*** POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED – PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION ***
Carolina Conservation is seeking a dedicated and career-oriented Conservation Technician for its private practice. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic team players with strong critical thinking and applied problem solving skills. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines while working under pressure will be necessary. Carolina Conservation provides on-site disaster response for fine art collections that have suffered severe damage as the result of a fire, flood, or catastrophic disaster. Applicants please send a cover letter, resume, professional references, and salary requirements to info@carolinaconservation.com.
The Conservation Technician, Easel Paintings’ role is to provide valuable assistance to conservation staff by performing conservation treatments for easel paintings under the direction of the Lead Conservator. This assistance includes, but is not limited to evaluations, condition reports, conservation treatments, collection triage, packaging works for transport, and general conservation studio and supply maintenance. Due to the differing nature of each collection, insofar as condition and media types, the daily work scope and duties may be wide-ranging and will require flexibility with regards to job priorities.
The potential career track for a Conservation Technician within the organization includes the opportunity for conservation bench training, apprenticeship, and continuing education.
The Conservation Technician is expended to demonstrate proficiency and skill when handling collection items. This includes the ability to physically handle and move objects, as well as the execution of assigned tasks and treatments regarding the collection within reasonable timeframes.
General Responsibilities of the Conservation Technician will include the following:
- Assist Lead Conservator in treatment of various easel paintings & painted works
- Perform conservation treatments to easel paintings & other works as directed by Lead Conservator, including, but not limited to: surface cleanings, varnish removals, varnish applications, consolidation, tear repairs, reversible fills, retouching, linings, and related tasks
- Assist with the examination and completion of condition reports for incoming collections
- Basic research, data collection, and documentation
- Contribute to studio maintenance, material and supply inventory management
Applicants are expected to meet the following education and work experience criteria:
- BA or BS in related field (Art History, Fine Art, Chemistry, etc.)
- Optional postgraduate degree in Conservation of Fine Art, specializing in the conservation of paintings, or equivalent training and work experience
- Private practice experience is a plus, but will consider entry-level conservation professionals
- Ability to work independently and contribute as an effective member of a team
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Digital photography proficiency
- Computer proficiency
Essential Skills & Personality Traits
We have identified a number of skills and abilities that are critical to success in this position. The following are non-negotiable qualities we are looking for in a candidate:
- An energetic, positive & optimistic attitude
- Strong personal and professional ethics and conduct
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Ability to build rapport & develop strong interpersonal relationships
- Professionalism, assertiveness & confidence
- Meticulous, precise, & detail oriented
- A team player that enjoys working with others
- An enthusiastic commitment to excellence
- Pro-active, responsible, motivated self-manager
- Enjoys working with their hands
- Processes new information quickly with a passion for learning
- A passion for using their knowledge & skills to help others
Benefits Include:
- 60% of Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance premiums paid by Carolina Conservation
- Two weeks paid vacation (accrual based) + holidays (back dated to start date)
- Volunteer opportunities
- Continuing Education Opportunities
About Carolina Conservation
Family owned and operated, Carolina Conservation has specialized in fine art conservation for fire and water damaged collections since 2005. We service major national accounts and companies within the property insurance industry. Due to the high level of service quality we provide to our clients, we have built strong industry relationships that have fueled the rapid growth of our studio operations. Over the past twelve years, we have grown to become the largest conservation studio in the nation exclusively specializing in fire and water damaged fine art and specialty collections. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with education and work history. Carolina Conservation employees are given the potential for strong career growth within our organization. We believe in providing our staff access to ongoing education, training, fieldwork experience, and volunteer conservation opportunities.