Jobs, Internships & Fellowships Digest: June 9, 2017

  1. Conservator (Head of Conservation) – Federally Funded Position, Cooper Hewitt – DEADLINE EXTENDED
  2. Conservation Officer, Eden District Council
  3. RDS Paintings Conservator Fellowship, National Gallery of Ireland
  4. P/T Conservation Officer, Walsall Council
  5. Principal Conservation Officer, Maidstone Borough Council
  6. Conservation Librarian, Howard-Tilton Memorial Library
  7. Preservation Services Manager, The Center for Jewish History

1. CONSERVATOR (HEAD OF CONSERVATION) – FEDERALLY FUNDED POSITION, Cooper Hewitt (New York, NY, USA).

  • Application deadline: June 12, 2017 – DEADLINE EXTENDED until June 23, 2017

As Head of Conservation, s/he will be responsible for coordinating and supervising the conservation treatment of the entire collection of 210,000 objects.

Major duties:

  1. Supervises operation of the Textile, Paper and Object Conservation Laboratories and other object handling spaces in the Museum’s facilities, as well as oversee any contract conservators who are hired by the Museum.
  2. Performs range of preservation treatments in a variety of media in their area of expertise on objects in the collection, including projects of the most difficult and complex nature.
  3. Performs object treatments and develops, prepares, and supervises the preparation of written proposals for object treatments, including selection of treatments procedures, methods and techniques, and materials to be used.
  4. Performs general supervision of the Conservation department work in progress to ensure that schedules and standards are being met, that appropriate methods and techniques are being used, and reviews completed work and treatment reports for quality and accuracy.

Qualifications requirements: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to grade 11) that includes knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, and techniques of conservation and preservation treatments to oversee and lead a team of conservators responsible for conservation treatment damaged, fragile, or deteriorated museum objects such as works on paper, textiles and/or decorative art objects (be sure to address this within your resume).

The applications that meet the basic qualifications (above) will be evaluated further against the following criteria (be sure to address each of the following within your resume):

  • Knowledge of principles, concepts, and methodologies requisite to lead, train and develop conservators in textile/paper/object conservation treatments, e.g., chemistry, material technology and deterioration, and art historical and technological understanding of artifacts such as works on paper, textiles and/or objects.
  • Knowledge of conservation and collection maintenance techniques and procedures to examine and house damaged, fragile, or deteriorated museum artifacts that include one of the following textiles, works on paper and decorative objects.
  • Ability to perform material testing of contemporary archival materials for use in storage and exhibitions (Oddy test) and to perform material identification through microscopy, XRF, and micro-chemical testing.
  • Ability to work as a senior conservator to oversee all conservation aspects of a museum collection to meet and exceed deadlines for exhibitions.

Exceptional Smithsonian Benefits:

  • 401k with matching funds + federal pension plan
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Long Term Disability
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Free Transit/Commuter Benefits (up to $3,060 commuter costs paid per year)
  • Annual Leave (13 days) increasing after 3 years (20 days)
  • Sick Leave (13 days)
  • Federal Holidays (10 days)
  • Family Friendly Leave Family Friendly Workplace
  • Telework Policy
  • Historic and landmark offices and garden
  • 92Y Fitness Center
  • Free Entrance to Museums and Galleries
  • Design Library
  • Curatorial Talks and Tours (Cooper Hewitt)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Smithsonian Network
  • Tarallucci e Vino Museum Café (employee discount)
  • Cooper Hewitt Museum Shop (employee discount)
  • Admission to NYC museums and galleries (free)
  • General Employee Discounts

How to apply: Resumes cannot be submitted past the deadline.

Please note this is a federally funded position. To be considered for this job, you must set up an account at USAJOBS and apply on line at this website at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/469850400#btn-add-info.

Submit a detailed resume addressing all qualification requirements. Unofficial transcript(s) also required.


2. CONSERVATION OFFICER, Eden District Council (Eden District, UK)

  • Closing date for applications: June 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Interviews will take place week commencing on June 26, 2017
  • £25,921 rising to £27,668 (subject to job evaluation)
  • Permanent Contract; 37 hours per week
  • A relocation package of up to £5,125 is available

The Council is seeking a Conservation Officer to advise on and promote the conservation of the historic environment in Eden. The District is a mix of historical urban settlements, and villages located in stunning rural settings. Penrith is the key town in the district and benefits from being just off both the M6 and the West Coast Main Line with connections direct to London, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. As well as the superb transport links, the district borders the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks and contains parts of the North Pennines AONB.

This is a new and exciting post which gives a unique opportunity to work closely with the Program Officer and Historic England in delivering the Appleby Heritage Action Zone project over the next 5 years. It also provides the opportunity to advise officers and lead on other conservation projects within the district.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive person who can gather and interpret information to produce complex policy documents and reports. As part of a supportive, hard-working and motivated team you will be able to make effective decisions, build strong working relationships and manage a mixed workload to meet deadlines and achieve set outcomes. You will be nearing completion of or hold a degree in town planning or a related discipline and can demonstrate up to date practical knowledge of listed buildings and conservation areas. There is a requirement to regularly travel independently around the district.

For further details of the post including the job description, person specification, and an application are available online or email human.resources@eden.gov.uk, Tel: +44 (01768) 212210, or apply in writing to Human Resources, Town Hall, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7QF.

Please note all applications must be made on the Council’s standard application form and CV’s will not be considered. No agencies please.


3. RDS PAINTINGS CONSERVATOR FELLOWSHIP, National Gallery of Ireland (Ireland)

  •  Closing date for receipt of applications: 12:00 hours on June 23, 2017
  • Interviews – scheduled week commencing June 26, 2017
  • Contract duration: Fixed Term Contract for 35 weeks
  • Salary: €600 per week gross
  • Candidates must be eligible to work in Ireland
  • Candidates should note that they must be available to commence employment in the post by July 17, 2017

The National Gallery of Ireland (‘the Gallery’) is Ireland’s major national cultural institution devoted to the collection and care of fine art. Comprising some 16,000 paintings, drawings, watercolors, miniatures, prints, sculpture and decorative arts, the institution’s extensive holdings include masterpieces by many of the most celebrated figures in the history of western European art. In addition, the Gallery houses the most representative collection of historic Irish art. Funded mainly by the State, the Gallery employs more than 100 staff and provides free access to the public 361 days a year.

The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) is a philanthropic organization founded in 1731 which is currently funded through commercial activity and membership subscriptions. Over the past three centuries it has been responsible for the establishment of many national imperatives including the National Botanic Gardens (1795), the Veterinary College (1800), the National Gallery of Ireland (1854), the National College of Art and Design (1877), the National Museum of Ireland (1877), the Natural History Museum (1877), the National Library of Ireland (1877), the Radium Institute (1914) and the Crafts Council of Ireland (1971).

The RDS and the Gallery are offering a Paintings Conservator Fellowship under the supervision of the Head of Conservation in the Gallery. The Paintings Conservator Fellow will undertake conservation treatments, to be carried out at the National Gallery of Ireland Conservation Department, on a number of selected works from the Royal Dublin Society Collection as well as condition check & monitoring of paintings in storage and on display at the RDS. This post will be suited to a graduate of a recognized conservation training program. The RDS Paintings Conservator should have an adept knowledge of treatments on canvas and panel methodology. Reporting to the Gallery’s Head of Conservation, the Paintings Conservator will:

  • Carry out preventive and full-scale conservation treatments on works on canvas
  • Carry out regular inspections on paintings from the RDS collection
  • Advise colleagues on the RDS collection conservation requirements
  • Keep and maintain reports on all treatments undertaken
  • Contribute to the success of the Gallery’s Conservation Department through continuous professional development and participate in departmental meetings
  • Comply with health and safety guidelines
  • Other duties as and when required

The successful candidate will have:

  • A recognized Painting Conservation training program qualification
  • Demonstrate a broad knowledge of and an interest in painting conservation in Ireland and abroad
  • Proven organizational skills coupled with an ability to priorities tasks while working under pressure
  • Strong research and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail
  • An ability to work meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy
  • Knowledge of the RDS paintings collection is advantageous
  • An ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team with appropriate supervision from senior NGI conservators
  • A positive approach to working in the Gallery and an enthusiasm to contribute to raising awareness about the preservation and conservation activities of the department

Note: This Fellowship description is a guide to broad areas of development and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. The RDS Paintings Conservator Fellowship developmental opportunities may be subject to review in the view of new structures and / or the changing needs of the Gallery and/or the RDS. All employees, including interns, are required to be compliant with NGI screening, security and Garda Vetting procedures.

How to apply: Interested applicants should send a cover letter and curriculum vitae (in MS Word only) in strictest confidence to Ms. Michelle Serviss, HR Partner, Merrion Square West, Dublin 2 or alternatively via email to jobopportunities@ngi.ie. References (contact details) must be available upon request. Please state Paintings Conservator Fellowship on the application.

Candidates will be required to compile and discuss a portfolio of research, treatments and sample reports from previous projects at interview.

The National Gallery of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.


4. P/T CONSERVATION OFFICER, Walsall Council (Walsall Borough, UK)

  • Application deadline: June 25, 2017
  • Short listing: June 27, 2017
  • Interviews: w/c July 17, 2017
  • Job Ref: WALS000003118
  • Ref: EE01217
  • Salary: G8 £28,203 – £32,164 pro rota 18.5 hours

Walsall Council’s Corporate Plan recognizes ‘Inclusive Economic Growth’ as one of its core priorities. Indeed, the economy matters across all outcomes for the Council and its partners.  Together with this commitment, we have the drive and ambition to make the most of all local, regional and national opportunities and ensure delivery. We enjoy fantastic working relationships with our Black Country LEP partners and the newly formed West Midlands Combined Authority and have a reputation as a place that gets things done.

The Regeneration and Development Service has recently embarked on redesign our structure and this has created some new and exciting opportunities. So we are seeking key officers to join that effort, roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. If that sounds like you, we look forward to hearing from you.

We are seeking to appoint a built conservation and heritage expert to take a leading role in ensuring development within Walsall meets the highest standard and contributes to conservation of our historic environment. You will take a lead in building conservation matters in providing advice to Development Management, to developers, and others in respect of planning applications and proposals.  As part of the Planning Policy function, you will provide important advice and guidance in the preparation of development plan documents and in the application of policy and legislation.

Working in an urban environment and in a borough with a strong industrial heritage, you will provide a pragmatic approach to supporting Walsall’s regeneration and development plans. You should possess excellent analytical abilities and be able to demonstrate good communication skills.

For any queries or questions about the role, please contact: Jo Nugent, Place Development Manager (Asset Management, Development and Planning Policy) at development@walsall.gov.uk, Tel: +44 01922 654752, +44 07538937167.

This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers.

Information for applicants: Applications are invited using our online application form only. If you have a disability and require information on submitting an application in another format then please contact us via email: recruitment@walsall.gov.uk.

All correspondence will be via email, therefore candidates should check their email and WMJobs account on a regular basis after submitting an application.

This vacancy may be closed earlier than the published closing date should we receive a large number of applications. Therefore, it is strongly advised that candidates submit applications at the earliest opportunity.

Supporting documents: Job Description & Employee Specification.


5. PRINCIPAL CONSERVATION OFFICER, Maidstone Borough Council (Maidstone, UK)

  • Closing date: June 28, 2017
  • Interview Date: TBC
  • £34,845 – £37,799
  • Full time, permanent contract
  • Section: Development Management

 Maidstone is situated in the heart of Kent and is the county town. The urban area has a strong commercial and retail base with good transport links and is set in a generally rural area, which includes the Kent Downs and the Kent Low Weald AONBs. The borough is fortunate to benefit from a diverse and valued heritage with 41 conservation areas, over 2000 listed buildings, 28 scheduled monuments and 15 historic parks and gardens.

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Conservation Officer to join the Heritage, Landscape and Design team, a small but busy multi-disciplinary team dealing with conservation of the built environment, landscape and trees and promoting high quality design.

Your varied workload will include advising on the impact of development proposals on listed buildings and conservation areas, dealing with your own case load of listed building applications, providing design guidance for development schemes and giving advice on repair and maintenance of listed buildings. You will also be responsible for the production of a range of conservation area studies, and contribute to local planning policy and specific projects.

Ideally you will have a degree or diploma in Town Planning or a related discipline and professional membership such as RTPI, IHBC or RIBA, with experience of specialist work in the historic environment. Local authority and urban design experience would be an advantage. You will also need good communication skills and the ability to prepare and present expert evidence at Committee meetings, Court hearings and public inquiries.

A full driving license is essential. The Council considers that all roles should be able to communicate clearly and concisely. Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.

This is a full time position on a permanent contract.

For further information or to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please contact Deanne Cunningham, Team Leader (Heritage, Landscape & Design) on +44 01622 602721.

Council Benefits: career average pension scheme, professional fee payment, flexible working (including opportunities for home working and job share), employee benefits package and generous leave entitlement.

All interested must apply online for the position, and complete the online application form or by phone on +44 01622 602555.


6. CONSERVATION LIBRARIAN, Howard-Tilton Memorial Library (New Orleans, LA, USA)

  • Posting No. IRC11747
  • This posting will remain open until filled

Reporting to the Director, Technical Services Division, the Conservation Librarian is responsible for collaborating with various librarians and staff to identify, assess and inventory the conservation needs of library materials and to ensure their appropriate treatment. They identify conservation priorities, develop plans, estimate necessary resources, and manage a workflow that appropriately leads to conservation or withdrawal of materials based on condition and other criteria. The Librarian identifies and works with outside conservation vendors to provide appropriate treatments to at‐risk materials, negotiates costs and timelines, ensures proper handling, and monitors vendor performance. Supervises staff assigned to stacks management and binding. Trains staff in basic in‐house repair. Performs some intermediate conservation of materials. Performs environmental monitoring and assessment for all buildings housing library collections. Actively pursues and administers grant proposals for conservation or preservation matters. Trains staff in recovery methods for damaged materials. Serves as a resource for conservation and preservation questions. Plays a leading role on the library’s emergency recovery team. Monitors and orders disaster and conservation supplies and equipment. Actively participates in professional and scholarly associations to acquire new knowledge, update skills, and keep abreast of emerging trends and issues in preservation and conservation.

Required knowledge, skills, abilities/competencies typically needed to perform this job successfully:

  • Experience working in a research library, special collections or archives environment
  • Demonstrated formal training and experience in book and paper conservation techniques
  • Knowledge of book and paper preservation, standards, ethics, and current trends in the field
  • Knowledge of conservation principles, techniques, and procedures as relating to a wide variety of materials
  • Experience with staff supervision and project management
  • Grant application experience and grant oversight experience
  • Strong leadership, organization, problem solving and analytic skills
  • Ability to work independently and with others
  • Experience developing, designing and/or carrying out condition surveys and conservation needs assessments
  • Ability to meet Level I Core Competencies as defined here:  http://library.tulane.edu/sites/library.tulane.edu/files/documents/core_technology_competencies.pdf

 Minimum qualifications:

Minimum Education: ALA‐accredited master’s degree in library and information science with an emphasis in preservation or conservation and 3‐5 years’ experience working in a research or academic library;

OR

An advanced degree in conservation or materials science and 3‐5 years’ experience working in a research or academic library in preservation/conservation.

To read more information about this position and to apply, click here.

To ensure full consideration, applicants must submit a letter of application, resume, and the names with full contact information of at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Tulane is an EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled employer.


7. PRESERVATION SERVICES MANAGER, The Center for Jewish History (New York, NY, USA)

 The Center for Jewish History (NYC | cjh.org) is home to five in-house partners—American Jewish Historical Society, American Sephardi Federation, Leo Baeck Institute, Yeshiva University Museum, and YIVO Institute for Jewish Research.  When the Center opened its doors sixteen years ago, it made a commitment to preserve the collections housed within its walls and make them accessible to scholars, students, and diverse audiences by implementing a unique, shared services model across all five partners.

In keeping with this mission, the Center for Jewish History seeks a Preservation Services Manager to join a dynamic team of colleagues dedicated to preserving and providing access to the collections. These collections total more than 30,000 linear feet of archival materials, 500,000 volumes, and thousands of artworks and artifacts.

The Preservation Services Manager will report to the Senior Manager for Collection Services and manage all activities in the Preservation Services department which offers conservation treatment and re-housing of archival, library and photographic materials, exhibition consultation, and preventive conservation services for the partners’ collections.

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and manage workflows through the conservation lab and determine priorities for conservation treatment, re-housing, exhibitions, and preventive conservation.
  • Develop, maintain, and implement procedures and training manuals; evaluate processes and outputs, ensuring that treatment standards are met and implement modifications to improve quality and effectiveness; and train and supervise lab staff, volunteers and interns.
  • Collaborate with the Archival Services Manager and Digital Services Manager around joint processing, digitization, and conservation projects.
  • Direct and carry out environmental monitoring and preventive conservation activities.
  • Direct condition surveys on both item and collection level as appropriate, devising and implementing short and long-term preservation strategies based on assessment.
  • Advise on exhibition and loan of collection material to ensure its safety and care, including condition reporting, packaging for transport, security, length of display, mounting, lighting and environmental conditions.
  • Provide emergency preparedness and disaster recovery leadership.
  • Examine, document, and conduct complex conservation treatment of a wide range of paper-based archival, library and photographic material.
  • Follow best practices and standards for treatments, and keep current about the latest conservation techniques and practices through research and training.
  • Build and track budgets, maintain department statistics, prepare reports, and maintain treatment records.
  • Assist in identifying grant opportunities and in the preparation of grant applications and funding proposals for collection-related needs.
  • Support staff, patron, and community engagement through outreach activities, including workshops, seminars, and other training for Center and/or external audiences, and social media.

Required Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program with a specialization in paper or book conservation.
  • Minimum three years’ experience conserving library, archive and museum materials with a focus on paper-based materials.
  • Experience and interest in preventive conservation and collections care.
  • Experience supervising and managing collaborative teams.
  • Experience managing projects from planning to completion.
  • Knowledge of preservation theory and standards of conservation practice.
  • Excellent communication and writing skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to work with diverse constituencies, including collection managers, archivists, librarians, Building Operations staff, and administration.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience with budget development and tracking budgets and expenditures.

The Center for Jewish History is committed to diversity and inclusion. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives to the workplace are especially encouraged to apply.

Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Send cover letter and resume to Rachel Miller, Director of Archive and Library Services, at rcmiller@cjh.org. Candidates invited for an interview will be required to provide in advance a conservation portfolio of projects and treatments.  No phone calls, please.

For more details, visit: www.cjh.org/about/employment-opportunities.