Author: Carmina Lamare-Bertrand

Project Specialist (Los Angeles, CA, USA) – PASSED DEADLINE

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

The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), located in Los Angeles, California, and one of the operating programs of the J. Paul Getty Trust, works internationally to advance conservation practice in the visual arts—broadly interpreted to include objects, collections, architecture, and sites. The Institute serves the conservation community through scientific research, education and training, field projects, and the dissemination of information. In all its endeavors, the GCI creates and delivers knowledge that contributes to the conservation of the world’s cultural heritage.

The Building and Sites Department of the Getty Conservation Institute is seeking a Project Specialist to work on the Conserving Modern Architecture Initiative (CMAI). Reporting to the Senior Project Specialist who manages the CMAI, the Project Specialist will manage the CMAI’s new education and training initiatives. This is a three-year, limited-term position, based in Los Angeles.

The CMAI’s education and training initiatives are key to its goal of improving the management, conservation, and recognition of the value of twentieth-century heritage. Through these initiatives, the CMAI will develop training materials and techniques for physical conservation, and will increase the application of appropriate values-based conservation methodologies, leading to an expanded and strengthened community of practice. By developing and offering a variety of courses and training opportunities (of short and long duration) and offering other capacity building experiences, CMAI will reach target audiences at many different levels and in different regions of the world. These education and training opportunities will be offered starting in the winter and spring of 2018 and thereafter, for many years to come.

The Project Specialist will project manage the development of modern conservation education and training courses, develop related didactic materials, and manage the implementation of these courses. He/She will be responsible for: developing course budgets and schedules, selecting trainers and lecturers, preparing course material, advertising courses, and selecting participants. He/She will manage the day to day needs of the course to meet its educational goals; this will include working closely with participants, lecturers, and others involved in the delivery of the course. He/She will work with a broad range of conservation professionals, as well as other heritage professionals, in an international environment. The Project Specialist will develop long and short courses, which are repeatable so they can be offered many times; he/she will be in charge of adapting and modifying courses, as necessary, to keep their content relevant and to ensure they address the needs of audiences in different regions of the world. It is the objective of CMAI to create education and training courses that others can use, so the Project Specialist will also be tasked with the role of “training the trainers” to ensure that there are qualified people who can sustain and perpetuate the courses that CMAI develops.

Must have a Bachelor’s degree in architecture, archaeology, architectural conservation, or a related discipline. Post-graduate degree in cultural heritage conservation or the equivalent practical experience is also required. Must have a minimum of 3–7 years of practical work experience in the area of built heritage conservation and experience in teaching and/or designing educational and training courses.

The Project Specialist must be adaptable, analytical, a positive problem-solver, and a creative thinker. The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills and superior organizational and time management skills. Proficiency in English is required and proficiency in a language other than English is an advantage. The position involves international travel. This is a three-year, limited-term position.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs-getty.icims.com/jobs/3046/gci-project-specialist,-conserving-modernarchitecture-initiative/job. Please prepare a cover letter and curriculum vitae in a single PDF file. Note: When prompted by the online application system to select or submit your “resume”, please upload your cover letter and curriculum vitae as a single PDF file.

Candidates who successfully complete the online application process will receive an automated message from “autoreply@icims.com”. If you have specific questions about the Project Specialist position, please email gcistaffing@getty.edu. The deadline for applications is February 28, 2018.

Icon Internship: Ceramics Conservation (Liverpool, UK)

  • 6-month Internship starting April 2018
  • Location: Little Crosby Village, Liverpool, L23 4TS
  • Supervisor: Lynne Edge ACR
  • Educational Stipend: GBP8,500

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the internship forms part of the joint project, Galkoff’s and the Secret Life of Pembroke Place, between Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and the Museum of Liverpool (MoL) which began in July 2016.

EDGE Conservation-Restoration Services is private sector conservation workshop, working with Cunningham Brown Ltd., to conserve and re-display tiles from the shop facade of the Galkoff’s Family Butchers in Liverpool. This internship will provide a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in the conservation of faience tiles and the mounting and presentation of these tiles for display in the Museum of Liverpool of the National Museums Liverpool.

The building that housed the shop facade is a Grade II listed Georgian building, principally listed for the survival of a nationally unique Jewish butcher’s shop front: the explicit display of Hebrew lettering of the facade in such a context is very unusual and is an expressive reflection of Jewish identity in Liverpool at this time. This is an exciting tile conservation project that will preserve an iconic legacy of Liverpool’s Jewish history.

The tileworks started December 2017 with their removal from the shop front by EDGE Conservation-Restoration Services. From March – September 2018 these tiles will be conserved, missing tiles replicated, and the tiles mounted to mimic the original shop frontage, forming a major element of the Secret Life of Pembroke Place display at the Museum of Liverpool due to open in October 2018.

Under the guidance of Lynne Edge ACR, the successful intern will be involved with all elements of related conservation work and will learn about historic and contemporary conservation techniques and approaches. There is also the opportunity to work alongside professional mount makers and engineers to gain experience in the display of tiles in a museum context. An important element of the project is outreach and as such, the intern will be asked to record their experiences to produce a report and write a blog for the Museum of Liverpool.

Requirements: Applicants should be able to demonstrate a clear interest and experience that is relevant to this opportunity. There isn’t a set requirement however it would be expected that this may be an undergraduate or post graduate qualification in Conservation or related experience and training in a relevant subject such as Ceramic Design.

Please apply using the application form on the Icon website only. https://icon.org.uk/what-is-conservation/internships.

  • Closing date: February 15, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.
  • Interviews will be held on: March 1, 2018
  • Internship will commence: April 3, 2018

Questions: pwhife@icon.org.uk.

Membership Operations Assistant (Washington DC, USA)

Position with the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC)
Arts association and its foundation seek a membership administrative and operations assistant. The ideal candidate will have a background in customer service, data entry, and an interest in the visual arts, museums and/or cultural heritage. We offer excellent benefits and a supportive work environment.

AIC seeks a membership operations assistant to work with the communications and membership team as well as support office tasks. This position reports to the Membership Manager.

Primary duties include:

  • Perform data entry for purchases, sponsorships, donations, and assist with financial reconciliation reports.
  • Work with other staff members on advertising and sponsorships, event registrations, and website editing.
  • Serve as a staff liaison to internal groups, including scheduling conference calls and helping to coordinate the organization’s budgeting process.
  • Provide excellent customer service to members and customers via telephone and email.
  • Administrative tasks and other duties as assigned.

Data entry involves entering checks and faxed/mailed/phoned-in credit card payments into our association management system (whether for membership applications, renewals, or event registrations), and running relevant reconciliation reports.

Working with publications, communications, and meeting staff members to track advertising and sponsorships includes ensuring that vendors receive timely communication and promised services are delivered.

Serving as a staff liaison to internal groups includes: keeping volunteer leadership on track with scheduling, budgeting, and managing online assets (such as our abstracts management system, meeting website, project management module, and communication tools). With more training, you will have room to expand your role in this area, but an outgoing persona and interest in the arts in general or conservation in particular will be helpful assets.

The Membership Operations Assistant will also manage the office support systems, including ordering office supplies, handling shared office equipment, and liaising with service providers.

Required Skills:

  • Attention to detail in data entry
  • Excellent customer service and time management skills
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite
  • Basic knowledge of website editing using a content management system (HTML or WYSIWYG)
  • Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
  • Ability to lift up to 30 pounds

Desired Experience: One to two years of experience, preferably in a similar role or environment. College degree required.

Salary range: $35,000 to $39,000

Excellent benefits include: health, dental, and vision, 401K, generous leave, and access to fitness facilities.

How to Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to work@conservation-us.org. Please send applications by February 16, 2018.

Firearms Conservation Technician 2018 Summer Internship (Harpers Ferry, WV, USA)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the staff at the National Park Service’s Museum Conservation Services facility in Charles Town, WV is seeking a graduate student — who is currently enrolled in a recognized U.S. or Canadian conservation training program — for a paid summer internship assisting MCS staff conservators with the preservation of forty late 19th and early 20th century firearms from the Scotty’s Castle collections in Death Valley National Park.

This opportunity will benefit a first or second-year graduate student attending a master’s level program in art conservation who is looking to expand his or her existing skills in the conservation of historic objects.

This internship focuses on the unique problems associated with preserving composite mechanical-arts objects. Although this is a treatment-oriented internship, there will also be time allotted for relevant lab visits and research.

Location: Charles Town is just a few miles from historic Harpers Ferry, West Virginia at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The area offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation plus easy access to both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD.

Compensation:

  • Pay Rate: $17.00/hour
  • Benefits: Paid holidays, Affordable Care Act-compliant health insurance

Timeline:

  • 8-week summer internship with flexible starting date in 2018.
  • Full-time, up to 40 hours per week

Qualifications:

  • Be currently enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian graduate-level museum conservation program.
  • Successfully complete a routine Department of Interior background investigation.
  • Must provide own transportation and have a valid state-issued driver’s license.
  • Must provide own laptop computer.
  • Eligible applicants must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States.

How to Apply: Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, including a statement of interest, resume or CV, and list of three academic or professional references to Augustine Sughrua, GBI Recruitment Coordinator. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. No phone inquiries, please.

The Great Basin Institute conforms to all laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, genetic information & testing, family and medical leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.

Graduate conservation/preservation internship (Ames, IA, USA)

 Iowa State University (ISU) Library Preservation Department

With a generous gift from the Lennox Foundation, the Lennox Foundation Endowment for Preservation Education, Training and Outreach was established to fund graduate level internships in library and archives preservation administration and conservation, and to support the educational outreach activities of the Iowa State University (ISU) preservation staff. The internship is offered by the ISU Library Preservation Department to provide graduate students with practical experience and exposure to preservation in an academic library environment.

This internship is intended to give current graduate students and recent graduates of preservation and conservation programs the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge of care and treatment of library and archives materials in an academic library. Interns will work in the ISU Library Preservation Department with guidance from the Head of Preservation and the Library Conservator.

Interns will learn about the overall functioning and organization of the Preservation Department:

  • Workflow of materials through the various units and tracking of materials
  • Condition assessment and treatment decision-making
  • Inter- and intra-departmental workflows and collaboration
  • Operations in digital and audio visual reformatting

In addition to learning about general operations of the department, interns will undertake and complete projects selected based on their interests and skills, and the needs and capabilities of the Department. Projects may include, but are not limited to, aspects of:

  • Condition survey and assessment of a particular collection
  • Re-housing collection materials
  • Preparation of Special Collections materials for exhibits and digital reformatting projects
  • Conservation treatment (conservator students will have the opportunity to propose treatment options for Special Collections materials, perform agreed upon treatments, and document condition and treatment)
  • Issues in digital collections and digital preservation
  • Survey of audiovisual materials
  • Development of metadata and digital program best practices and workflows
  • Development of preservation education, training and outreach resources
  • Disaster planning and response

Eligibility and Requirements:

  • Applicants must currently be graduate students, in good standing, in a program of library and archives preservation administration or conservation; or a recent graduate of such a program;
  • Applicants must have completed at least four preservation or conservation courses before the anticipated start date of this internship;
  • Applicants must commit to full-time employment as interns for the duration of the internship;
  • Internship must be completed within the calendar year;
  • At the end of the internship, the intern will be required to submit a final report or project;
  • Applicants must have student or working visas if not U.S. citizens.

The duration of the Lennox Foundation Internship is 3 months. The intern will be provided with a stipend of $3,200  and a furnished university apartment.

To apply for the Lennox Foundation Preservation and Conservation Internship please submit the following items:

  • Cover letter
  • Current resume
  • Contact information for two professional references (include address, phone number and e-mail address)
  • Statement of interest (include projects of interest)
  • Graduate program description including requirements and course descriptions. Please include an unofficial transcript indicating the courses you have completed.

The application materials can be emailed to: sbarron@iastate.edu

To guarantee consideration, apply by March 1, 2018

Information about Iowa State University

For information about the Ames community, see Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 3680 Beardshear Hall, 515 294-7612.

Pre-Program Internship in Rare Book and Library Materials Conservation (Seattle, WA, USA)

The University of Washington Libraries is offering a pre-program internship for an individual with a demonstrated interest in conservation.  Applicants are expected to be preparing for or enrolled in a graduate level conservation program in the United States.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) summer program.  Duration is 10 weeks, with exact dates to be arranged between June and September 2018.  The University of Washington Libraries provides a $6,000 stipend.

Working under the supervision of the Senior Conservator, the intern will have the opportunity to perform a broad range of conservation treatments on rare books, manuscripts, prints, drawings, maps, and other unbound archival and special collections materials on paper and vellum.  The intern will develop skills in treatment decision-making, prepare condition and treatment reports with appropriate photo documentation, and gain additional experience in conservation treatment.

For additional information or to apply, see: www.lib.washington.edu/about/employment/internships/conservation.

To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than Monday, February 19, 2018.

For all other questions, please contact Justin Johnson, Senior Conservator, jpjohn@uw.edu

Behind the Scenes: Gilding Survey at Windsor Castle

Specialist gilding conservators Carvers and Gilders conducted a survey of all the giltwood furniture at Windsor Castle; more than 860 items! Watch this film preview to see how vulnerable objects are identified so they can be taken to the conservation workshop for treatment.

Royal Collection Trust, a department of the Royal Household, is responsible for the care of the Royal Collection and manages the public opening of the official residences of The Queen. The aims of The Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans, and educational programs.

Also check our Facebook page for more details!

 

Pre-program internship in Conservation (Washington DC, USA)

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art is the only facility in the United States dedicated exclusively to the exhibition and preservation of Africa’s traditional and contemporary arts.  With generous funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the NMAfA is offering a paid pre-program internship for individuals preparing to apply to a graduate-level training program in art conservation.  As part of an initiative to promote diversity in the field and conservation training, the program will offer the opportunity to gain broad experience in multiple specialties, which may include objects, textiles, paper or paintings.

Learning objectives for interns include:

  • Learn to perform condition exams, carry out written and photographic documentation, treat artworks
  • Participate in preventive conservation activities
  • Gain: an understanding of materials and techniques; an introduction to treatment problem-solving; hands-on experience.
  • Develop a portfolio for application to graduate programs.

Desired Prerequisites: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with demonstrable academic commitment to fulfilling the pre-requisites in art history, studio art and chemistry for application to a conservation graduate program.

  • Term(s):  The 6-month, 40 hours/week internship will commence in Fall 2018
  • Stipend:  $600/week stipend plus additional funds to help defray the cost of travel to Washington DC.
  • Deadline:  March 1, 2018
  • Contact Information: Dana Moffett, moffettd@si.edu

Apply Through: Applicants must register and submit an online application via the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system (SOLAA). After registering, sign onto the SOLAA system.  At the top of the screen, select “Start your Application”; Select “Internship” and “National Museum of African Art” from the drop-down program lists; choose “Pre-program Internship.”

Application requirements via SOLAA:

  • Short essay (no more than three pages total)
  1. A statement of your interest in this internship at the NMAfA and what you hope to gain from the experience.
  2. Please discuss the impact that a funded internship would have on you and your education.
  3. Provide a short biography describing your background, personal history, and interests.
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume
  • Undergraduate transcripts (unofficial)
  • Two letters of reference

For more details, visit: https://www.smithsonianofi.com/blog/2018/01/18/pre-program-internship-in-conservation-at-the-smithsonians-national-museum-of-african-art/.

Assistant Conservator for Archival Materials (Philadelphia, PA, USA) – PASSED DEADLINE

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

AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY

Departmental Program Summary
The Conservation Department at the American Philosophical Society is responsible for the preventive care as well as conservation treatment for items found in its diverse special collections library. This growing collection currently includes over 13 million manuscript leaves, 275,000 volumes and bound periodicals, thousands of prints and maps, and large audio, video, and digital holdings. The department is currently composed of two full-time conservators, an annual grant-funded intern, and occasional volunteers.

Position Description
This entry level position aids in the preservation/ preventive conservation of the collections. This care includes treatment and documentation of individual items for a variety of materials such as manuscripts on paper, maps, ephemera, photographic materials, graphic works on paper, and manuscripts on parchment.

Responsibilities

  • Performs conservation treatment on primarily non-bound materials owned by the Library.
  • Provides written and photographic documentation in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics (including examination, condition and treatment reports, and photographic documentation).
  • Participates and assists in a wide range of preservation/ preventive conservation activities including disaster preparedness and recovery, pest management, minor mold remediation, examination and preparation of materials for loan, and environmental monitoring.
  • Reviews and moves unprocessed boxed collections weighing up to 40 lbs.
  • Assists in the general maintenance and organization of the conservation laboratory.
  • Assists in the preparation and display of materials for exhibition.
  • Keeps abreast of current developments in the conservation field.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree from an accredited graduate training program in conservation, with Master’s in hand prior to start date.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of conservation theory and practice.
  • Ability to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment.
  • Demonstrated computer skills including use of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Bridge/Photoshop.
  • Demonstrated mastery of written and oral communication.
  • Demonstrated success in a wide range of conservation treatment procedures and techniques.

The ideal candidate will have these additional qualities:

  • Is highly organized
  • An interest in outreach and education through lab tours and use of social media

The Society offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, life insurance, long term disability, 403b with the employer match, and paid days off.

The American Philosophical Society is an EOE. Successful applicants will be asked to show proof that they can legally work in the U.S. Applications will be accepted through February 28, 2018.

To apply
Upload CV or resume, a cover letter explaining qualifications for and interest in the position and three references (not letters of reference, please) to http://apply.interfolio.com/48348.

About the Library
Founded in 1743, The American Philosophical Society’s library, located near Independence Hall in Philadelphia, is a leading international center for research in the history of American science and technology and its European roots, as well as early American history and culture. The Library houses over 13 million manuscript leaves, 275,000 volumes and bound periodicals, thousands of prints and maps, and large audio, video, and digital holdings. Outstanding historical collections and subject areas include the papers of Benjamin Franklin (14,000 letters and documents); Jefferson’s holograph of the Declaration of Independence; the American Revolution; the papers of Thomas Paine; 18th and 19th-century natural history; western scientific expeditions and travel including the original journals of Lewis and Clark; polar exploration; the papers of Charles Willson Peale, his family and descendants; American Indian languages; anthropology including the papers of Franz Boas; the papers of Charles Darwin and his forerunners, colleagues, critics, and successors; history of genetics, eugenics, and evolution; history of biochemistry, physiology, and biophysics; 20th-century medical research; and history of physics. The Library does not hold materials on philosophy in the modern sense.  More information about the Society and the APS Library can be found at www.amphilsoc.org.