability to work cooperatively on projects and independently on treatments as required. Ability to travel. Experience engaging with artists and their studios is desirable. Familiarity with the Museum’s collection management system, The Museum System, is also desirable.

Final title assignment dependent on credentials of finalist.

If hired, individual must successfully complete a security threat assessment through the Department of Homeland Security.

Candidates must submit a detailed letter of interest stating education, work history, involvement with modern and/or contemporary art, and research interests. The inclusion of a writing sample, either published work or work-related documentation or research, is strongly recommended. The application should include the name of three references, but letters from references are not requested. No treatment reports are requested and should not be included. Candidates invited for interviews will be asked to supply treatment reports at that time. All material, in digital form, should be sent to jobs@moma.org by no later than June 2, 2017.

The Museum of Modern Art is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation.

4. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Open Preservation Foundation (Europe)

  • Application deadline: June 7, 2017at 12:00 noon BST

The Open Preservation Foundation is looking for an experienced, motivated and visionary leader to fill the position of Executive Director.

The Foundation is an international not for profit membership organisation providing open source digital preservation technology and knowledge to memory institutions around the world.

  • Hours: ​ Part­ time (24 hours/week)
  • Contract type: ​ Fixed term for 12 months, renewable upon mutual agreement
  • Salary: £45,000+ a year pro rata, depending on skills and experience
  • Reports to: ​ Board of Directors
  • Location: ​ Negotiable (with significant travel within EU and beyond)

The Executive Director is expected:

  • To lead, manage, and develop the Foundation and build an international community of practitioners working in the field of digital preservation.
  • To grow the membership of the Foundation and ensure that member organisations benefit from their association with the organisation.
  • To create strategies and seek funding to sustain and develop the Foundation’s open source digital preservation solutions and services.
  • To provide leadership and management of OPF staff (currently 2.0FTE) and budgets (c. £350k/annum) and to run the organisation responsibly and with accountability.

To see the full job description and details of how to apply visit: http://openpreservation.org/news/job-opening-executive-director-of-the-open-preservation-foundation/.

The closing date is Wednesday 7 June 2017 at 12 noon BST.

5. ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE CONSERVATOR OF FURNITURE & WOODWORK, Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia, PA, USA)

  • Application Deadline: June 16, 2017

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is offering a three-year position beginning the summer of 2017 in the conservation of American furniture and woodwork. The Assistant/Associate Conservator will work under the supervision of the Senior Conservator of Furniture and Woodwork to examine, research, analyze, and treat pieces from the Museum’s collection of American furniture dating from 1650 to 1840 in preparation for the publication of a catalogue in both printed and online formats.

Specifically, you will:

    • Work closely with the furniture conservation team to examine, research, analyze, and treat early American furniture in preparation for publication
    • Participate as an engaged and active member of the Furniture and Woodwork Conservation Department and in related activities that support the overall mission of the Conservation Division

Your diverse background includes:

  • Advanced training in conservation, or equivalent qualifications, with a minimum of four additional years of experience, preferably in a museum setting
  • Strong manual skills relating to traditional furniture making, woodworking, finishing, and carving
  • Additional skills in microscopy, surface treatment, and minimally intrusive upholstery are desirable
  • Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, develop a work plan and complete projects within deadlines
  • Object conservators with significant experience in the conservation of wooden artifacts and/or painted wood will be considered

How to Apply: Please submit a single document that contains a cover letter stating interests and qualifications, and a résumé with your online application.

In addition to the application materials, two confidential supporting letters from conservation professionals familiar with your work should be sent directly by email or mail to the attention of Behrooz Salimnejad, The Elaine S. Harrington Senior Conservator of Furniture and Woodwork, at bsalimnejad@philamuseum.org or write to P.O. Box 7646, Philadelphia, PA 19101-7646 USA.

 

6. ASSOCIATE OBJECTS CONSERVATOR, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (San Francisco, CA, USA)

  • Application deadline: Open until filled

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are seeking an Associate Objects Conservator to perform highly skilled work related to the conservation of works of art spanning a wide range of materials and cultures. The primary responsibility of this position is the long-term preservation, conservation, and technical study of over 120,000 objects in the permanent collection of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, as well as duties related to temporary exhibitions and the lending of objects to other institutions.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Undertakes conservation of objects in the curatorial areas of Art of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, European Decorative Arts and Sculpture, American Decorative Arts and Sculpture, Ancient Art and Contemporary Art.
  2. Examines objects for questions concerning material identification and technology, including analysis using X-radiography and XRF spectrometry.
  3. Prepares and archives visual and written documentation of treatments and research.
  4. Participates in preventative care of the collections and loan items during exhibition, storage and transport.
  5. Assists with supervision of departmental contract conservators, fellows, and students.
  6. Confers with curatorial, conservation, exhibitions and facilities staff on conservation and environmental issues.
  7. Shares knowledge related to conservation and technical study of the collections through presentations, publications, social media, public tours and/or creation of exhibition content.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education, Training and Experience:
  • Master’s degree from a recognized graduate conservation program or the equivalent.
  • Minimum of five years of museum experience in the field of objects conservation.
  • Participation in professional and skills development throughout conservation career.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

  • Strong knowledge of conservation methods, techniques and procedures involved in the maintenance and care of a museum collection of fine arts.
  • Ability to complete conservation projects within budgets and schedules.
  • Ability to collaborate creatively and communicate clearly in writing and conversation with other conservators, museum staff, colleagues and the public.
  • Strong computer skills and knowledge of standard imaging and office software and collection management systems.

FAMSF offers a competitive salary and generous benefits package.

For more information, and to apply online, please visit: www.famsf.org/about/employment-famsf.

7. SCULPTURE TECHNICIAN, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City, MO, USA)

  • Division: Conservation and Collections Management
  • Department: Conservation
  • Supervisor: Conservation Associate, Objects
  • Pay grade: F NE
  • Schedule: Part Time Seasonal: May 1st through Mid-November.
  • 3hrs/day, Monday thru Friday, flexible hours. During larger projects, full days will be required.

Position function: To provide daily maintenance of thirty-three sculptures in the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park and others in the museum collection donated by the Hall Family Foundation primarily during the spring, summer and fall seasons.

Primary responsibilities:

  • To clean, wax and repair coatings on the sculptures.
  • To report and document damages as required in written and photographic forms
  • To assist the Conservator of Objects, Associate Conservator and Conservation Associate in performing treatments or other duties as needed in the sculpture park
  • To perform additional duties as assigned.
  • Maintain Noguchi sculptures and fountain and monitor and adjust water chemistry.
  • Survey, monitor and document condition of W. De Maria sculpture.
  • Must be able to work with many different departments and personalities across the institution to achieve desired results.

Qualifications:

  • Prefer an undergraduate degree in studio art, art history and/or chemistry or equivalent experience.
  • Must have manual dexterity and the patience of a craftsperson.
  • Must be comfortable lifting heavy equipment (up to 50lbs.) and working on scaffolding.
  • Must have the ability to do strenuous work in hot and humid conditions and exposure to sun.
  • Must be detail oriented and able to interact with staff members and the general public in a polite and courteous manner.
  • Digital photography skills and familiarity with related software programs (Photoshop) are essential.
  • Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently and prioritize the positions daily schedule.

The sculpture collection consists of bronze, stone, wood, glass, gilt and painted fiberglass and metals. Broad knowledge of materials is beneficial.

*This position description may not be a complete list of all responsibilities expected of this position.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the Sculpture Technician is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; climb ladders; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The worker must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color visions, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Must also be physically capable of operating a motor vehicle and have a current driver’s license.

8. CONSERVATOR OF PAPER OR PHOTOGRAPHS (REVISED), Williamstown Art Conservation Center (Williamstown, MA, USA)

  • Position open until filled

This is an update to the announcement published on October 19, 2016.

The Williamstown Art Conservation Center is seeking a full-time conservator for the paper/photograph conservation department. The conservator will participate in all departmental activities including examination, documentation, analysis, and treatment. The successful applicant will also carry out consultations with museum curators and other WACC staff, assess member collections as well as supervise interns. The WACC’s paper/photo conservation department is a large, well equipped lab, currently with two paper conservators and a pre-program intern.

The Williamstown Center is a non-profit regional conservation laboratory in operation since 1977. It serves 59 member institutions in the northeast and south, as well as a wide variety of nonmember, nonprofit, corporate and private collections. The member consortium holds collections containing a wide variety of ancient to modern fine art by western and Asian artists and artisans.

Williamstown is surrounded by natural beauty within the cultural center of the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. The Conservation facility is located within the Lunder Center at Stone Hill, a Tadeo Ando designed building, on the campus of the Clark Art Institute. The Clark houses the Manton Research Center and the Research and Academic Program. The Clark library, includes more than 240,000 volumes and is one of the nation’s premier art history libraries. The Clark also houses and co-sponsors the Williams College Graduate Program in the History of Art.

Requirements include:

  • Graduate-level conservation degree with a specialization in
  • paper or photographic materials.
  • A minimum of 4 years of post-graduate experience.
  • Experience with analysis, documentation, conservation treatment, and preventive care for paper or photographic materials following ethical standards for professional conservation practice.
  • Computer proficiency with MS Office products.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Training in emergency preparedness/response would be a plus.
  • Experience with, or interest in, carrying out facility assessments.
  • A portfolio of treatments and research projects will be required of applicants selected for an interview.

Benefit package includes annual research funds (including paid leave), health, dental and life insurance, retirement, vacation, sick leave, holidays and access to Williams College cultural and recreational facilities. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Send cover letter, CV and two references to Leslie Paisley, Williamstown Art Conservation Center, 227 South Street, Williamstown, MA 01267 USA.

For more information contact lpaisley@williamstownart.org. More information is available on the WACC’s website: www.williamstownart.org.