The Preservation Society of Newport County invites applications for the new position of full-time Assistant Objects Conservator. Previous experience within the specialty of frames, furniture, and gilded wood conservation is essential. The Preservation Society of Newport County’s collection consists of 11 historic museum buildings (seven designated National Historic Landmarks) and 60,000+ collections objects dating from antiquity to the mid-20th century. For more information about the Preservation Society of Newport County, please go to www.newportmansions.org.
The Assistant Conservator will assist with treatment, maintenance and preventive care of a wide range of objects and materials in the Society’s permanent collection, working in consultation with the Chief Conservator. The successful candidate will prepare and review condition reports for works of art on loan and new acquisitions, perform photographic and digital documentation in the collections database, and assist with art-object handling, including moving furniture, paintings, and the installation and de-installation of special exhibitions. He/she will collaborate with collections management staff on preventative conservation measures including environmental monitoring and maintenance.
Qualifications: Applicants must have a Master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program, with a specialization in objects conservation, and five to eight years of related experience. Further postgraduate work and/or several years of employment in a conservation laboratory is strongly preferred. He/she must have a thorough knowledge of conservation principles and practices; knowledge of analytical techniques frequently used in conservation; and knowledge of safe methods of handling chemicals and hazardous materials based on OSHA standards. The successful candidate must demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to the highest conservation standards in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
The role will require frequent lifting/moving of heavy objects (up to 30 lbs), and the candidate 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 and successfully pass a security background check. As part of an active Preservation Society campus of activities, there may be occasional evening and (more rarely) weekend duties required.
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
HOW TO APPLY:
Please email resume/cv, cover letter and contact information for two professional references to Maria Corey at humanresources@newportmansions.org
or mail to: Human Resources, 424 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 Attn: Maria Corey
Link to job announcement: http://www.newportmansions.org/about-us/employment/available-jobs
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AIC Blog Archives: Conservators Converse
Former Blog of the American Institute for Conservation