Author: Ryan Winfield

The Brooklyn Museum Conservation Department has an unpaid 2017 summer internship opportunity for a graduate student currently enrolled in a conservation training program. The internship will take place over a period of 8 – 10 weeks and will primarily involve working with the American paintings collection. The intern will assist with a variety of projects including carrying out technical examinations, participating in a collaborative gallery-based treatment, and preparing paintings for outgoing loan.

The technical examinations are being carried out with the ultimate goal of incorporating the findings into a third volume of the BKM American Paintings Catalogue for artists born after 1876. The intern will have access to a range of analytical equipment including magnification, ultraviolet light, x-radiography, IRR, XRF, multi-band/multispectral imaging, and FORS. Some familiarity with these techniques is desirable, but not necessary. Many of the paintings have never been examined or thoroughly documented.

The intern will also have the opportunity to work on the collaborative surface cleaning and IRR examination of Albert Bierstadt’s monumental canvas, Storm in the Rocky Mountains, Mt. Rosalie. This project will take place in the galleries and will have an outreach/social media component.

The BKM Conservation Department has a long conservation history, with many records dating back to the 1930s, when the first conservator Sheldon Keck was hired. The department has an open floor plan with shared space among paper, paintings, and objects conservators. On any given day, the space is a busy hub of activity with pre-program interns, graduate interns, and project conservators working alongside the permanent staff. The intern will experience a vibrant, working conservation laboratory within an active museum.

For inquires please contact Lauren Bradley, Associate Paintings Conservator.
Lauren.bradley@brooklynmuseum.org or 718.501.6274

The Dallas Museum of Art is both a responsible steward of cultural heritage and a trusted advocate for the essential place of art in the lives of people locally and around the globe. The DMA is transparent, ethical, and takes informed risks. It promotes research, dialogue, and public participation, helping to reveal the insights of artists from every continent over the last 5,000 years.

Scope of Position:
The Assistant Conservator will engage with the treatment, study, maintenance and preventive care of a wide range of objects and materials in the DMA’s permanent collection, working in consultation with the Associate Conservator. The successful candidate will actively participate in all aspects of practical conservation including examination, documentation and treatment of a range of inorganic and organic materials, both traditional and contemporary; preventive conservation activities such as monitoring the environment, maintenance of micro-environments, pest management and materials testing; assisting in exhibition installations and deinstallations; participating in conservation science research projects; and the mentoring of pre-program interns and post-graduate fellows.

Essential Functions:

• Carries out technical studies and conservation treatments on DMA collections in support of the long-term preservation and accessibility of the permanent collection
• Ensures that conservation labs and other relevant work spaces are operational for the range of preservation activities to be carried out in the project
• Creates condition reports for documentation and upcoming exhibitions
• Records object conditions and preservation treatments in the museum’s collection database (TMS), documenting with photography as required and prioritizing future treatment requirements
• Engage with the treatment, maintenance and preventive care of a wide range of objects and materials
• The candidate will participate in examining, documenting and treating a wide range of inorganic and organic materials
• Working with traditional as well as contemporary works of art
• Working in close collaboration with the Associate Conservator and all members of the conservation and curatorial departments

Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• MA/MS degree in art conservation from a recognized training program
• Minimum of three years professional conservation experience specializing in objects conservation in a museum setting

Key Qualifications:

• Must be able to frequently move/lift heavy objects (up to 35 lbs.), and must be able to wear a respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridges, have confidence and ability whilst working at heights, possess a valid driver’s license
• Candidate must have a thorough knowledge of conservation principles and practices; knowledge of analytical techniques frequently used in conservation
• Has demonstrated excellence while performing conservation treatments in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice
• Knowledge of cultural history, technology, and materials of three-dimensional objects as well as a good
  understanding of chemical and physical processes of deterioration
• Possesses an interest in contemporary art with a willingness to work with art work from all time periods
  Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  Good analytical and problem solving skills; ability to establish and achieve priorities
• Possesses a strong attention to detail
• Good communication and interpersonal skills required
• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects in a highly productive lab
• Ability to maintain high standards under tight deadlines and follow through on repetitive tasks.
• Must be aware of environmental hazards posed by substances such as solvents and mold; and must
  possess knowledge of safe methods for handling chemicals and hazardous materials based on OSHA
  standards
• Capable of using specialized conservation tools, equipment and solvents
• Capable of working evenings and weekends on rare occasion with given notice

The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

The Conservation Department at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is accepting applications for a Lunder Conservation Fellowship in objects conservation. The Lunder Conservation Fellowship provides the opportunity to further refine examination and treatment skills and to pursue collection-based research. The fellow will gain experience working in a collaborative museum environment, which has access to the resources at the Museum Conservation Institute and the larger Smithsonian research community.

The fellow will be encouraged to pursue avenues of research related to technical art history as well as aspects of conservation theory and ethics related to conservation treatments. A primary mission of the Lunder Conservation Center is to serve the professional and public communities through outreach, thus we especially encourage those interested in the communication of conservation practices and research to apply. The Lunder Conservation Fellow will have the opportunity to plan a professional outreach activity and to participate in some of the routine activities of the objects/paintings conservation department lab as part of his or her professional development.

The fellow’s own interests will help dictate the selection of objects to be treated and a research direction, and the incumbent may participate in work generated by the museum’s exhibition and acquisition schedule. There is the opportunity to treat contemporary as well as traditional artworks.

The fellowship is open to US and international citizens who have a Master’s Degree in Conservation from a recognized conservation training program and who have proficient English language skills (written and spoken).

The Lunder Conservation Fellowship includes a stipend of $32,700 and a research allowance of $3,300. The Fellowship is to begin in September or October and run for a term of 12 months.

To apply, please submit a statement of interest, a C.V. and two letters of recommendation to Tiarna Doherty at the address below (by email). The deadline for application materials is February 24, 2017. Interviews will be conducted by phone in early March with a final decision anticipated by March 31. Tiarna Doherty, Chief of Conservation, Lunder Conservation Center MRC 970 P.O. Box 37012, Washington DC 20013-7012email to: Dohertyt@si.edu; telephone: (202) 633-5802

The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) in Philadelphia is seeking a Preventive Conservation Fellow.  This is a full-time, twelve month fellowship position starting September 1, 2017.  This position contributes to the mission of CCAHA through implementation of surveys, educational programs, outreach, and information services to libraries, archives, museums, historical societies, and other organizations and individuals.

The responsibilities of this position include conducting on-site preservation needs assessments and risk assessments with written reports; assisting institutions with emergency preparedness initiatives; writing preservation-related bulletins and articles for publication; developing, presenting, and organizing educational programs and workshops; and providing technical information via telephone, e-mail, and in print on preservation topics.  The Preventive Conservation Fellow will also complete a research/demonstration project based upon the development and implementation of targeted preventive conservation recommendations at a collecting institution. This fellowship position offers potential for professional growth through varied and challenging activities.

Qualifications include training in and a thorough understanding of preservation principles, practice, and issues; excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work independently; MS in Conservation, MA in Museum Studies, or MLS (or equivalent); familiarity with conducting and writing preservation assessments and other planning documents for cultural institutions; and talent in teaching and public speaking.  Candidates with some background or demonstrated interest/experience in conservation treatment and/or preventive conservation will receive preferential consideration.  Travel is required.

Send letter of application, resume, writing sample, and three references via email with the subject line “Preventive Conservation Fellow Application” to:  Ms. Dyani Feige, Director of Preservation Services, Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts, dfeige@ccaha.org.  Deadline for applications is March 3, 2017.

The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts, the non-profit paper conservation laboratory located in Philadelphia, PA, is pleased to offer a twelve-month fellowship in the conservation of works on paper beginning September 1, 2017. The candidate will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of paper-based materials, in a modern, well-equipped conservation laboratory. The candidate may also have the opportunity to participate in on-site collection surveys, treatment projects, and educational programs.

The applicant should have a Master’s Degree from a recognized conservation training program or have equivalent experience from a formal apprenticeship. In addition to a stipend, comprehensive health insurance, two weeks vacation, two weeks research leave, and a $2,000 travel allowance are provided. Interested applicants should send a resume, three letters of professional reference, and three sample treatment reports to Mary Schobert, Director of Conservation, CCAHA, 264 South 23rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Deadline for applications is March 3, 2017.

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 the generous support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Museum is pleased to offer a post-graduate fellowship in conservation that provides the opportunity to further refine examination and treatment skills, and to pursue collection-based research.  The fellow will gain experience working in our small, collaborative museum environment, which has access to the resources at the Museum Conservation Institute and the larger Smithsonian research community. Beginning in fall 2017, the one-year fellowship (renewable for a second year) is part of an initiative designed to promote conservation training, diversity in the profession, and African art scholarship.

The fellow’s own interests will help dictate the selection of objects to be treated and a research direction, and the incumbent may participate in work generated by the museum’s exhibition and acquisition schedule.  There is the opportunity to treat contemporary as well as traditional artworks. The fellow will pursue a research project that contributes to African art conservation and/or art history and participate in the mentoring of undergraduate ‘explorer’ interns and pre-program interns.

The fellowship is open to US and International citizens who are recent graduates from a recognized conservation training program, or have equivalent experience, and who have proficient English language skills (written and spoken).

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 “Fellowship”  and  “National Museum of African Art” from the drop-down program lists.

Stipend: $43,000/year plus a healthcare stipend of $2500/year and a travel/research stipend of $4000/year

Deadline for application: February 15, 2017

For further information contact:  Dana Moffett, Senior Conservator moffettd@si.edu

Dana Moffett

Senior Conservator
National Museum of African Art

The Migelien Gerritzen Fellowship for conservation research at the Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
The Migelien Gerritzen Fund/Rijksmuseum Fund enables a predoctoral candidate to conduct PhD research in conservation. People who wish to apply may do so from a humanistic, conservationist, or scientific viewpoint, with a focus on works of art and historical artifacts. This fellowship enables enrolled PhD candidates to collaborate with conservators, curators, and scientists active at the Rijksmuseum. Focus should be on the Rijksmuseum’s collection or on the ideation that has been initiated at the Rijksmuseum.
Rijksmuseum Fellowship Programme
As part of the Rijksmuseum Fellowship Programme, the Migelien Gerritzen Fellowship is set out to train a new generation of museum professionals: inquisitive object-based specialists who will further develop understanding of Netherlandish art and history for the future. The Rijksmuseum will provide working space for the Fellows, in order to stimulate an exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience. Access will be provided to all necessary information in the museum, as well as to the library, conservation laboratories of the Rijksmuseum and the University of Amsterdam.
Application and procedure
The closing date for all applications is 12 March 2017, at 6:00 p.m. (Amsterdam time/CET). Selection will be made by an international committee in April 2017. The committee consists of eminent scholars in the relevant fields of study from European universities and institutions, and members of the curatorial and conservation staff of the Rijksmuseum. Applicants will be notified by 1 May 2017. All Fellowships will start in September 2017.
Further information
Please visit https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/nl/fellowships/rijksmuseum-fellowship-programma/migelien-gerritzen-fellowship
For questions concerning the application procedure, contact Marije Spek, Coordinator of the Fellowship Programme (m.spek@rijksmuseum.nl), +31 (0)20-6747395.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Assistant Conservator
Location: Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin
Terms: Full time, two year contract
Package: $60,000 salary per annum, plus 9.5% superannuation, four weeks annual leave
Responsible to: Registrar
The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is northern Australia’s premier cultural institution. It offers a dynamic and diverse arts, science and cultural
program to over 300,000 visitors each year. MAGNT’s objective is to maintain the highest standards of excellence in preserving, researching, exhibiting and communicating the record of natural history, art and peoples of the Northern Territory. Its mission is ‘making sense of the world by discovering and interpreting the past and present for the future’.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
Provide a range of object handling, conservation and exhibition installation activities to support the MAGNT Digital Data Ready Project and MAGNT’s collection and exhibition
programs.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Retrieve and handle collection material for photography ensuring works are handled
   and supported in accordance with recognized professional standards and collection
   management documentation is updated.
2. With supervision from the conservation team, undertake established basic and intermediate level conservation treatments, both preventive and interventive and
   maintain appropriate records.
3. Assist with the preparation, installation and deinstallation of exhibition and loan
   material to ensure the effective care and handling of cultural, scientific and historic
   material.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications in conservation and/or significant experience in
   handling and caring for historic, scientific and cultural collections.
2. Demonstrated ability to carry out safe handling procedures, preventive conservation
   and minor treatments under supervision.
3. Demonstrated capacity to accurately maintain physical and electronic records relevant to the management and care of collections and exhibitions.
4. Experience in installation of exhibitions of cultural, scientific or historic material including preparing and mounting work for display.
5. Well developed oral and written skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment to ensure the care of the collection while
   achieving organisational goals and deadlines.
6. Demonstrated ability to apply Work Health Safety (WHS) practices and to ensure WHS system compliance, and the ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures.

Desirable

1. Membership of the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM)
2. Experience working with culturally sensitive material
3. Current drivers licence

Further Information

1. For further information please visit our website at www.magnt.net.au
2. Contact Poppy Searle on 08 8999 8278 or via email at poppy.searle@nt.gov.au

The Boston Furniture Archive, a project of the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, seeks interns for its fourth annual summer field cataloging project, scheduled for May 31-August 22, 2017. Up to four interns will receive training and work as a team to document furniture at a number of museums and heritage sites in the Boston area. The internship is an exciting opportunity to build knowledge of material culture and decorative arts, museum and non-profit collections management, and database creation.
The Boston Furniture Archive is free, online database that provides catalog information and photographs of furniture produced in Boston between 1630 and 1930. Visit http://bostonfurniture.winterthur.org/ to access the database and learn more about the project.
Interns will receive a stipend of $5,000 plus $1,000 for travel over the twelve weeks. Housing is not provided.
Please visit http://www.winterthur.org/pdfs/boston_furniture_internship_2017.pdf for more information and application instructions. Applications are due February 1, 2017.
Contact:
Sarah Parks
Project Manager, Boston Furniture Archive
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
sparks@winterthur.org
302-888-4639