Author: Brittany Dismuke

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/

Paper Conservator
Missouri State Archives/Local Records Preservation Program
Jefferson City, Missouri
Starting Salary: $3,129 per month 
The Missouri State Archives is seeking a paper conservator to treat historically significant paper records, primarily from the 19th and early 20th century from the Archives and local government offices. The primary work is conservation treatment; some work in outreach (training and consultation) is required.
This is a permanent, fulltime position working alongside two other conservators in a well-equipped conservation lab.  
Qualifications:
Minimum Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree required. At least 2 years advanced training in conservation acquired through formal studies or a combination of apprenticeship, advanced courses, and internships. Knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of books/paper and an understanding of the causes of deterioration.
Preferred Education/Experience: Advanced degree/certificate in paper conservation through an accredited graduate or equivalent certificate program, formal apprenticeship, or equivalent experience OR Master’s degree in library science or archival administration, art, art history, history, historical preservation, or related field, with one year experience in paper conservation. Sound knowledge of organic and physical chemistry.
The complete job description, qualifications, and application procedures are available at http://www.sos.mo.gov/default.aspx?PageID=8534.
The minimum posting period will end 7/5/16. After the minimum posting period, the position may be closed to new applicants and filled at any time.

Associate Objects Conservator – Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, is an encyclopedic collection comprising more than 450,000 objects. Founded in 1870, the Museum’s collections include ancient archaeological materials, American and European sculpture and decorative arts, African, Oceanic and Asian objects and sculpture, as well as contemporary works. 
Conservation and Collections Management is an integral part of the Museum’s stated purpose to hold its collections in trust for future generations. Members of the department promote the long-term preservation of artworks through development of conservation treatments, study of materials and techniques, scholarly research and documentation. The department follows internationally established standards to document and maintain the aesthetic and physical integrity of works of art through six conservation disciplines, an analytical facility, and a collections management division responsible for safe exhibition, storage, transport, as well as the collections database. 
Founded in 1929, the Objects Conservation Laboratory upholds a long and distinguished tradition of excellence in the examination, treatment, and preservation of cultural heritage, supported by a full range of scientific resources.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston seeks to fill a full-time Associate Objects Conservator position beginning in the summer of 2016. The position may be renewed annually through current term end date of April 2019.
Under the direction of the Head of Objects Conservation or the Conservator, the Associate Conservator will be responsible for the conservation of works to be exhibited at the Museum’s sister museum, the Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts (N/BMFA), as well as objects to be loaned to other exhibition partners.
Essential Functions:

• Survey artworks from all areas of the Museum’s encyclopedic collection to make recommendations relating to travel and exhibition.
• Create budgets, schedule conservation treatments, and determine requirements for packing, installation, casework, and mountmaking.
• Carry out treatments and perform all work in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC).
• Fully document all work in writing and through photography, in accordance with AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice and following departmental standards in MFA’s collections database system.
• Work closely with curatorial and other staff at the MFA, N/BMFA, and other venues to plan installations.
• Significant travel as a courier is expected.
• Supervise other staff as directed.
• Carry out research in support of treatments as needed.
• Perform additional tasks in support of conservation activities in the Objects Lab as needed.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must have a Master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of seven years of post-training experience is required.
• Familiarity with the treatment of a wide variety of materials is strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience with digital photography, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel.

Application materials must be received by July 8, 2016. For consideration, please submit your letter of interest, résumé, and two letters of recommendation to: resumes@mfa.org. You may also submit your materials via postal mail to: Human Resources Department, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. Confirmation of receipt of complete applications will be sent via e-mail.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks diversity in its workforce.

The Field Museum, Chicago, IL is seeking a Chief Conservator
– Location: Chicago, IL
The Chief Conservator will undertake conservation planning, programming, and implementation. The individual in this position will also be responsible for the management of conservation programs, facilities, and staff, as well as the examination, documentation, and treatment of objects and specimens in the Museum collections. The Chief Conservator will report to and strongly collaborate with the Head of Anthropology Collections and will consult with the appropriate Collections Administrative Teams. The Chief Conservator will initiate and support awareness and fundraising efforts for collection preservation and the Museum mission.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Spearheads production and implementation of long range collection conservation planning. Develops and implements collections policies and procedures in collaboration with curators, collection managers, and registrars.
• Surveys collections in collaboration with curators and collection managers to assess the condition of objects and specimens and determine preservation and treatment needs
• Documents, examines, and performs conservation treatments and procedures on objects and specimens in the collections.
• Provides conservation guidance to Collections, Exhibits, and other museum staff to establish, monitor, and maintain proper environmental conditions in storerooms, exhibits, and work areas as well as to prescribe, review, and upgrade methods and materials used for the storage and packing of objects and specimens
• Coordinates exhibition conservation program. May perform conservation work for incoming, outgoing, and in-house exhibits including conditioning and overseeing installation
• Assesses, recommends, and provides treatment of objects and specimens for outgoing loans to borrowing institutions for exhibitions and research. Provides guidance on exhibition mounts. May travel as courier to borrowing institutions to condition report and oversee installations and de-installations
• Prepares conservation funding proposals
• Performs research leading to improved methods, materials, and procedures for conservation, storage, and exhibit of specimens; disseminates results in publications and oral presentations
• Participates in professional meetings, workshops, and other activities to keep current in the field of conservation and enhance professional knowledge and skills
• Conducts tours and public presentations when needed
• Supervises and manages all conservation staff as well as volunteers,
  interns, and visitors as required
• Responsible for managing the daily operation of the conservation
  laboratories including the organization, maintenance and ordering of equipment and supplies
• Performs other conservation and collections-related activities as
  assigned

Qualifications

• Degree in conservation from a recognized training program with a specialization in objects and ethnographic conservation
• Demonstrated extensive conservation experience with management and supervisory responsibilities
• Demonstrated working knowledge and practice of conservation ethics, theory, method, and literature
• Working knowledge of lab equipment and chemicals
• Strong manual skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated superb organizational skills
• Proven verbal and written communication skills
• Conservation grant writing experience
• Leadership and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team, to enlist the cooperation and involvement of others
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring conservators, students, and
  volunteers
• Demonstrated experience in collection care policy, planning, and
  implementation
• Demonstrated experience in resource and project management
• Skilled in negotiation and resolution of non-routine problems
• Proven experience with standard digital conservation photography as well as computer proficiency with museum collections databases, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel. Working knowledge of KE EMu highly desirable
• Experience with natural history collections conservation desirable

Candidates without the requisite experience for Chief Conservator may be
considered for a conservation position focusing on ethnographic objects.
To apply, go online to https://www.fieldmuseum.org/about/careers and submit your application.

JOB TITLE: Senior Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture
EMPLOYER: The J. Paul Getty Trust
JOB SUMMARY:
The J. Paul Getty Museum is seeking a Senior Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture to oversee the conservation department, which is responsible for the long-term preservation of one of the finest collections of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts in the United States. The Senior Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture oversees the safekeeping, proper installation, and conservation of all works in the Getty’s permanent collection. It conducts an active and influential program of treatments and research, including technical and materials analyses, and as a result is invited to participate in many influential international research projects. The department supports a program of ambitious loan exhibitions through its conservation work and state-of-the-art installation and mount-making procedures. The Senior Conservator represents the institution in the negotiation of joint projects with other institutions while advancing its reputation as a leader on conservation matters internationally. He/she also oversees department staffing, hiring, performance reviews, staff development, and the budget.
The successful candidate will have a Master’s Degree and/or Ph.D. degree, ten years’ experience as an objects conservator, a record of successful treatments and professional publications, and proven ability as a manager. Frequently working in tandem with the curatorial department, he/she will have the reputation and skills to initiate collaborations and build partnerships internationally. The individual will be equipped to consult with other institutions as appropriate on their conservation needs and to conduct negotiations regarding loans, treatments and collaborative projects where required. He/she will contribute to researching, developing, and overseeing innovative methodologies for long-term preservation of works of art in support of the Getty’s leadership role among museums and cultural institutions. The Senior Conservator will report to the Associate Director for Collections and work closely and collaboratively with the Senior Curator of Sculpture and Decorative Arts and with colleagues across the Getty campus.
The Senior Conservator supervises a conservation department of six, including three conservators, two mountmakers, one Senior Staff Assistant and one Graduate Intern. She/he will nurture staff development and review staff performance as well as setting broad departmental and individual goals. The Senior Conservator is responsible for managing the department’s budget and for insuring that all safety procedures are followed. She/he will provide expert opinions about proposed acquisitions and oversee the conservation treatment of all works in the Getty’s Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection. The successful candidate will supports a program of international loans of works of art through his/her expertise, reputation, and diplomacy. She/he also advises on the presentation of works of art in the Museum’s galleries and for special exhibitions while overseeing and facilitating their safe installation. The Senior Conservator develops best practices for conservation treatment and the installation of works of art. She/he works collaboratively with Museum curators, scientists and staff of the Getty Conservation Institute, colleagues across the two Getty campuses, and internationally to further the programs and mission of the J. Paul Getty Museum under the auspices of the Getty Trust.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Applies extensive knowledge of art history and art education to advanced curatorial assignments
• Performs advanced scholarly research to support the institutional mission
• Makes decisions that impact objectives, objectives, priorities and work activities for the department and related areas of the institution
• Organizes major exhibitions, publications, or acquisitions
• Cultivates broad and extensive connections nationally and internationally with scholars and museum colleagues
• Researches and recommends acquisitions and donations for collection development
• Publishes and lectures extensively in area of specialization
• Leads assessment of conservation needs of the collections; recommends, prioritizes and reviews digitization projects; assesses loan requests
• Collaborates and leads in research projects; promotes collections and/or serves as a resource to scholars, visitors and staff
• May plan and oversee activities of a curatorial department including budgets, staffing, performance planning and review, and staff development
• May cultivate donors and co-ordinate council activities

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in art history, art or art education OR 10+ yrs of curatorial experience OR Ph.D.
• Fluency in at least one foreign language (modern or ancient) required
• Highest level technical contributor in specialized curatorial functions

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Recognized ability to build long-term relationships, collaborate and direct teams across disciplines
• Competent with collection management and digital asset management tools
• Accomplished in art historical research and writing
• Proven ability to communicate and distill information for a specialized audience or the general public
• Ability to adapt written material for a variety of audiences online or in print

TO APPLY: https://jobs-getty.icims.com/jobs/2785/senior-conservator-of-decorative-arts-and-sculpture/job
 

Paper Conservator
The Midwest Art Conservation Center is seeking a Paper Conservator. This is a full-time position with occasional travel. Applicants must have an advanced degree in art conservation with a specialization in paper conservation. The position calls for treatments on a wide-range of works from all periods, including Asian art. A minimum of 5 years post graduate experience is preferred. The title and responsibilities will be commensurate with experience. MACC provides excellent salaries along with outstanding benefits including medical, dental, 403b contributions, vacations, AIC membership, and professional development.
MACC is a growing, independent, nonprofit, regional center providing comprehensive conservation services in Paintings, Objects, Paper and Textiles. The staff is collaborative, very collegial and works innovatively with the curatorial and collection professionals of hundreds of Midwest institutions – including the largest art museums, historical societies, universities, libraries and archives, as well as small and mid-sized institutions with unique and varied collections. MACC laboratories are located within the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Please send your confidential curriculum vitae, cover letter and references to:
Colin D. Turner
Executive Director
Midwest Art Conservation Center
2400 – 3^rd Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
cturner@preserveart.org
612-870-3148

Objects Conservator
The Midwest Art Conservation Center is seeking an Objects Conservator. This is a full-time position with occasional travel. Applicants must have an advanced degree in art conservation with a specialization in objects conservation. The position calls for treatments on a wide-range of works from all periods. A minimum of 5 years post graduate experience is preferred. The title and responsibilities will be commensurate with experience. MACC provides excellent salaries along with outstanding benefits including medical, dental, 403b contributions, vacations, AIC membership, and professional development.
MACC is a growing, independent, nonprofit, regional center providing comprehensive conservation services in Paintings, Objects, Paper and Textiles. The staff is collaborative, very collegial and works innovatively with the curatorial and collection professionals of hundreds of Midwest institutions – including the largest art museums, historical societies, universities, libraries and archives, as well as small and mid-sized institutions with unique and varied collections. MACC laboratories are located within the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Please send your confidential curriculum vitae, cover letter and references to:
Colin D. Turner
Executive Director
Midwest Art Conservation Center
2400 – 3^rd Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
cturner@preserveart.org
612-870-3148

Corning Museum of Glass
Position Summary 
Title:                           Assistant Conservator
Status:                       M&P, Full-Time
Reports to:               Chief Conservator
Summary:
Assists the Chief Conservator and Associate Conservator in all aspects of the physical care of the collection of glass and glass-related objects.  Specializes in the care, cleaning and conservation of glass objects and sculptures, with a focus on modern and contemporary collections. Other primary duties include examination and conditioning of objects for acquisition and loan approval.
Responsibilities:

• Assists the Chief Conservator and Associate Conservator in all aspects of the care of glass and glass-related objects in the collection and on loan.
• Examines Museum objects requested for loan to other institutions, writes condition reports and recommends the appropriate response.
• With the Chief and Associate Conservators, ensures that the handling and storage of conservation materials and the use of equipment in the conservation laboratory are in compliance with relevant federal and state regulations.
• Maintains currency on the latest developments in the field of glass conservation and restoration, with special focus on Modern and Contemporary objects and sculptures.
• Documents treatments and contributes to conservation website information.
• Assists with the supervision and guidance of interns in the Conservation Department.
• Observes and follows all safety regulations of The Corning Museum of Glass.
• Is familiar with and observes the requirements of all Museum standards and the Code of Ethics and Statement of Practice of the American Institute for Conservation.
• Represents The Corning Museum of Glass at domestic and international conferences and professional meetings through active participation and engagement.

Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Art History or a similar field, with a graduate diploma in conservation.

• Minimum two years’ experience as an object conservator, or equivalent training and experience.
• Experience handling contemporary glass desired.
• Ability to complete high quality treatments in a timely manner.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent research and writing skill. Knowledge of Excel, Media-Bin, and other record-keeping programs.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Applicants can apply by emailing their resume and cover letter to employment@cmog.org.

Photo and Paper Conservator, Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute.
The Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) is seeking a Conservator with a specialization in photograph and paper conservation. The Photo and Paper Conservator will examine museum collections and conduct appropriate treatments documenting the processes in accordance with practices and tenets of the profession, will conduct research pertinent to photograph and paper conservation in the museum environment, and will serve as a mentor in MCI training programs.  It is expected that the candidate will participate in MCI research and technical studies. The successful candidate will have experience in research, professional presentation, and publication.
MCI is a scientific research center of the Smithsonian Institution with the mission to increase and disseminate scientific knowledge that improves preservation and conservation of museum collections and related material, with an emphasis on the collections of the Smithsonian Institution’s museums. For a more detailed description of the MCI’s programs please see www.si.edu/mci.
For a complete application package and instructions please access USAJOBS https://www.usajobs.gov/ or the Smithsonian website http://www.si.edu/OHR/jobs_public and retrieve announcement number 16R-SR-300760-DEU-MCI. The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Vacancy closes May 23, 2016.   Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National.
For more information contact:
Jessica S. Johnson
Head of Conservation
Museum Conservation Institute
Smithsonian Institution
301 238 1218
johnsonjs@si.edu

Administrative Specialist
Job Title: Administrative Specialist
Agency :LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Job Announcement Number:160053

SALARY RANGE:	$64,650.00 to $84,044.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:	Wednesday, May 11, 2016 to Wednesday, June 1, 2016
SERIES & GRADE:	GS-0301-11
POSITION INFORMATION:	Open – Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:	11
DUTY LOCATIONS:	1 vacancy in the following location: Washington , DC, US
WHO MAY APPLY:	Anyone may apply – By law, employment at most U.S. Government agencies, including the Library of Congress, is limited to U.S. citizens. However, non-citizens may be hired, provided that other legal requirements are met and the Library determines there are no qualified U.S. citizens available for the position.
SUPERVISORY STATUS:	No
USAJOBS Control Number:	438654300

JOB SUMMARY:
About the Agency
This position is located in the Binding and Collections Care Division of the Preservation Directorate, which is responsible for assuring long-term access to the Library’s collections through regularly labeling, binding, repairing and providing custom protective enclosures for new acquisitions, at-risk materials, and fragile and damaged media in all formats. In carrying out this responsibility, the Division plans and manages a budget of over 2 million dollars. The incumbent assists the Chief and division managers in determining resources and priorities in the areas of budget, procurement, equipment, security, and productivity. This involves researching and evaluating ways to improve the effectiveness of work operations, developing purchase requests using the Library’s automated procurement system, including maintaining files for BCCD’s non-personal contracts, conducting financial analysis and reconciliation of BCCD’s non-personal accounts, establishing obligations in the Library’s automated financial system, developing financial reports and detailed budget analysis, and identifying reporting discrepancies and determining corrective action.
This position is located in the Binding and Collections Care Division of the Preservation Directorate.
The position description number for this position is 132420.
Visit USAjobs.gov to apply.