Author: Carmina Lamare-Bertrand

Head of Conservation & Senior Objects Conservator (New York, NY, USA) – PASSED DEADLINE

The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (CHSDM) announces an opportunity to apply for the joint position of Head of Conservation/ Senior Objects Conservator in the Product Design and Decorative Arts (PDDA) department.  As well as serving as Head of Conservation, the responsibilities of the position include carrying out and documenting the conservation and preservation treatment of the PDDA department’s collection of approximately 40,000 rare, important and valuable art objects in a variety of media, including glass, ceramic, plastics, metals, stone, lacquer, wood, ivory and other natural and synthetic materials found in both modern and historic objects.

Major duties:

Supervisory Responsibilities: As Head of Conservation, the incumbent supervises the operation of the Objects, Textile and Paper Conservation Laboratories of CHSDM, as well as supervising any contract conservators hired by the museum.  Assigns work and research assignments to staff based upon institutional and departmental priorities determined in collaboration with the Curatorial Director and other staff.

Conservation Treatments: Serves as a Senior Objects Conservator who carries out conservation treatment on PDDA collection in support of loan and exhibition programs and the long-term preservation of the collection. Examines and conserves fragile, valuable, and rare works of art in the museum’s collection.  Identifies treatment needs of objects through examination, surveys, and assessments. Develops treatment proposals recorded in the museum’s collection database, The Museum System (TMS), for objects with routine to complex conservation needs.

Exhibitions and Loans:  Appoints consulting conservators from staff for each exhibition and serves as consulting conservator for applicable exhibitions in the museum. Attends exhibition planning meetings and advises on conservation issues both for loans and collection objects. Works with exhibition designers, architects, and lighting designers.  Advises on materials, finishes, light levels and overall exhibition design. Supervises the implementation of conservation requirements for exhibitions and the monitoring and maintenance of those requirements.

Storage and Preservation Environment: Identifies housing and storage needs through examination, surveys, and assessments. Designs and supervises the upgrading of collection storage areas including storage equipment and storage techniques.

Collaboration: Collaborates closely with PDDA curators to establish preservation and treatment priorities and approaches; provides technical and material analyses as requested to support technical art history research; develops hybrid projects with curators.

Research and Training:  Stays current with recent developments and research in the preservation field and in objects conservation.  As time allows, conducts and publishes research on conservation issues that affect the preservation of the collection, its treatment, or its technical understanding. Researches new laboratory equipment as required.

Qualification requirements:

  •  Bachelor’s degree or higher in conservation with a specialization in applied and decorative arts.
  • Comprehensive experience in conservation treatments and procedures for a wide variety of objects in the full range of materials found in both modern and historic objects.
  • Knowledge of principles and methodologies requisite to supervise, train and develop conservators, contractors and interns in textile/paper/object conservation treatments, e.g., chemistry, material technology and mechanisms of deterioration, and art historical and technical understanding of works on paper, textiles and/or objects.
  • Knowledge of conservation and collection maintenance techniques and procedures to examine and house fragile/ deteriorated museum artifacts.
  • Experience performing material testing of contemporary archival materials for use in storage and exhibitions (Oddy test) and performing material identification through microscopy, XRF, and micro-chemical testing.
  • Ability to work in a diplomatic, collaborative, and timely nature in performing duties as a supervisor and senior conservator.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
  • Ability to work off-site at Newark, N.J. Storage Facility 30% of the year on average (transportation provided or through public transport to the site).

 Competitive Salary: $82,304

Exceptional benefits:

  • TIAA-CREF (Defined Contributions – 12 percent)
  • Life Insurance (including Optional Life Insurance)
  • Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
  • Long Term Disability
  • Health Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield)
  • Dental (Delta Dental)
  • Vision (Vision Services)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Free Transit/Commuter Benefits (up to $3,060 paid per year)
  • Annual Leave (13 days)
  • Sick Leave (13 days)
  • Federal Holidays (10 days)
  • Family Friendly Leave
  • Family Friendly Workplace
  • Historic and landmark offices/library and garden (New York)
  • Design Library
  • Curatorial Talks and Tours (Cooper Hewitt)
  • 92Y Fitness Center
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Smithsonian Network
  • Tarallucci e Vino Museum Cafe (employee discount)
  • Museum Shop (employee discount)
  • Free Admission to most NYC museums and galleries
  • Other Employee Discounts

Application procedure:
Please submit a cover letter and resume addressing the qualification requirements to: hrconservation@si.edu.

Tapestry Internship, Doddington Hall Conservation Charity (Lincolnshire, UK)

  • Closing date: October 31, 2017
  • Six month fixed term
  • Salary: GBP 17,000 pro rata
  • Location: Doddington Hall, Doddington, Lincolnshire, LN6 4RU

As part of an innovative HLF funded project (‘See, Sew, Save the Doddington Tapestries’) run by the Doddington Hall Conservation Charity, a number of opportunities have arisen to join a team working on the conservation of a set of C17 Flemish tapestries. The tapestries were cut up and nailed to the walls in 1762. By the C21 the tapestries were filthy and in desperate need of conservation. In 2014 they were removed from the walls and cleaned. Conservation is now taking place on site, in the Drawing Room at Doddington Hall, near Lincoln.

The post holder will undertake conservation treatment of the tapestries, following agreed conservation practice with advice as necessary from a Conservation Consultant. The main task at this stage of the project will be lining all the tapestries from the Yellow Bedroom and recreating the 1760’s fitted scheme. At times you may be working on public view and may be required to explain and demonstrate the conservation process.? You will be part of a team of 3-4 people.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

  • To have completed a recognized textile conservation course or general conservation course with a specialism in textiles through work placement or internship.
  • Excellent needlework skills, good team-working, organisational, written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Must be comfortable working at heights from a scaffold tower.
  • A good level of understanding of best practice conservation techniques. Some experience of working in a textile conservation studio post training.

Desirable:

  • Tapestry conservation experience.
  • Valid Driving Licence

Interviews will be held on November 23 and 24 at Doddington Hall.

For more details please see below links:

Application Instructions: To apply send your CV, including a 500 word statement detailing your practical experience and your current salary details to Louise Joynson, conservation@doddingtonhall.com.

Conservator, Milner Library – Illinois State University (Normal, IL, USA)

*** APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PAST – PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION ***

The Illinois State University (ISU) is accepting applications for a Conservator at Milner Library to develop, plan, perform, document, and evaluate complex conservation treatments for a broad range of materials.

For a complete description and to ensure full consideration, please apply no later than November 20, 2017 by copying and pasting this link into your web browser: www.jobs.ilstu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=73537.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Book & Paper Group Professional Development Bursaries

The Book & Paper Group are delighted to announce the next round of our new Professional Development Bursaries for book and paper conservators. One year into the scheme, we have doubled the value of the bursaries to £200 each!

The two year scheme – which is financed with profits from our 2015 Adapt and Evolve Conference – will support professional development by funding training and research in different areas of book and paper conservation. The Group will award up to five £200 bursaries every six months for the next two years to support conservators undertaking such training or research. The bursaries can be used for professional development such as membership for other professional organisations, travel, tools, attendance for courses, workshops or conferences, etc.

The scheme is open to all Icon Book and Paper Group primary members who are currently employed in, or are pursuing a career in book or paper conservation. In order to benefit a range of members, we aim to award bursaries in the following categories:

•    Students
•    ACR/ACR Pathway
•    Independent conservators
•    Conservators employed in institutions
•    Conservators who are currently unemployed

All bursary recipients will write a short report of their project, which will be published in Icon News.

To apply for one of the bursaries you must complete a short application form (available below), which will include a brief statement about the project for which you are seeking funding.

The next round of applications are due 27 October 2017. 

Notes:

  • Applicants must be current Icon members with Books and Paper as their primary group.
  • The event for which you are requesting funding must take place within the year that follows your application.
  • Recipients will receive their bursary as a reimbursement of costs. Receipts for all costs must be submitted after the event.
  • All applications will be judged anonymously by a subcommittee of the Book & Paper Group. The subcommittee’s decisions are final.
  • Applications that exceed the word count cannot be considered.
  • The cost of the training or research need not be exactly £200. The bursary can be a contribution towards an activity costing more than £200, and applications for less than £200 will also be considered.
  • Successful recipients will be announced and will need to provide a short bio for the winners webpage.
  • All bursary recipients must submit their project reports to Icon (including relevant images) within 1 month of completing the project.
  • Unsuccessful applicants may reapply for future rounds of bursaries, but successful applicants may not.

The application form is available here.

For any other questions or concerns, please email iconbpg@gmail.com with the subject line as Book & Paper Group CPD Bursaries and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

2018-2019 Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections

The Smithsonian’s Office of Fellowships and Internships has announced one-year fellowships for recent graduates of master’s programs in art and archaeological conservation (or the equivalent) or conservation scientists, including those at the postdoctoral level, to conduct research and gain further training in Smithsonian centers for the conservation and research of museum collections. The fellowship begins in the fall of 2018. A stipend of $41,000 is being offered at the postgraduate level and $55,400 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 (3 to 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 and is encouraged to seek direction with crafting an effective proposal. Previously successful proposals have benefited from the proposed mentor’s guidance in developing the research question and navigating the Smithsonian collections. If the potential supervisor confirms that candidacy is suitable, application must be made through the Office of Fellowships and Internships by December 1, 2017. Notification of decisions will be made no later than April 1, 2018. Program guidelines and instructions for application are available here.

Fellows may be hosted in the conservation and analytical laboratories of several Smithsonian museums and research centers, with the possibility of additional facilities for analytical work available at the Museum Conservation Institute (MCI). The conservator contacts for these museums are listed below:

  • Malcolm Collum, Engen Conservation Chair, National Air and Space Museum (objects,) 703-572-4361, collumm@si.edu
  • Janice Ellis, Senior Paper Conservator, National Museum of American History (books and paper), 202-633-3623, ellisjs@si.edu
  • Kira Eng-Wilmot, Senior Textile Conservator, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (decorative/applied arts: textiles, paper, three-dimensional objects), 212-849-8462, engwilmots@si.edu
  • Sunae Park Evans, Senior Costume Conservator, National Museum of American History (costumes and textiles), 202-633-3629, evanssu@si.edu
  • Andrew Hare, Supervisory Oriental Art Restoration, Freer and Sackler Galleries (objects, paper, and Asian paintings; and conservation science), 202-633-0370, harean@si.edu
  • Catharine Hawks, Museum Conservator, National Museum of Natural History (natural history and anthropological objects), 202-633-0835, hawksc@si.edu
  • Amber Kerr, Acting Chief of Conservation, Smithsonian American Art Museum (colonial to contemporary paintings, paper, objects, and frames), 202-633-4346, kerra@si.edu
  • Nora Lockshin, Senior Conservator, Smithsonian Institution Archives (archives, books, and paper), 202-633-5913, lockshinn@si.edu
  • Lou Molnar, Head of Conservation, National Portrait Gallery (paintings and paper), 202-633-5822, molnarl@si.edu
  • Beth Richwine, Senior Objects Conservator, National Museum of American History (objects), 202-633-3639, richwineb@si.edu
  • Gwynne Ryan, Chief Conservator, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (modern materials), 202-633- 2728, ryangw@si.edu

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/). If your proposal requires analytical or technical expertise of MCI, you must include an MCI staff member as an advisor or co-advisor for your proposal. Contact:

  • Mary Ballard, Senior Textiles Conservator, 301-238-1210, ballardm@si.edu
  • Shannon A. Brogdon-Grantham, Photograph and Paper Conservator, 301-238-1241, brogdon-granthams@si.edu
  • A Elena Charola, Research Scientist (biodeterioration, stone), 301-238-1213, charolaa@si.edu
  • Timothy P. Cleland, Physical Scientist (proteomics, paleoproteomics), 301-238-1208, clelandtp@si.edu
  • Paula T. DePriest, Deputy Director (biodeterioration), 301-238-1206, depriestp@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
  • Rebecca Kaczkowski, Preventive Conservator, 301-238-1242, kaczkowskir@si.edu
  • Gwénaëlle Kavich, Conservation Scientist (materials characterization), 301-238-1265, kavichgm@si.edu
  • Robert J. Koestler, Director (biodeterioration), 301-238-1205, koestlerr@si.edu
  • Thomas Lam, Physical Scientist (SEM-EDS, CL, XRF and microfadeometry), 301-238-1232, lamt@si.edu
  • Nicole Little, Physical Scientist (ICP-MS, XRD, SEM-EDS), 301-238-1243, littlen@si.edu
  • Asher Newsome, Physical Scientist (mass spectrometry, ambient ionization, GCMS, LCMS), 301-238-1223, newsomeg@si.edu
  • Dawn Rogala, Paintings Conservator (modern paints, artists’ materials research/archives), 301-238-1255, rogalad@si.edu
  • Caroline Solazzo, Research Physical Scientist (proteomics), 301-238-1284, solazzoc@si.edu
  • Jia-Sun Tsang, Senior Paintings Conservator (research and treatment of modern and contemporary art), 301-238-1231, tsangj@si.edu
  • Ed Vicenzi, Research Scientist (microanalysis & imaging of heritage materials), 301-238-1215, vicenzie@si.edu
  • Keats Webb, Imaging Specialist (scientific and computational imaging), 301-238-1212, webbekeats@si.edu

 

 

Kress Fellowships for Language Study

Kress Fellowships for Language Study in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish
for Graduate Students in European Art History and Art Conservation

Middlebury College is pleased to announce the continuation of the Kress Fellowships for language study, made possible by a generous gift from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. Five fellowships are offered in summer 2018 for art history graduate students and graduate students in art conservation to attend the Middlebury summer Language Schools in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish.

These fellowships are intended for graduate students in art history with a proposed focus on European Art History or graduate students studying art conservation. Preference will be given to graduate students who have recently been accepted or are currently enrolled in the corresponding program at a Ph.D. -granting institution in the United States. In exceptional cases, advanced undergraduates in Art History who are preparing for graduate study in the same field may also be considered.

Fellowships cover the comprehensive fee (tuition, room, and board) at the Middlebury summer Language Schools. Travel expenses and books are not included. Fellowships are merit-based and intended for exceptionally qualified individuals. Applicants need not be American citizens.

Kress Fellowships will be awarded on a highly competitive basis. Financial aid forms are not required for these awards, but students interested in attending the Language Schools have the option to apply for Middlebury College financial aid, awarded on a demonstrated-need basis, through the office of Student Financial Services.

For more details about the process visit: http://www.middlebury.edu/ls/finaid/fellowships/kress, and to apply, go to: http://www.middlebury.edu/ls.

Associate Conservator, Fashion Institute of Technology – Museum at FIT (New York, NY, USA) – PASSED DEADLINE

About Fashion Institute of Technology
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), an internationally renowned college of art and design, business and technology, of the State University of New York, invites nominations and applications for a Associate Conservator for the Museum at FIT.

Job Description
Under the direction of the Museum’s Senior Conservator, the Associate Conservator is responsible for implementing, facilitating and assisting with the physical care, display and conservation of the Museum’s comprehensive costume, accessory and textile collection. The candidate will be responsible for a full range of conservation activities within a museum that maintains a very active acquisition, fashion exhibition, photography and loan schedule, including any special projects as required.

Working closely under the supervision of the Museum’s Senior Conservator, primary responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:

  • Examining and documenting costume, accessory and textile objects with both condition and treatment reports in the TMS museum collections management system.
  • Performing object treatments, mounting and installation of both historic and contemporary fashion artifacts in support of the Museum’s robust exhibition and publication photography program.
  • Documenting and performing material and scientific analyses and research of objects as required.
  • Documenting, preparing, couriering and installing of both international and domestic loans.
  • Developing and implementing a written Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan for the Museum, including but not limited to evaluation, coordination and documentation of pest management activities. Coordinating with FIT’s pest control service provider to support and maintain the IPM program.
  • Implementing and maintaining preventive conservation housekeeping methods and practices throughout the Museum’s physical space.
  • In the absence of the Senior Conservator and in co-ordination with the Senior Registrar, attend to any matters relating to Facilities and Security within the Museum.

In the absence of the Senior Conservator, manage day-to-day activities in the conservation department and coordinate the management of conservation staff with the deputy director and other department heads

This is a general description of duties and is not to be construed as all inclusive.

Requirements

  • Master’s Degree in conservation or museum studies, with a minimum of 5 years related professional experience working with a fashion costume and textile collection in a museum setting.
  • Must have strong knowledge of costume and design history and terminology, as well as a demonstrated knowledge of museum and conservation procedures for both costume and textiles.
  • Proficiency in laboratory methods and the use of scientific instruments for examination, analysis, and treatment of costumes, accessories and textiles.
  • Knowledge and proficiency of garment construction and sewing techniques used in textile conservation.
  • Demonstrated experience and ability to make sound decisions and utilize proper judgement when couriering museum loans.
  • Excellent attention to detail, the ability to plan work and meet deadlines without compromising the quality of work performed, and excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong ability to work on numerous projects with various staff members required.
  • Excellent organizational and computer skills and a familiarity with and/or ability to learn the TMS museum collections management system.
  • Ability to learn, adapt and keep current with the latest developments in the conservation practice.

Additional Information

  • This is a bargaining unit position grade 93
  • 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Application Instructions
In order to be considered for the position, you must submit the following documents online:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • A list of three references with telephone numbers and email addresses

To apply online, please visit: www.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=90463.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to contact each applicant individually regarding his or her application status.

For more information about FIT, please visit FIT’s website at: www.fitnyc.edu.

FIT is firmly committed to creating an environment that will attract and retain people of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds. By providing a learning and working environment that encourages, utilizes, respects, and appreciates the full expression of every individual’s ability, the FIT community fosters its mission and grows because of its rich, pluralistic experience. FIT is committed to prohibiting discrimination, whether based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military service status, genetic information, pregnancy, familial status, citizenship status (except as required to comply with law), or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. FIT is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, including the opportunity for upward mobility for all qualified individuals. Applications from minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged. Inquiries regarding FIT’s non-discrimination policies may be directed to the Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator, 212 217.3360, titleix@fitnyc.edu.

Assistant Textile Conservator (Shelburne, VT, USA)

*** THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED***

SHELBURNE MUSEUM

  • One-year Assistant Textile Conservator position at Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT
  • Full Time, 12 month Temporary Assignment, Benefits Eligible
  • This position is grant funded by Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Perform a condition survey of 184 commemorative handkerchiefs using an established survey form,
  • Perform an examination and propose actions to stabilize a needlework show cover on an armchair,
  • Examine and undertake conservation treatment of 53 samplers
  • Conduct practical research to inform conservation treatment related to stain removal and reduction on hooked rugs using a non-collection rug with dye bleed as a test subject
  • Produce a white paper on the practical research and contribute occasional posts and updates for Shelburne Museum’s member newsletter and social media platforms related to their work.
  • Examine and undertake conservation treatment 14 hooked rugs from the collection.

For all treatments, the textile conservator will take documentary photographs, amend existing condition information and treatment proposals and write treatment reports.

The conservator will become familiar with established lab procedures for health and safety and maintain conservation documentation and treatment files and the museum’s collections management database, Mimsy xg.

Requirements:

  • Master’s Degree in Conservation or equivalent training
  • Textile conservation treatment experience, a minimum of one year beyond conservation training

Special Requirements:

  • US citizen or holding a current US work visa
  • Conservation specialty in textiles
  • Good communication skills; works well as a member of a team and independently
  • Flexible and adaptable with a positive attitude
  • Comfortable using Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Bridge. Prior experience with collections management databases, especially Mimsy xg, helpful.
  • Member of AIC, IIC or other appropriate conservation professional organization.

Compensation and Benefits:

$19.23/hr., Spectacular working environment; Paid Time Off; committed, friendly co-workers; discount at the Museum Store and Café; passes to the museum to share with friends and family; and reciprocal benefits at regional museums and attractions. Funding to attend AIC annual meeting.

To Apply:

Visit our website, https://shelburnemuseum.org/employment/#assistant-textile-conservator and download an application. Forward completed application along with cover letter, resume and three letters of recommendation to human_resources@shelburnemuseum.org or Human Resources, Shelburne Museum, P.O. Box 10, Shelburne, VT 05482, USA.

Anticipated start date is April, 2018.

Conservation technician (Tulsa, OK, USA)

*** THE GILCREASE MUSEUM IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.
A CANDIDATE HAS ALREADY BEEN IDENTIFIED. ****

Gilcrease Museum/The University of Tulsa
Permanent Full-Time/Hourly Position

POSITION SUMMARY
The Conservation Technician reports to the Chief Conservator and performs a variety of duties in connection with the preservation and management of the museum’s collection and ensures that proper procedures are followed with regard to the care, conservation registration and documentation files, and exhibition of those works. The duties performed are based and will be revised in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) Requisite Competencies for Conservation Technicians and Collections Care Specialists.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

  • Assists with preparation of objects for exhibitions; dust collection items on exhibit and monitor for condition changes.
  • Under the direction of the Conservator, prepares safe housing for collection items, including constructing boxes, and supports, as needed.
  • Tracks and moves collections to and from Conservation, in conjunction with Registration staff.
  • Assists in all areas of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program including trap collection and replacement on an established schedule; pest identification and monitoring.
  • Maintains the conservation lab (tidiness, workstation order, chemical safety), materials and supply inventory management in collaboration with the Chief Conservator.
  • Provides administrative assistance in the daily collection care and operation of the lab.
  • Monitors and reports on activities concerning the Conservation lab when Conservators are not present.
  • Responsible for inventory and maintenance of Emergency Preparedness kits.
  • Assists in the creation, organization, and maintenance of conservation files for the collection materials.
  • Works with volunteers and interns performing conservation related activities including cleaning and rehousing. Oversees workflow, schedules, and trains other support staff, students, interns, and volunteers in object handling procedures.
  • May serve as a research assistant to the Conservators.
  • Writes condition reports and treatment reports, as required.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in art, science, chemistry or a related field and at least one year of experience relevant to the position.  Knowledge of conservation principles and techniques; ability to handle delicate or valuable objects and hazardous materials with care; must have excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and proven track record of working as a team member; ability to neatly construct housing units for museum collections; familiarity with conservation supplies and techniques used; ability to write clearly, meet deadlines, follow specific instructions, ask for clarification or assistance when needed, and to work and communicate effectively with all museum staff.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and skilled with databases and standard office procedures, equipment, and use of a digital camera.

Preferred Qualifications: Proficiency in The Museum System (TMS) or other collections database software. Interest in pursuing a career in Conservation an asset.

Physical Requirements: Dexterity enough to use a keyboard and telephone; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds; may be subject to extended periods of walking, standing, sitting, reaching, balancing, bending, kneeling, handling, feeling, climbing, and twisting; and vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform the essential tasks.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references to:  The University of Tulsa, Office of Human Resources, 800 S. Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK  74104, or email to tujobs@utulsa.edu or fax to (918) 631-3543.  The review of applications will commence immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of Tulsa is an Equal Opportunity Employer Disabled/Veteran.

Conservator, Judd Foundation (Marfa, TX, USA)

*** THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED ***

Judd Foundation was created in 1996 with the mission to maintain and preserve Donald Judd’s permanently installed living and working spaces, libraries, and archives in Marfa Texas and New York. The Foundation promotes a wider understanding of Judd’s artistic legacy by providing access to these spaces and resources and by developing scholarly and educational programs. The Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

Position and Responsibilities: The Conservator, based in Marfa, Texas, will manage the long-term preservation of the Foundation’s collection of art and objects permanently installed and stored in properties in Marfa and at 101 Spring Street in New York.  The collection is comprised of a wide range of organic and inorganic materials, including sculpture, paintings, works on paper, furniture, books, photographs, textiles, and ethnographic objects. The Conservator will report to the Director of Operations and Co-Presidents, and will work closely with Collections and Facilities staff and the Archives and Research departments of the Foundation.

Responsibilities include:

Collection Preservation and Conservation

  • Manage and conduct the preventative conservation program of the Foundation and routine maintenance and cleaning of the installed collection.
  • Supervise the Collections Assistant and manage specialist conservation consultants.
  • Advise Foundation staff on the proper care and maintenance of the collection.
  • Conduct treatments on artworks, continue research, and develop guidance on best practices for the preservation and conservation of the collection and Judd artworks.
  • Oversee environmental monitoring of the installed spaces and provide conservation expertise to the architectural preservation and restoration of the Foundation’s Marfa properties.
  • Advise and assist with the installation of Judd artworks in conjunction with Foundation staff.
  • Advise and assist with the preservation and conservation of archival materials including photographic and film materials in conjunction with the Archivist.
  • Manage the conservation and collection budgets and conservation studio in Marfa Texas.

Loans and Exhibitions

  • Oversee the loan and movement of artworks between Foundation properties and to national and international museum and gallery exhibitions including: assessment of venues, condition reporting, organization of appropriate transport and storage and the preparation of loan documentation.

Qualifications: Candidates will have a master’s degree / Ph.D. from a recognized art conservation program and a minimum of 5 years practical experience of collection care and conservation. Demonstrated experience of the treatment of modern and contemporary art is required.

Additional qualifications include:

  • Knowledge of a wide range of materials and conservation techniques
  • Excellent writing and verbal skills
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage budgets
  • Experience with Filemaker Pro databases, and MS Office and Adobe software

Location: The Conservator will be based in Marfa, Texas with annual travel to 101 Spring Street, New York; and national and international travel as required.

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience.  Competitive benefits package offered.

Procedure for application: Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter. Recommendations for candidates are also welcome.  No phone calls please. Send applications or recommendations to: human.resources@juddfoundation.org. Please write: “Conservator” in the subject line.

Judd Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.