Job Posting: Assistant/Associate Paintings Conservator – Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation (NY, NY)

ASSISTANT / ASSOCIATE PAINTINGS CONSERVATOR
FOR WORLD-RENOWNED MUSEUM
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is seeking an Assistant / Associate Paintings Conservator for a three-year project. As a member of the Conservation Department, the Assistant / Associate Paintings Conservator is responsible for the care and preservation of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum’s paintings collection. Work is primarily related to the conservation of paintings, however, the candidate should have a reasonable comfort level to supervise complex installations and 3-dimensional objects. This position requires significant travel related to an active loan and exhibition program.
Founded in 1937, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of art, primarily of the modern and contemporary periods, through exhibitions, education programs, research initiatives, and publications. The Guggenheim network that began in the 1970s when the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, was joined by the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice, has since expanded to include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (opened 1997) and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (currently in development). Looking to the future, the Guggenheim Foundation continues to forge international collaborations that take contemporary art, architecture, and design beyond the walls of the museum. More information about the foundation can be found at guggenheim.org.
Key Responsibilities:

Examination, documentation and treatment of artworks as needed, as well as evaluation of new acquisitions and materials research
Work with fellow conservators in the Conservation department to determine treatment approaches and priorities
Work together with colleagues from the Curatorial, Registrar, Exhibition Design, and Art Services & Preparations departments, to advise on the art’s suitability for travel, recommend and perform treatment, and establish safe packing and handling procedures
Travel as a courier is required, as is supervision of installation and deinstallation of exhibitions at international venues
Length of position term: approximately three years.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Graduate degree in Conservation (Masters or Certificate/Masters) from an accredited university, including course work in chemistry and material science.
Minimum of five years professional conservation experience, preferably in a museum conservation laboratory
Demonstrated knowledge of packing, transport, and environmental requirements for travel of complex and fragile artworks
Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
Excellent manual skills
Problem-solving, time management, and written/ verbal communication skills

The Guggenheim offers a competitive salary and excellent medical, dental, life, disability, and retirement plan coverage. Our staff also enjoys generous vacation, sick leave and personal days, access to a variety of cultural institutions, discounts to museum stores, and a stimulating and collegial work environment.
Qualified applicants please send your resume and cover letter, including salary expectations, to employment@guggenheim.org. Indicate the job title “Assistant / Associate Paintings Conservator” in the subject line. Only those applicants who meet our requirements for this position will be contacted.
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Posting: Conservator (2-year Project) – The Henry Ford (Dearborn, MI)

Conservator for a 2-year Project

The Henry Ford, Dearborn, MI.

The Henry Ford has been awarded a grant from IMLS for a two-year project to conserve, rehouse, and create fully digital catalog records for approximately 900 items from THF’s considerable holdings of electrical production, distribution, and transmission-related artifacts (about 15% of THF’s total electrical collections).
For this project, THF’s electrical collections will include artifacts related to the production, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The core of THF’s electrical collections is four seminal collections acquired by Henry Ford in the 1920s and 1930s from Thomas Edison, Westinghouse, General Electric, and the Edison Pioneers, with artifacts tied to Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, Elihu Thompson, Frank Sprague, and others. This project represents an excellent opportunity for an emerging conservator to engage with a very wide range of 20^th century materials that include many modern materials, modern metals and plastics. It is an ideal project for candidates with experience and interest in industrial design and challenging unique collections care issues.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the execution and supervision of artifact conservation activities including treatments, handling, re-housing and documentation. The project focuses on storage upgrades, digital imaging and the overall care of assigned collections. Reporting to the assigned Senior Conservator, the Project Conservator will also provide training and supervision for project specialists, technicians, volunteers as assigned.
For more see: http://www.thehenryford.org/about/jobposting.aspx?category=HISTORICAL+RESOURCES
Contact:
Workforce Development
20900 Oakwood Boulevard
P.O. Box 1970
Dearborn, MI 48121-1970
Employment Hotline: 313.982.6090
Fax: 313.982.6226
E-mail: employment@thehenryford.org

Job Posting: Head, Book Conservation Section – Library of Congress (Washington, DC)

The Book Conservation Section is responsible for all work related to the assessment, stabilization, and conservation treatment of book artifacts in the Library’s special collections. The Section Head is responsible for managing work conducted in this section, which includes assessments, surveys, evaluations, treatments, documentation, and housing of book artifacts and book collections; stabilization work for exhibitions and digital projects; research into optimizing book conservation treatment methods and protocols; participation in the division’s intern program and other teaching and training programs; and creation of publications, reports, and guidelines.
See posting at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/418574200
Job Announcement Number: 150212
Salary range: $90,823.00 to $118,069.00 / Per Year
Closing date: Monday, November 16 2015
Series and grade: GS-1410-13
Position Information: Full-Time, Permanent

Job Posting: Supervising Collections Care Conservator – New York Public Library (Long Island, NY)

Supervising Collections Care Conservator

Position Description:

Overview:

The Supervising Collections Care Conservator works to protect and ensure immediate and long-term access of the Library’s vast and important general research collections. The position manages the activities and workflow of the Preservation Division’s Collections Care unit, trains and supervises staff, and performs bench treatment. Manages protective enclosure production, which is critical for collections not suitable for repair, and minimizes risk of further damage or loss while in storage or in transit.
This position manages partnerships with curatorial and library service units related to collections condition assessment, stabilization/repair/treatment, custom housing, mold remediation, pest management, and environmental monitoring. The Supervising Collection Care Conservator will be a primary conservation first responder in the event of disasters affecting Research Library collections. The incumbent is expected to quickly assess and recommend immediate action, triage collections material as well as direct and perform recovery activities.

Principal Responsibilities:

Provides leadership and vision for the unit’s activities and for future program development.
Manages and performs the broad range of Collections Care activities.
Evaluates unit’s processes and outputs, and implements modifications to improve quality and effectiveness.
Plans and manages workflows through the lab for digitization, acquisitions damaged collections, and storage/move priorities.
Determines appropriate treatments and assigns work to staff.
Develops preservation strategies based on collection assessments and surveys.
Manages grant, vendor and other projects as needed.
Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates lab staff as well as assigns and evaluates work.
Ensures that treatment standards and protocols are met.
Performs a broad range of treatment activities on various library and archival formats, in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines of Practice as well as develops and tests new treatment procedures.
Designs and produces hand-made and machine-made housings.
Manages production from Kasemake automated boxmaking machine; maintains equipment and systems; performs Kasemake production as needed.
Provides technical advice and training regarding handling, storage, selection for treatment, and treatment of library collections items.
Collaborate with Research Libraries stakeholders in development of Library policies and practices.
Collaborates with NYPL curatorial staff to establish unit priorities and quotas for collection items as well as with central library technical service operations (BookOps) to prioritize and provide treatment and stabilization of acquisitions.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree or certificate from an accredited graduate training program in conservation.
ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library and information studies or substantial work experience in a research library environment preferred.
Knowledge of conservation theory and practice.
Professional experience in a wide range of conservation treatment procedures of various paper-based formats, as demonstrated by a portfolio.
Experience in disaster recovery procedures for library/archival/museum materials.
Knowledge of book history, book binding, papermaking, paper deterioration and materials science.
Knowledge of preservation issues and current trends facing large research libraries across the nation.
Successful management skills, including the ability to train and supervise staff and assess work.
Successful organizational and analytical skills, including experience organizing and managing projects and/or workflow in a production setting.
Strong computer and database skills, including the ability to work with integrated library systems.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work collegially across a large, complex, and dynamic organizational setting.

To Apply: https://jobs-nypl.icims.com/jobs/8798/supervising-collections-care-conservator/job

Advocacy Alert: Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner closes Illinois State Museum! Act Now!

In a move harmful to the people of his state and to the preservation of its history and culture, Governor Bruce Rauner has closed the Illinois State Museum in Springfield and its four satellite institutions. While trying to eliminate a budget deficit, this closure threatens income to the state from cultural tourism, deprives school children of educational opportunities, and impedes research into the natural and cultural heritage of Illinois. In the long run, the closure of the Illinois State Museum threatens the security and future existence of the artifacts, records, and educational resources held in trust by the museum for the citizens of the state.
Please contact Governor Rauner to advocate for preservation of the cultural property held by the museum and for public access to its collections that allows for research and discovery. http://www.illinois.gov/gov/contactus/Pages/VoiceAnOpinion.aspx
Note – The above link will take you to a comments page managed by Governor Rauner’s office. While the state of IL is pre-selected you can change it to your state. The form asks you to pick from a list of issues. You would select “Closure of State Museums”.

Job Posting: Conservator of Textiles – The Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL)

Conservator of Textiles
THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
The Art Institute of Chicago is seeking a Conservator of Textiles that will be responsible for the care and preservation of and technical research on all textile objects in the museum’s collections. Oversees handling of textiles by all staff members. Directs the operation of the textile conservation lab and oversees the management of the Department’s storerooms. Advises the Chair on all technical matters related to the museum’s textiles. The Conservator of Textiles will lead a team of four staff members.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for carrying out (or supervising) all treatment of textiles in the museum’s collection as necessary for on-going care, in-house exhibitions, and loans. In collaboration and coordination with Curators, prepares treatment proposals for works in the collection. In consultation with the Chair, establishes treatment priorities for the collections. Maintains all permanent conservation records, including written treatment proposals and condition reports for loans and potential acquisitions.

Oversees all conservation and preservation needs for special exhibitions involving textiles, including installation measures proposed by the Conservation Assistant. Participates in the planning and implementation of special exhibitions and special research projects. In this capacity, may travel with curators and conduct independent research toward such projects. May share responsibility for couriering fragile textiles and, when necessary, oversees installation of textiles at borrowing institutions.

Ensures that all the museum’s textiles, whether on view or in storage or on loan, are housed in safe environments with respect to light, temperature, and humidity levels.

Develops and maintains institutional standards for safe handling, storage, installation, installation, packing and shipping of textiles in coordination and consultation with conservators, technicians, installers, packers and registrars. Carries out research to determine the safe packing and shipping of fragile objects and may collaborate with the chief packer in designing special crates for this purpose. Advises curatorial, conservation and other colleagues on the proper care and handling of textiles.

Researches and supervises research in the conservation, restoration, and scientific examination of textiles. Publishes and lectures on such research. Communicates with professional colleagues on a regular basis and participates in professional organizations concerned with textile conservation issues.

Responsible for administrative aspects of managing the textile conservation lab, including preparing and monitoring the budget for materials and equipment, maintaining lab equipment, supervising lab staff, training and mentoring conservation fellows and interns, and assisting with grant writing.

Assists the Chair on technical and practical matters on any project involving altering or adding to the physical spaces housing the Department offices, galleries, and storerooms.

Responsible for managing the overall functions of the Department in the absence of the Chair.

QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in Conservation with textile specialization; Proven expertise in treatment of wide range of textiles; Eight years of professional experience in textile conservation required; some management experience preferred. Experience involving major responsibility for a significant museum collection of textiles preferred. Communications and organizational skills important.
APPLY ONLINE AT: https://hrweb.artic.edu/recruit/applyjob.html
The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.
We offer a competitive and attractive benefits package:

Paid Time Off Program
Full medical, dental, and vision benefits
Complimentary general admission to the Art Institute and other Chicago cultural institutions
Exposure to art lectures, exhibitions, and other events that occur at the museum
An opportunity to work with some of the best-in-class curators, designers, and innovators
Tuition remission for all employees

2016-2017 Postgraduate Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections – Smithsonian

The Smithsonian’s Office of Fellowships and Internships has announced one-year fellowships for recent graduates of masters programs in art and archaeological conservation (or the equivalent) to conduct research and gain further training in Smithsonian conservation laboratories for conservation of museum collections. Researchers in conservation science topics, including those at the postdoctoral level, are also encouraged to apply. The fellowship begins in the fall of 2016. A stipend of $37,700 is being offered at the postgraduate level and $48,000 at the postdoctoral level, plus a research allowance up to $4,000. While 12-month fellowship proposals are preferred, applications for projects of shorter duration (between 3-12 months) are acceptable, with a commensurate reduction to the stipend amounts. The prospective fellow must first contact the conservator or scientist with whom he or she would like to work. If the potential supervisor confirms that candidacy is suitable, application must be made through the Office of Fellowships and Internships by December 1, 2016. Program guidelines and instructions for application are available at http://www.smithsonianofi.com/fellowship-opportunities/smithsonian-postgraduate-fellowships-in-conservation-of-museum-collections-program/. As one of the conservation laboratories in which a fellowship is offered, the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) offers postings for treatment and research projects benefiting Smithsonian collections that make use of MCI’s excellent analytical capabilities (http://www.si.edu/mci/).
For more information: http://www.si.edu/mci/english/professional_development/2016-2017PostgraduateFellowships.html

Job Posting: 2016 Interdisciplinary Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Stable Isotope Sciences (Suitland, MD or Panama City, Panama)

2016 Interdisciplinary Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Stable Isotope Sciences
The Office of Fellowships and Internships is offering an Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Fellowship in the area of stable isotope sciences. Research proposals must integrate the use of stable isotopes (2H/1H, 13C/12C, 15N/14N, and 18O/16O) into their specific research questions. Stable isotope analysis must comprise a significant portion of the research. The successful applicant will conduct analyses at one of the two Pan-Institutional isotope facilities (OUSS/MCI Stable Isotope Mass Spectrometry Facility in Suitland, MD or at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama).
Applicants must have completed or be near completion of the Ph.D. Recipients who have not completed the Ph.D. at the time of application must provide proof of completion of the degree before the fellowship begins.
For more information: http://www.si.edu/mci/english/professional_development/2016PostDocFellowshipStableIsotopeSciences.html

Advocacy Alert: Comment on proposed changes to laws regarding trade and transit of African elephant ivory

Please Act Now!!
An urgent message to AIC members from AIC President Pamela Hatchfield:
In response to an unprecedented rise in illegal poaching of the African elephant driven by the demand created by the ivory trade, US Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS) has responded with proposed amendments to existing laws to increase protection of the African elephant. These efforts are in tandem with CITES international efforts and an executive order by President Obama in 2013 to combat wildlife trafficking. Most recently, FWS has amended language in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) 4(d) rule to incorporate certain restrictions on international and interstate trade and transit of African elephant ivory. While we strongly support the premise that the African elephant must be protected, we also want to protect cultural heritage. The two goals are not mutually exclusive. FWS has invited the general public to comment on the proposed changes through 28 September 2015.
The AIC code of ethics states, “III. While recognizing the right of society to make appropriate and respectful use of cultural property, the conservation professional shall serve as an advocate for the preservation of cultural property.” Accordingly, we must take a stand for the protection of cultural property, including items made with ivory.
We have crafted the comment below for your use, but you should feel free to alter or add to it. The more comments received, the more likely it is that our concerns will be heard. We urge you to submit your comments to the FWS portal so that AIC’s voice is heard as they finalize these changes.
You may submit comments electronically via the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov/. In the Search box, enter FWS–HQ–IA–2013–0091, which is the docket number for this rulemaking. You may submit a comment by clicking on ‘‘Comment Now!’’
You may also submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–HQ–IA–2013–0091; Division of Policy, Performance, and Management Programs; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: BPHC; Falls Church, VA 22041.
Note that all comments will be publicly posted on http://www.regulations.gov/.

Dear ______,

I am a member of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC), an organization formed specifically to protect cultural heritage properties, including those fabricated from or incorporating materials derived from endangered species.

As a conservation professional, I support elephant conservation efforts and respect laws that halt illegal trafficking of new raw and worked ivory. At the same time, we must seek the protection of cultural property that was obtained in full compliance with legal regulations at the time of acquisition. Therefore, we advocate for protecting permitted, legally acquired worked ivories from unnecessary destruction, destructive testing, and possible confiscation.

As a member, it is essential for me to state my position on this important issue. While I wholeheartedly support efforts to protect elephants, I wish to call attention to the fact that present efforts to protect African elephants from extinction could also result in inadvertent damage to historic cultural artifacts that are made of or with ivory. Please consider the following recommendations while finalizing all proposed changes to the 4(d) rule:

Protect legally acquired worked ivories from destruction, destructive testing, and possible confiscation.
Accept documentation that reliably establishes ownership dating to 1976 or before (pre-Convention) as proof that the ivory was legally obtained, and as antique if documentation demonstrates a history over 100 years.

With thanks for your attention to these critically important concerns,

Sincerely,

(Your Signature Here)

2016-2017 Getty Graduate Internship Program Announced

Getty Graduate Internships are offered in the four programs of the J. Paul Getty Trust—the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Research Institute, the Getty Conservation Institute, and the Getty Foundation, as well as in Getty Publications—to students who intend to pursue careers in fields related to the visual arts. Training and work experience placements are available in areas such as curatorial, education, conservation, research, publications, information management, public programs, and grantmaking.

Please see the list of internship position areas and host departments participating in 2016—2017 (PDF, 8 pp., 81kb).

Eligibility
Internships are open to students of all nationalities. Applicants must be:

		Students currently enrolled in a graduate program leading to an advanced degree in a field relevant to the internship(s) for which they are applying, or

		Individuals who have completed a relevant graduate degree on or after January 1, 2013, with postgraduate activities in their field, paid or unpaid.

Terms
Internships are located at the Getty Center in Los Angeles or the Getty Villa in Malibu. All positions are full-time beginning September 12, 2016. Most internships are for eight months, ending May 19, 2017. Conservation internships are twelve months, ending September 8, 2017. Grant amounts are $17,400 for eight months and $26,000 for twelve months. Support for research travel is available for up to $2,500. Graduate Interns are eligible to enroll in the Getty’s health care plan. The grant includes $1,000 towards relocation expenses but housing is not provided. Please note that grant funds may be subject to federal and state taxes and deductions. Additional information about the terms of these grants is available here.