Assistant Sculpture & Decorative Arts Conservator
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
3-year, full-time position
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is excited to offer an Assistant Conservator position in the Sculpture and Decorative Arts Conservation Department. This three-year position is generously funded by the Andrew W. Mellon foundation. The primary focus of this position will be the research and technical analysis of the VMFA African Art Collection. The successful applicant will report directly to the Head of Sculpture and Decorative Arts conservation (S&DAC) and will participate in all operations and responsibilities associated with S&DAC. These duties include maintenance and preventive care for three-dimensional objects in the museum’s permanent collection through examination, technical analysis, conservation research, documentation and treatment of objects. The successful candidate must demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to the highest conservation standards in order to preserve the integrity and historic significance of each work of art. Also, he/she must demonstrate proficiency in high quality and aesthetically appropriate conservation treatments in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. The Assistant Conservator duties will include public relations and educational responsibilities such as conservation studio tours; speaking to visiting groups; assisting with workshops, seminars and lectures related to conservation; responding to public inquiries; and training museum staff in collections care. He/she will also assist with the maintenance of departmental records through accurate written and photographic documentation. The Andrew Mellon Foundation grant is committed to encouraging diversity in the museum profession. For more information about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, please go to www.vmfa.museum.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have a graduate degree from a recognized art conservation training program, specializing in objects plus considerable postgraduate experience or equivalent experience, education, and training. The successful candidate must have a thorough knowledge of conservation principles and practices; knowledge of analytical techniques frequently used in conservation experience; and knowledge of safe methods of handling chemicals and hazardous materials based on OSHA standards. He/she must demonstrate the ability to propose and perform treatments based on an evaluation of the aesthetic, historic, and scientific characteristics of a wide range of objects; the ability to document treatments in written and photographic form; and skill in writing clear, succinct and accurate condition and treatment reports and proposals. He/she must be proficient in operating photographic and scientific equipment and conducting materials testing. Frequent domestic and/or international travel is likely required during the tenure of the successful candidate. Experience with word processing, spreadsheets and database software is also required. Familiarity with TMS (The Museum System) is desirable. The selected candidate will have the ability to work independently and in concert with other museum co-workers and outside contractors. The successful candidate must be able to wear a respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridges. A security background check will be required.
Hiring Range:
The position is full-time and includes full state benefits. Salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
To apply, log onto the Commonwealth of Virginia Online Employment System at https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/ and submit your application, letter of intent and resume. The position is open until filled. Please contact the HR office at 804.340.1485 if you need assistance. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is accredited by the American Association of Museums. EOE/AA
The job posting can be found online here:
http://vmfa.museum/about/job-posting/assistant-sculpture-decorative-arts-conservator-african-art/
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AIC Blog Archives: Conservators Converse
Former Blog of the American Institute for Conservation