Author: Brittany Dismuke

2015 Summer Internships at the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute
 
The Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) is offering short-term opportunities to work on research and conservation projects with staff members. The internships are intended mainly for the summer of 2015, but consideration will be given to projects at other times during the year.  Preference will be given to applicants currently enrolled in conservation training programs or graduate students in related subjects. A stipend may be offered for a period of up to 10 weeks.  Projects will be supervised by the following staff members, whom applicants are urged to contact in advance of application:
 
Mary Ballard, Senior Textiles Conservator, 301-238-1210, ballardm@si.edu
A. Elena Charola, Research Scientist (biodeterioration, stone), 301-238-1213, charolaa@si.edu
Paula DePriest, Deputy Director (biodeterioration), 301-238-1206, depriestp@si.edu
Janet G. Douglas, Head of Technical Studies (analysis of cultural heritage), 301-238-1238, douglja@si.edu
Christine France, Research Physical Scientist (stable isotopes), 301-238-1261, francec@si.edu
Carol Grissom, Senior Objects Conservator, 301-238-1236, grissomc@si.edu
Jessica S. Johnson, Head of Conservation (archaeological materials), 301-238-1218, johnsonjs@si.edu
Robert Koestler, Director (biodeterioration), 301-238-1205, koestlerr@si.edu
Nicole Little, Physical Scientist (ICP-MS, XRD, SEM-EDS), 301-238-1243, littlen@si.edu
Odile Madden, Research Scientist (modern materials, plastic, Raman spectroscopy), 301-238-1257, maddeno@si.edu
Dawn Rogala, Paintings Conservator (modern paints, artists’ materials research/archives), 301-238-1255, rogalad@si.edu
Jia-Sun Tsang, Senior Paintings Conservator (modern and contemporary art  conservation), 301-238-1231, tsangj@si.edu
Ed Vicenzi, Research Scientist (spectroscopic imaging/microscopy), 301-238-1215,  vicenzie@si.edu
E. Keats Webb, Digital Imaging Specialist (advanced imaging), 301-238-1212, webbekeats@si.edu
 
Applications must be made on line through SOLAA (https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html) by February 25, 2015; select the option for the Museum Conservation (MCI) Internship Program.  Selected candidates will be interviewed by telephone, although MCI visits are welcome.

JOB TITLE: Conservator
AGENCY: Library of Congress
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:140282
SALARY RANGE: $52,668.00 to $68,465.00/Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: January 12, 2015 to February 12, 2015
SERIES & GRADE: GS-1001-09
POSITION INFORMATION: Open – Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 12
DUTY LOCATIONS: 2 vacancies 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.
The Conservator position is located in the Conservation Division in the Preservation Directorate. The Conservation Division accomplishes the preservation of the Library’s holdings – including rare, valuable and special collections through a variety of activities, which include performing condition assessment, housing, and treatment of collection items, conducting research and analysis of Library materials, and investigating degradation processes and efficacy of treatments. Conservators also undertake a range of other activities including preventive care measures such as monitoring and evaluating environmental controls, integrated pest management, and emergency preparedness, response and recovery of collections, product testing and quality control programs, review of guidelines and specifications, and preservation training of staff, allied professionals, interns, fellows, volunteers, and the general public.
The incumbent serves as a conservation specialist in a subject area or format (book, paper, photo conservation) and performs the following duties:

1. Demonstrates a growing knowledge, and continued development of highly refined manual skills and judgment concerning conservation treatment.
2. Examines collection items to determine their condition and composition.
3. Establishes written and photographic documentation of the object condition prior to treatment and drafts written treatment proposals for review by supervisor.
4. Performs conservation treatment and housing and prepares the complete conservation documentation as part of the permanent record of the collection item.
5. Implements conservation programs and guidelines as developed by senior conservators and supervisory conservators, including establishing and maintaining optimal exhibition, transportation, and storage conditions, care and handling of library materials, integrated pest management, collections recovery, collections condition survey methodologies, and the use of appropriate housing and storage materials.
6. In the course of examination and treatment, performs specific chemical tests and analytical techniques under the guidance of senior conservation staff to identity and/or determine condition and composition of materials used in the composition and manufacture of library materials. Interprets and incorporates the results of testing and analysis in condition reports and treatment plans based on an understanding of the chemistry of the materials and history and technology of their manufacture.
7. Participates in larger conservation or preservation efforts, including projects that involve other Division staff members, Preservation Directorate staff, interns, and volunteers, as well as representatives from custodial units, with varying skill and knowledge levels.
8. Under the direction from the Supervisory Conservator, may communicate on conservation topics in writing, and may report on conservation issues and research results through publications or presentations at professional gatherings.
9. Keeps current on state-of-the-art conservation and preservation methods and techniques by reading technical information and journals and attending presentations and training in the area of specialty.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

1. Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of preservation and conservation treatment and the ability to properly document actions taken.
2. Ability to assess collections to determine preservation needs.
3. Ability to communicate in writing.
4. Ability to research and analyze collections and materials to carry out conservation treatment and other preservation measures.
5. Ability to provide consultation, outreach, and liaison services.
6. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please go to USA JOBS and carefully follow all instructions under the How to Apply tab to ensure you are considered for the position.  The job posting number is: 140282
You are required to apply online for this announcement. The Library is unable to accept mailed or emailed documents. You must complete the entire application process, including submission of all documents BEFORE this announcement closes.
Customer Service Center
Phone: 202-707-5627
Email: JobHelp@loc.gov
Agency Information:
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Ave. SE
LM-107
Washington, DC 20540

JOB TITLE: Conservator
AGENCY: Library of Congress
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 140283
SALARY RANGE: $52,668.00 to $68,465.00/Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:  January 12, 2015 to February 12, 2015
SERIES & GRADE: GS-1001-09
POSITION INFORMATION: Open – Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:  12
DUTY LOCATIONS: 2 vacancies 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.
The Conservator position is located in the Conservation Division in the Preservation Directorate. The Conservation Division accomplishes the preservation of the Library’s holdings – including rare, valuable and special collections through a variety of activities, which include performing condition assessment, housing, and treatment of collection items, conducting research and analysis of Library materials, and investigating degradation processes and efficacy of treatments. Conservators also undertake a range of other activities including preventive care measures such as monitoring and evaluating environmental controls, integrated pest management, and emergency preparedness, response and recovery of collections, product testing and quality control programs, review of guidelines and specifications, and preservation training of staff, allied professionals, interns, fellows, volunteers, and the general public.
The incumbent serves as a conservation specialist in a subject area or format (book, paper, photo conservation) and performs the following duties:

1. Demonstrates a growing knowledge, and continued development of highly refined manual skills and judgment concerning conservation treatment.
2. Examines collection items to determine their condition and composition.
3. Establishes written and photographic documentation of the object condition prior to treatment and drafts written treatment proposals for review by supervisor.
4. Performs conservation treatment and housing and prepares the complete conservation documentation as part of the permanent record of the collection item.
5. Implements conservation programs and guidelines as developed by senior conservators and supervisory conservators, including establishing and maintaining optimal exhibition, transportation, and storage conditions, care and handling of library materials, integrated pest management, collections recovery, collections condition survey methodologies, and the use of appropriate housing and storage materials.
6. In the course of examination and treatment, performs specific chemical tests and analytical techniques under the guidance of senior conservation staff to identity and/or determine condition and composition of materials used in the composition and manufacture of library materials. Interprets and incorporates the results of testing and analysis in condition reports and treatment plans based on an understanding of the chemistry of the materials and history and technology of their manufacture.
7. Participates in larger conservation or preservation efforts, including projects that involve other Division staff members, Preservation Directorate staff, interns, and volunteers, as well as representatives from custodial units, with varying skill and knowledge levels.
8. Under the direction from the Supervisory Conservator, may communicate on conservation topics in writing, and may report on conservation issues and research results through publications or presentations at professional gatherings.
9. Keeps current on state-of-the-art conservation and preservation methods and techniques by reading technical information and journals and attending presentations and training in the area of specialty.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

1. Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of preservation and conservation treatment and the ability to properly document actions taken.
2. Ability to assess collections to determine preservation needs.
3. Ability to communicate in writing.
4. Ability to research and analyze collections and materials to carry out conservation treatment and other preservation measures.
5. Ability to provide consultation, outreach, and liaison services.
6. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please go to USA JOBS and carefully follow all instructions under the How to Apply tab to ensure you are considered for the position.  The job posting number is: 140283
You are required to apply online for this announcement. The Library is unable to accept mailed or emailed documents. You must complete the entire application process, including submission of all documents BEFORE this announcement closes.
Customer Service Center
Phone: 202-707-5627
Email: JobHelp@loc.gov
Agency Information:
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Ave. SE
LM-107
Washington, DC 20540

Penn Museum Conservation has a three-year opening for a Project Conservator, providing conservation support for the upcoming move of approximately 40,000 objects to an off-site facility.
The Project Conservator is responsible for carrying out a conservation survey of objects to be moved as result of a large construction project. The primary duties include, but are not limited to, assessing the condition of the objects with regard to the move to new storage locations; making recommendations for storage and transit mounts; carrying out necessary treatments to stabilize objects prior to transport; working with Curatorial and Collections staff to facilitate the safe transit of collections to off-site storage. This is a three-year term position, with renewal subject to available funding and Museum needs
The candidate must be a graduate of a recognized Masters-level conservation training program with two-three years of professional experience as a conservator, preferably in a similar institution or equivalent education and experience. Strong organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to undertake moderate to heavy lifting are essential.
We would like to fill this position as soon as possible as the move has to begin this spring.
All applications must be made via the University of Pennsylvania Human Resources website: https://jobs.hr.upenn.edu/postings/8228

Museum Textile Services in Andover, Massachusetts, has an opening for a full-time textile conservator. This busy private conservation studio specializes in flags, needlework, tapestries, and historic clothing belonging to museums, government agencies, and private individuals.
The conservator will be responsible for stabilization, wetcleaning, mounting, framing, and collections care in addition to report writing, project management, and community outreach. Occasional off-site and long-distance travel is also required. An interest in social media and blogging is desirable.
Candidates should have at least 1 year of experience working as a conservator plus a graduate degree in conservation or equivalent. The position is for four or five days a week for a period of twelve months with the possibility of extension. Salary and benefits are competitive. US citizenship or work permit is required.
To apply, please send a letter of interest, CV, and two references to:
Camille Myers Breeze, Director
Museum Textile Services
PO Box 5004
Andover, MA 01810
or email to museumtextiles@gmail.com. For more information, please visit www.museumtextiles.com or visit us on Facebook. The deadline for applications is March 15, 2015.

HARVARD ART MUSEUMS, Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies
Associate Paintings Conservator
The Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies at the Harvard Art Museums is seeking an Associate Paintings Conservator. The Harvard Art Museums have long played a leading role in the development of art history, conservation, and conservation science, and in the evolution of the art museum as an institution. The museums’ collections of approximately 250,000 objects number among the largest in the United States. The conservation department plays an integral role in the museums’ mission to advance knowledge about and appreciation of art and art museums. Conservators and conservation scientists work collaboratively with all departments within the museums and with the greater Harvard University community to preserve, document, present, interpret, and strengthen the collections and resources in the museums’ care.
Duties & Responsibilities
Reports to the Conservator of Paintings, Straus Center for Conservation.
Collections

• Performs conservation surveys, examinations, and treatments for paintings, murals, and certain polychromed objects for the Harvard Art Museums and occasional outside clients.  Collections span a broad range of cultures, focusing on European and American, and time periods from ancient to contemporary.

• Prepares accompanying written and photographic documentation, estimates, correspondence, and condition reports for exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions.
• Manages and executes treatment and care of University Loans and Portrait Collection.
• Accompanies artworks as courier when needed.
• Carries out minor treatment of frames.

• Manages and executes preventive care for paintings, including light level monitoring and environmental needs.

 Administrative

• Participates in planning and preparing budgets for lab activities, exhibitions, and special projects.
• Manages special projects related to conservation and preservation as needed.
• Collaborates with and maintains good working relations with conservation scientists, conservators, curators, and other museum staff.
• Assists Conservator of Paintings with selection, supervision, and instruction of conservation fellow.
• Directs and instructs casual employees, contractors, or students as appropriate.
• Assists in the maintenance of the lab and photo studio, including supplies, records, and equipment.
• Serves as Paintings Lab point person for health and safety issues. Uses and monitors the safe use of certain controlled or hazardous substances.
• Practices and promotes the Guidelines for Practice and Code of Ethics as established by the AIC.

 Teaching

• Assists the Conservator of Paintings in teaching, including undergraduate and graduate courses on the materials and techniques, and the technical examination of art.
• Advises and trains museum staff in the best practices for the care, handling, display, storage, and packing and shipping of paintings.

 Research

• Responsible for staying current with professional philosophies, procedures, and practices in the conservation field through membership in professional organizations, publications, and attendance at meetings, workshops, and seminars.
• Conducts technical research relevant to the collection as assigned and is strongly encouraged to publish and present findings at national and international conferences.

Institutional

• Works with and provides content for Communications and other museum departments.
• Prepares and presents content for museum departments including Division of Academic and Public Programs, Curatorial, and Institutional Advancement.
• Supports Collections Management’s operation of Art Study Centers and Curricular Galleries.
• Leads and participates in tours for various interest groups.

 
Required Education, Experience, and Skills
Basic Qualifications

• MA, MS, or Certificate in Conservation from a recognized university program.

• A minimum of 5 years’ museum or other professional experience with skilled examination and treatment of paintings and painted surfaces from a broad range of cultures and time periods including Ancient, Asian, European, American, modern, and contemporary art.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with state-of-the-art imaging tools used for conservation documentation including digital photography, x-radiography, infrared reflectography (IRR).
• Excellent computer skills, including image editing and management; high level of proficiency/expertise using Adobe PhotoShop and other software.
• Excellent communication, writing, interpersonal, project management, and leadership skills.
• Publications and presentations in professional forums.
• Proficiency with the Museum System (TMS).
• Has or is eligible for Professional Associate or Fellow membership status in AIC.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work while standing, and on occasion in non-studio, on-site locations.
• Ability to climb and work on a ladder and scaffolding.
• Precise attention to detail and manual dexterity.

Application Instructions
A complete application includes a cover letter and curriculum vitae. All application materials must be in English. Deadline for receipt of application materials is March 2, 2015.  Preferred start date is June 1, 2015.
This is a 2 year term position, with the possibility of extension depending on departmental needs and funding.
Please apply online: http://hr.harvard.edu/search-jobs.
Search by School/Unit: Harvard Art Museums.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Illinois State University’s Milner Library is seeking applicants for the position of Conservator and Preservation Specialist. This position performs and supervises conservation treatments for a variety of library materials including rare books, special collections and archives, and also provides conservation and preservation expertise for the library and campus. For more information or to apply, please visit the ISU jobs site:
 
www.jobs.ilstu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=67055

Engen Conservation Fellowship

Objects Conservation at the Smithsonian, National Air and Space Museum 

Fellowship appointments are for 1 year, with a 1 year potential renewal.  They commence in the fall and include a $37,000 stipend, with additional funds for relocation, research related expenses, conference registration and travel in addition to 3,000 for medical insurance. The fellowships will take place at the Emil Buehler Conservation Laboratory in the Udvar Hazy Center in Chantilly VA.
Start / end dates: October 1, 2015- September 30, 2016.
Funded amount: $ 37,000.00
Deadline for application: March 1, 2015
*There is limited public transportation to the Udvar Hazy Center- a car is most ideal for this position.
Fellowship Description
The National Air and Space Museum holds over 60,000 artifacts representing three centuries of aerospace history from 18^th century ballooning to current spacecraft. While NASM is best known for the collection of rare and historically significant aircraft and spacecraft, these artifacts represent less than one percent of the entire collection.  The collection also includes 5000 works of art, spacesuits, engines, textiles, toys and much more.  The fellowship will introduce the candidate to a wide range of composite objects, metals, organic materials and painted surfaces.
The fellow’s independent research will be derived from the diverse collection materials.  Fellows will be encouraged to publish or present their research at the end of their tenure.  Access to other Smithsonian conservators, conservation scientists and analytical capabilities at the Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) will also be available.
The fellowship is intended to contribute to the education of recent graduates by allowing them to continue research into traditional historic objects and delve into the complexities of working with modern composite materials.
Candidate Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in conservation from a recognized program and be able to conduct research independently.  The candidate should have knowledge of ethical and professional principles and concepts related to the preservation of objects in a wide variety of media and knowledge of the theories, principles, techniques, practices, and methodologies used to examine, study, treat, and preserve historic objects.
Applicants should have a proven record of research, writing ability, and proficient English language skills (written and spoken). Finalists will be invited for an interview and asked to submit a portfolio.
Application materials required:

• A brief research proposal. The research proposal can be related to collection materials or an evaluation of a treatment process (no more than 2 pages, 12 point font).  Please include a budget request for research related expenses, and conference registration. The maximum research allowance is $5,000.
• Curriculum vitae including basic biographical information with current and permanent addresses, telephone numbers, and email address.
• Unofficial transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate courses of academic study. Please send an explanation of the evaluation system if your transcript is from outside the United States.
• Two references from conservation professionals familiar with the candidate’s work.
• A writing sample such as a condition report, or examples of published work.

Fellowships are awarded without regard to age, sex, race, or nationality of the applicant.
Applications are submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA) https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html. Select the “Engen Conservation Fellowship” listed under the National Air and Space Museum to submit your application materials.
For questions about this opportunity please contact Malcolm Collum, Chief Conservator at CollumM@si.edu.
We are excited about the opportunity to provide a fellowship experience and look forward to receiving your application materials.

Dear Colleagues,
Princeton University Library is seeking an experienced rare books conservator to join our Preservation Department and help shape the direction of its conservation program.  Many of you are already familiar with the breadth and depth of our collections which include printed books and manuscripts from across a wide spectrum of traditions and time periods. The conservator working with these collections will find many rewards.
Treatment is the primary focus of the position. However, it’s also important to us that the post holder is involved with the field as a whole, is thoughtful about the forces shaping it, and its future direction. We seek someone who is interested in engaging these questions on a local level to help ensure that the Preservation Office is responding to the needs of the Library, Princeton University, and the current field at large.
The Rare Books Conservator reports to the Head, Library Preservation.  The complete position description may be found at the “Jobs at Princeton” website: http://www.princeton.edu/jobs . The requisition number is: 1400414.
Inquiries are most welcome. Nominations are also gratefully accepted.  Applications will only be accepted at “Jobs at Princeton” and the position will remain open until filled.
Sincerely,
Maria
Maria Grandinette
Head, Library Preservation
Princeton University Library
1 Washington Road
Princeton, New Jersey  08544
609-258-5946
Mg17@princeton.edu