Author: Brittany Dismuke

Application Period Opens for 2015 National Digital Stewardship Residency Program
Washington, DC—The Library of Congress and the Institute of Museum and Library Services announce the official open call for applications for the 2015 National Digital Stewardship Residency, to be held in the Washington, D.C. area.  Applications opened Dec. 17 and will close on January 30, 2015.  To apply, go to the official USAJobs link at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/389615400.
For the 2015-16 class, five residents will be chosen for a 12-month residency at a prominent institution in the Washington, D.C. area.  The residency will begin in June, 2015, with an intensive week-long digital stewardship workshop at the Library of Congress. Thereafter, each resident will move to his or her designated host institution to work on a significant digital stewardship project. These projects will allow them to acquire hands-on knowledge and skills involving the collection, selection, management, long-term preservation, and accessibility of digital assets.
The five institutions, and the projects they will offer to NDSR residents, are:

• The District of Columbia Public Library: Personal Digital Preservation Access and Education through the Public Library
• The Government Publishing Office:  Preparation for Audit and Certification of GPO’s FDsys as a Trustworthy Digital Repository
•   The American Institute of Architects: Building Curation into Records Creation: Developing a Digital Repository Program at the American Institute of Architects
•  The U.S. Senate Historical Office: Improving Digital Stewardship in the U.S. Senate
•  The National Library of Medicine: NLM-Developed Software as Cultural Heritage

The inaugural class of the NDSR was held in Washington, D.C. in 2013-14.  Host institutions for that class included Association of Research Libraries, the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library, the Folger Shakespeare Library, the Library of Congress, the University of Maryland, the National Library of Medicine, the National Security Archive, the Public Broadcasting Service, the Smithsonian Institution Archives and the World Bank.
“We are excited to be collaborating with such dynamic host institutions for the second NDSR residency class in Washington, D.C.,” said Library of Congress Supervisory Program Specialist George Coulborne. “ In collaboration with the hosts, we look forward to developing the most engaging experience possible for our residents.  Last year’s residents all found employment in fields related to digital stewardship or went on to pursue higher degrees.  We hope to replicate that outcome with this class of residents, as well as build bridges between the host institutions and the Library of Congress to advance digital stewardship.”
“At IMLS we are delighted to continue our work on and funding support for the second round of the NDSR,” said Maura Marx, IMLS Deputy Director for Library Services. “We welcome the new hosts and look forward to welcoming the new residents to all the opportunities this program presents.”
To qualify, applicants must have a master’s degree or higher academic credential, graduating between spring 2013 and spring 2015, with a strong interest in digital stewardship.  Currently enrolled doctoral students also are encouraged to apply.  Applicants must submit a detailed resume and cover letter, their undergraduate and graduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a creative video that explains an applicant’s interest in the program. Visit the NDSR application website at  digitalpreservation.gov/ndsr/applicationinfo.html for more information.
The residents chosen for NDSR 2015 will be announced by early April 2015. For additional information and updates regarding the National Digital Stewardship Residency, please see the program website atdigitalpreservation.gov/ndsr.
The Office of Strategic Initiatives, part of the Library of Congress, oversees the NDSR for the Library and directs the overall digital strategic planning for the Library and the national program for long-term preservation of digital cultural assets, leading a collaborative institution-wide effort to develop consolidated digital future plans, and integrating the delivery of information technology services.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution. It seeks to spark imagination and creativity and to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge through its magnificent collections, programs and exhibitions. Many of the Library’s rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov.

Conservators – Earthquake Recovery
(Two positions, 1 year fixed term)
Canterbury Museum, Christchurch, New Zealand

Applications are invited from suitably qualified conservators for two fixed term positions as Earthquake Recovery Collections Conservators, funded by our insurers.
Applicants should have proven experience of working with a wide range of materials both organic and inorganic to include ethnology and social history, and a range of natural history objects including geology, insects and bones. Experience in using collections management databases and ability to account for use of time to meet insurance company needs are also required.
Applicants must have, or be eligible for, a New Zealand work visa.
To find out more about these positions and the method of application please visit the vacancies page on our website www.canterburymuseum.com
Applications not following the method set out will not be accepted.
Applications close at 5:00 pm on 18 January 2015.

MELLON POSTGRADUATE FELLOWSHIP IN COSTUME AND TEXTILE CONSERVATION – PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is offering an Andrew W. Mellon Postgraduate Fellowship in Costume and Textiles Conservation, beginning September 1, 2015 and ending August 31, 2016. The Fellowship may be extended up to three years. The applicant should be a graduate of a recognized conservation training program or have equivalent experience. The Fellow will examine, conduct research, and perform treatment on costumes, accessories and textiles in the Museum collections and will participate in preservation activities throughout the Museum, including exhibitions and storage.
The Fellowship will include the conservation of European and American costume and needlework as well as the museum’s extensive collections of South Asian and East Asian textiles, contemporary fiber, craft, traditional tapestry, and carpets.  The Fellow will work with the two staff conservators in the state-of-the art laboratory.
Each fellowship includes a stipend of $35,198, health insurance, $3,000 in travel funds and $2,000 for research support. Applications should be sent electronically and include: pdf files containing statement of interest, resume, transcripts of graduate courses, and four examples of examination reports and treatment records with photographs.
Please include any published treatments or research. For electronic submissions please use a file sharing service (such as DropBox or WeTransfer) to gdiefenderfer@philamuseum.org.
Confidential supporting letters from two conservation professionals familiar with the candidate’s work should be sent directly by the referee to:
Sara Reiter, Senior Conservator of Costume and Textiles,
Philadelphia Museum of Art,
P.O. Box 7646,
Philadelphia, PA  19101-7646.
sreiter@philamuseum.org
All application materials must be received by February 15, 2015. EOE Receipt of application will be confirmed by e-mail.
Chris Wasson
Conservation Administrator
Philadelphia Museum of Art
215-684-7542
cwasson [at] philamuseum_org

Conservator for Special Collections
The Conservator for Special Collections plans and carries out the physical treatment of special collections material from the Duke University Libraries including those from the Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Duke University Archives, and branch libraries. This position reports to the Head, Conservation Services Department (CSD).
Responsibilities
Conservation (80%)

• Works with the department head and appropriate conservation and library staff to develop treatment strategies for special collections materials. Coordinates treatments and priorities with the Head of CSD.
• Performs appropriate conservation treatments on library materials held in the Libraries’ rare and special collections in support of various workflows including those for Rubenstein Library User Services and Technical Services, the Digital Production Center, and the Exhibits Program. Scope of work includes treating primarily bound and unbound books, manuscripts and other documents on paper and vellum. Depending on the conservator’s expertise the scope may also include treating photographs, papyri, and other formats and substrates found in the collections. Documents treatments with photographs and written reports following CSD and American Institute for Conservation (AIC) guidelines and best practices.
• Identifies items for which protective enclosures will be the most effective preservation option; constructs appropriate protective enclosures or delegates the construction of enclosures to other staff, students or volunteers.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Departmental Support and Programming Initiatives (10%)

• Participates in planning and setting goals, managing projects and developing workflows in support of CSD priorities.
• Assists in providing disaster recovery services for library materials.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Professional Development (10%)

• Actively participates on appropriate Library committees, task forces or groups to meet the strategic goals of the Department and the Duke University Libraries.
• Displays continuing growth in professional and subject knowledge and takes an active interest in the profession. Growth and interest should be demonstrated through continuing development of professional knowledge and abilities, membership and participation in professional organizations, and service to the library, University, or community in a professional capacity.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provides training, supervision and quality control for students, staff and volunteers in coordination with the department head and/or senior conservator.
• May serve as interim supervisor in the absence of the department head and senior conservator.

Qualifications
It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning and a commitment to diversity.
Education:
Required: ALA-accredited MLS or Master’s degree in conservation of library and archival materials, or demonstration of a similar level of education and training required for the conservation of rare materials.
Preferred: Demonstrated record of continued education in areas relevant to this position.
Experience:
Required:

• Minimum of three years of demonstrated experience in conservation of special collections and knowledge of current conservation principles, practices, and procedures.
• Exceptional manual skills and a full understanding of current conservation theory, principles, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of physical and chemical mechanisms of deterioration of library materials.
• Knowledge of conservation ethics and practices relevant to research library materials; commitment to AIC standards of practice and Code of Ethics.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and productively in a changing environment.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills.

 Preferred:

• Prior experience working in an academic research library or archives.
• Prior experience supervising conservation technicians and students.
• Expertise in the treatment of photographic materials; works on art on paper, vellum and parchment; or similar cultural heritage materials generally found in academic libraries and university archives.
• Experience evaluating and treating materials to prepare them for digital imaging and/or exhibitions.
• Experience in exhibitions including preparation, installation, materials testing and environmental monitoring.
• Teaching experience.

For a complete job description including directions for applying, please see:
 
http://library.duke.edu/about/jobs/conservator

MARINE ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSERVATOR
Position Summary:
This position is a UK based independent contractor role to document and conserve both organic and inorganic artefacts recovered from a marine archaeological environment for storage, research and exhibition. Artefacts recovered will cover a broad range of material including large bronze cannon. The successful candidate will work under and report to the Project Conservator.
The successful candidate will follow up on conservation treatments and apply policies and industry standards.
The position offers an opportunity to engage in high-status material culture conservation from excavation to storage or display. Interventive conservation documentation may lead to publication
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Liaises closely with and follows conservation strategy laid out by the Project Conservator.
• Maintains and manages laboratory equipment, tools and supplies, including handling hazardous substances.
• Applies conservation methods to stabilise artefacts.
• Conducts condition assessments.
• Records results in digital form.
• Carries out and facilitates conservation duties that include integrated environmental monitoring.
• Coordinates and liaises with stakeholders for appropriate treatment for artefacts.
• Documents artefact condition and treatments before and during conservation.
• Conducts research and analyses where necessary.
• Collaborates with other conservation professionals of relevant expertise, where necessary.
• Provides support in outreach programmes and supports tour visits.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Confident self-starter capable of working both as part of a multi-disciplinary team and independently.
• Good common sense based on past experience to identify problems and solutions.
• Ability to put forward own ideas confidently.
• Shares results and information with various stakeholders.

Strong organisational skills highlighted by the following attributes: client focused, efficient and capable of working under pressure to deadlines, proactive, excellent multi-tasking capabilities and communication skills, strong priority and time management skills, ability to respond to special projects on a short notice.
Education:

• Relevant degree of MA level or comparable experience in archaeological or marine archaeological conservation.
• Proven experience in internships and apprenticeships in museums/conservation.
• Industry standard qualifications

Location: United Kingdom
Position Type: Contractor, reports to Project Conservator and Director of Research & Scientific Services
Additional Information:  To apply for the position or obtain additional information, send a cover letter along with a resume or Curriculum vitae to:  JohnOppermann@odysseymarine.com.  No telephone calls please.
Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.

E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation

Conservator for Asian Art

 
Position Summary:
The Newark Museum seeks a full-time conservator for a two-year minimum posting to oversee the conservation of the Museum’s Asian collections, one of the larger and finest collections of Asian art in the United States. The Conservator for Asian Art oversees the safekeeping, proper installation and conservation of all Asian works in the Newark Museum’s permanent collection (approximately 30,000 works). The conservator also assists with processing potential out-going loan requests with regard to their physical condition, potential treatment and recommendations and/or oversight of appropriate packing/crating.
The successful candidate will have at a minimum a Master’s Degree and three years’ experience as a conservator, a record of successful treatments and proven ability as a manager. Working closely with the curatorial, registration and exhibitions department, s/he will have the reputation and skills to build partnerships. The individual will be able to coordinate outside contract conservators where the work required is beyond their own area of expertise. The conservator will report to the Curator for the Arts of Asia and work closely and collaboratively with the registrar, collections manager and exhibitions department as well as with colleagues throughout the Museum and its contractors.
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, oversee and implement the appropriate re-housing of selected groups of objects—particularly the Museum’s collections of Asian costumes and textiles and arms and armor (approximately 4,000 objects)
• Assess and where applicable treat or oversee treatment of works identified for exhibition and loans
• Develop and assist implementation of best practices for conservation treatment, presentation and the installation of works of art
• Provide expert opinion about the condition of proposed acquisitions
• Supervise qualified conservation or museum studies interns that will assist and enhance their own work
• Work as a team member with Museum curators, registrar, collections manager, exhibition designer, mount-maker, educators, development and staff

Qualifications:

• M.A. in conservation or equivalent degree preferred
• Three or more years experience working in the field
• Proven record of successful treatments
• Knowledge of materials and ability to advise on collections care and treatment strategies
• Knowledge of Word, Outlook (e-mail), Excel, PowerPoint and basic office software; knowledge about ARGUS database a plus.
• Strong communication, managerial and diplomatic skills

TO APPLY,
SEND CURRICULUM VITAE AND COVER LETTER TO:
Human Resources
Newark Museum
49 Washington Street
Newark, NJ 07102
Fax: 973.642.0459
Email: humanresources@newarkmuseum.org
The Newark Museum is an equal opportunity employer.
Please be advised that only those candidates whose qualifications meet the requirements of the position will be contacted.
 
Closing date: January 16, 2015
 

Project Conservator of American Furniture and Woodwork
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is offering a 3 year position in conservation of American furniture and woodwork dating from 1650-1840, beginning early January 2015. A 2-3 years extension is possible after the initial 3 years.  The Project Conservator will work under the supervision of the Senior Conservator of Furniture and Woodwork to examine, research, analyze, and treat a selection of the Museum’s collection of American furniture dating from 1650 to 1840 towards the publication of a catalogue in both printed and online formats.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with associate curator of American Decorative Arts  in devising priorities, research,  treatments, and scheduling
• Examine, research, analyze, and treat early American furniture, which includes frames and architectural woodwork, that will be photographed for collections catalogue
• Travel to study objects related to the Museum’s collection
• Participate as an engaged and active member of the Furniture and Woodwork Conservation Team and in related activities that support the overall mission of the Conservation Department including supervision of Mellon Fellow, art handlers, conservation technicians, and textile reproduction specialist

Training and experience required:

• Advanced training in conservation or equivalent qualifications, followed by a minimum of 6 years of experience in the field, ideally in a museum setting
• Hand skills relating to traditional furniture making, carving, and woodworking.  Additional skills in microscopy, surface treatment, and upholstery desirable
• Experience in and knowledge of the nuances of American furniture and its European precedents with a particular specialty in Philadelphia furniture
• Experience at establishing priorities and developing a work plan
• Experience at successfully completing projects within deadlines

To apply, create a single document that contains a cover letter stating interests and qualifications and a resume to upload with your application at http://www.philamuseum.org/jobs/.
In addition to the application materials above, two supporting letters from conservation professionals familiar with your work should be sent directly by email or mail to the attention of Behrooz Salimnejad, The Elaine S. Harrington Senior Conservator of Furniture and Woodwork, at bsalimnejad@philamuseum.org or P.O. Box 7646, Philadelphia, PA  19101-7646. Questions can be addressed to Behrooz by email to or by telephone at 215-684-7557.
 
Application deadline:  December 31, 2014

Position at National Endowment for the Humanities
The Division of Preservation and Access has an opening for a Humanities Administrator (program officer) who would work with potential applicants in the development of proposals, help carry out the evaluation of applications, and participate fully in administrative, financial, program policy, and other matters for the division.
The Selective Placement Factors for this position are as follows:  Experience in a professional position at either a museum, library, or other cultural heritage organization; or working as a consultant for at least one year at either a museum, library, or other cultural heritage organization.
In order to be found minimally qualified for this position, applicants must possess at least a BA in a humanities field. A MA or PhD degree is preferred.
As part of the online application process you will need to respond to a series of questions designed to assess your possession of the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies:

• Knowledge of preservation and access issues and trends in museums, libraries, or other cultural heritage organizations.
• Knowledge of preservation, conservation, or collections management focused on humanities collections in cultural heritage institutions.
• Knowledge of preventive conservation focused on humanities collections.
• Experience in education, in grant activities, and in cultural heritage institutions.
• Educational background in the humanities.
• Ability to communicate orally.
• Ability to communicate in writing.

 Applications must be received by December 15, 2014.
Full details are here: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/386246500
The Division of Preservation and Access provides leadership and support for a sustained national effort to preserve and increase the availability of resources essential for research, education, and public programming in the humanities.  The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent grant-making agency of the U.S. government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities