Job Posting: Internship (6 months) Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute (Washington, DC)

2017 MCI Short Term Conservation Internship (6 months)
MCI seeks a graduate level student with a knowledge of textile science and color technology to assist in a project on LED lighting. Red and violet colorants on textiles are susceptible to color shifts due to the spectral power distributions (SPDs) of LED lamps. This case study will assess the effect of red dyes available in the 1930’s using visible spectroscopy and various computer programs. Working under the direction of the senior textiles conservator, the intern will coordinate his/her findings with the SPDs of potential solid state lighting (SSL) available to museum lighting designers in order to optimize the coloration of museum objects while minimizing overall illuminance values (lux or footcandles). This interdisciplinary internship is a coordinated project between the Museum Conservation Institute and the National Museum of American History, Preservation Services department. A stipend will be awarded ($14,400). The prospective fellow should first contact Mary Ballard, MCI Senior Textiles Conservator (ballardm@si.edu) to discuss this project. Applications must be made through the Office of Fellowships and Internships by November 30, 2016.
Location and Supervision: MCI is the center for specialized technical collection research and conservation for all Smithsonian museums and collections in Suitland, MD. MCI combines knowledge of materials and the history of technology with state-of-the-art instrumentation and scientific techniques to provide technical research studies and interpretation of artistic, anthropological, biological, and historical objects.
To Apply: Applications must be made through the Smithsonian’s Online Academic Appointment System (https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html) by November 30, 2016; select the option for the MCI Internship/Fellowship Program.

Job Posting: Preservation Manager – Boston Public Library (Boston, MA)

Overview:

The Preservation Manager provides leadership to the development and implementation of the Boston Public Library’s preservation program in support of its world-class collections. Participates in all aspects of collection life-cycle management, including investigation of new strategies and technologies to address the library’s challenges to long-term preservation and access to collections, preparation of guidelines for the general care and handling of library material, and creation and oversight of disaster plans. Responsible for oversight of the Conservation Lab.
Reports to
Head of Special Collections
Supervises
Professional and support staff
Responsibilities:
Scope of Responsibility
1. Develops and manages a preservation program for Boston Public Library’s special collections, rare books, archives, and historic art and architectural assets, including materials held in the library’s research collections and in off-site storage locations.
2. Oversees preservation of special collections materials, both in the Conservation Lab and with outside vendors. Develops and manages the programs and activities of the Conservation Lab to support a wide variety of preservation services such as preventive preservation, conservation, exhibition preparation, and book repair.
3. Works closely with Collections Strategy and Facilities Departments to routinely monitor, review, and remediate environmental conditions as they affect collections, including environmental controls, heating and cooling systems, humidity, integrated pest management, collection security, building design, stacks management, and disaster mitigation.
4. Represents the Library for capital and other projects related to the environmental improvements and space planning for collections.
5. Ensures environmental data is collected on a regular basis; analyzes data to inform short and long-term preservation strategies for collections.
6. Creates and implements a new disaster recovery plan for the Library’s collections, coordinates recovery procedures, and develops training programs for library response teams.
7. Evaluates institutional policies and procedures as they apply to preservation and recommends and implements changes as needed.
8. In collaboration with Chief Book Conservator and curators develops preservation goals for collections and sets preservation/conservation priorities.
9. Collaborates with Content Discovery and the Imaging Lab regarding standards and processes related to the preservation, storage, and handling of materials.
10. In collaboration with appropriate staff, develops and implements a staff education and training program for the proper handling of special collections materials.
11. Builds and fosters productive partnerships with peer libraries, other non-profits, and the commercial sector to address preservation challenges.
12. Initiates and maintains appropriate working relationships with staff within the Library and with other libraries, organizations, and agencies.
13. Stays abreast of emerging technologies and assists in evaluating, recommending, and incorporating information technologies and best practices for continued preservation improvements.
14. Commits to keeping current in the best practices of the profession by taking advantage of training and development activities, by reading professional literature, and by participating in professional activities.
15. Represents library at local and national conferences as assigned.
16. Performs other related and comparable duties as assigned.
Competencies
• Experience with a wide range of preservation principles and practices; management principles and techniques; library physical environments, programs, and procedures.
• Knowledge of current preservation strategies and standards for the care, handling and storage of special collections.
• Experience in developing, designing and carrying out condition surveys and assessments.
• Knowledge of deterioration mechanisms of media and their mitigation strategies.
• Interest in current and emerging activities in materials science and scientific research in conservation of modern media.
• Ability to work independently and collegially with a wide range of staff and in team environments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience with project management and strong analytical skills and problem solving abilities.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:
1. Education
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university and a master’s degree in library science or an advanced degree in preservation. In exceptional instances specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for a part or all of the educational requirements.
2. Experience
Demonstrated seven years professional experience with a minimum of five years professional working experience in the preservation of archives and special collections. Two years of supervisory and/or management experience required. Knowledge of current preservation strategies and standards for the care, handling and storage of special collections. Knowledge of current developments within the rare books, archives, special collections, preservation and conservation professions.
3. Requirements

  1. May be required to work non-standard hours in emergency situations.
  2. Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
  3. Residency – Must be a resident of the City of Boston upon the first day of hire.
  4. CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

Terms:
Union/Salary Plan – Grade: PSA / P-5
Hours per week: 35

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Job Posting: Archaeological Conservator – Warren Lasch Conservation Center at Clemson Univ. (Charleston, SC)

Clemson University is seeking a conservator to assist with the conservation of the American Civil War submarine H.L. Hunley (1864), its associated artifacts, as well as other specialized projects at the Center. The conservator will work in the conservation and maintenance of materials and collections managed by the Warren Lasch Conservation Center (WLCC), working closely with the conservation, archaeological and conservation science teams.
Warren Lasch Conservation Center:
The WLCC at the Clemson University Restoration Institute in North Charleston is a facility dedicated to advance knowledge and best practices in the analysis, conservation and restoration of materials of historical significance, focusing primarily on artifacts in, and recovered from maritime environments. Our expertise is based on years dedicated to the analysis, preservation and stabilization of the H.L Hunley submarine (1864) and its associated artifacts housed at the WLCC since 2000. We value an integrated approach where conservation practice, archaeology and materials science work together to solve preservation challenges. The facility also houses a state-of-the-art materials analysis and characterization laboratory. For the past 8 years, the WLCC has coordinated an extensive collaborative project with the National Park Service (NPS) designing and applying new treatment approaches to historic outdoor items at two major heritage sites in Charleston, SC.
Both our experience working on complex conservation projects, and our innovative and collaborative approach to conservation, have broadened our area of inquiry to include materials in historic preservation which are been shared with the worldwide scientific community. As a result of our recognized expertise, especially in metal conservation and our growing international reputation, the WLCC was selected to host the triennial meeting of the ICOM-CC Metal Working Group, METAL 2010, in Charleston, SC. It marked the first time the international conference was held in the United States.

  • Requirements:
    A Masters degree in the cultural heritage field is required; a Masters in conservation will be preferred with a minimum of 3 years specialized experience in materials conservation. Applicants must have a broad knowledge of conservation and stabilization techniques of marine archaeological objects and the skill to apply this knowledge to highly degraded and complex materials of all sizes.
  • The successful candidate should be able to elaborate, execute and supervise the Center’s conservation projects and ensure compliance with established laboratory procedures.
  • This position requires general knowledge of organic and inorganic chemistry, a good understanding of materials science, and experience in the use of standard and more complex laboratory equipment. Exceptional manual dexterity and care in performing conservation treatments are required, as well as moderate-to-high physical ability to handle large artifacts and equipment.
    Individuals seeking this position should have the required knowledge to carry out current data collection methods pertinent to conservation and archaeology and maintain a project database that inventories and registers the location and status of all artifacts, samples, and other technical information.
  • The successful applicant must be able to maintain a working relationship with individuals from academia, government agencies, and the private sector, and communicate effectively in both oral and written English. Additional requirements: Manual dexterity, Ability to carry out finite work for long periods of time, Ability stand for long periods of time, Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to wear respirators and other required PPE, Good overall physical health.
    Job duties would include but are not limited to:
    1- Conduct established conservation procedures including examination and treatment of artifacts of a variety of materials and contexts;
    2- Identify conservation problems, implement solutions under established conservation guidelines, and make recommendations for resolving difficult or unusual problems in conservation of artifacts;
    3- Collaborate with other staff on large scale artifact documentation and treatment activities;
    4- Participate in the background research, technical studies, and experimental work to determine the appropriate surface preparation, coating, corrosion inhibition and passivation needed to treat outdoor metal objects and structures;
    5- Maintain laboratory upkeep and assist in the ordering of supplies and equipment and maintenance and inventory of materials;
    6- Organize, produce and maintain reports of treatments, updates on project status, and dissemination of conservation work.

Applications received by November 10th, 2016 will be given full consideration. To apply submit a cover letter, a CV and 3 academic/professional references to Dr Stéphanie Cretté at scrette@clemson.edu.
Or apply online at http://www.clemson.edu/employment/prospective/findjobs.html under external applicant staff job board.

Job Posting: Assistant/ Associate Paintings Conservator – Saint Louis Art Museum (St. Louis, MO) – CLOSED

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED. WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – JUN 20, 2017.
MINIMUM OF RANGE: $45,824
REPORTS TO: Head of Conservation
SUPERVISES: no one
SPECIFICATIONS: Degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent and a minimum of 2 years of experience in paintings conservation is required. The applicant should also be familiar with and adhere to the American
Institute for Conservation’s (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and will have a starting range in the mid-$40,000 (assistant) to mid-$60,000 (associate) yearly with comprehensive benefits.
JOB PURPOSE: The Saint Louis Art Museum seeks a collegial, collaborative, and energetic paintings conservator to join its dynamic conservation team for a 2-3-year term. SLAM’s encyclopedic paintings collection is comprised of over 1,300 works that span the 14th – 21st centuries. An ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in paintings conservation treatment techniques and be capable of collaborating with other conservation staff to solve unique preservation challenges. A successful candidate will relish in the opportunity to participate in the conservation of masterworks. They will possess a high level of attention to detail in the treatment, documentation, and general preservation that such works require. The candidate will also have a good sense of project management, conscientious observations of deadlines, and excellent communication skills.
DUTIES, WORK PERFORM ED:
Examine, appraise the physical condition of, and treat the Museum’s permanent collections :
• Assess deterioration and damage, and potential complications involved in treatment.
• Design and carry out conservation treatment of paintings and frames in consultation with specialist Curators.
• Provide written and photographic documentation to record condition of objects, treatments proposed, and treatments performed according to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Recommend other Conservators outside his or her field of expertise and review their treatment proposals.
• Advise on preventative maintenance in the Museum as a whole in the areas of environment, handling, storage, and installation.
• Examine paintings prior to acquisition to aid the Curatorial staff in determining their physical and aesthetic condition, as well as their authenticity.
• Examine works requested for loan to determine suitability for travel and to document their condition, and advise the Registration department and others on any special packing and shipping considerations.
• Advise on the installation, storage, and maintenance of paintings in the collection.
• Recommend acquisition of new equipment.
• Monitor and order conservation supplies.
SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: None
Please apply: https://www.slam.org/careers
The above statements of this job description describe the general duties and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They do not claim to describe all of the functions of this position. Employees may be assigned other duties and the essential functions may change or be changed from time to time.

Job Posting: Conservator of Paper and Photographs/Department Head – Williamstown Art Conservation Center (Williamstown, MA)

The Williamstown Art Conservation Center is seeking a full time conservator to manage the paper/photograph conservation department. The department head will participate in all departmental activities including examination, documentation, analysis, and treatment. The successful applicant will also carry out consultations with museum curators and other WACC staff, assess member collections as well as supervise interns. The WACC’s paper/photo conservation department is a large, well equipped lab, currently with two paper conservators and a pre-program intern.
The Williamstown Center is a non-profit regional conservation laboratory in operation since 1977. It serves 59 member institutions in the northeast and south, as well as a wide variety of nonmember, nonprofit, corporate and private collections. The member consortium holds collections containing a wide variety of ancient to modern fine art by western and Asian artists and artisans.
Williamstown is surrounded by natural beauty within the cultural center of the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. The Conservation facility is located within the Lunder Center at Stone Hill, a Tadeo Ando designed building, on the campus of the Clark Art Institute. The Clark houses the Manton Research Center and the Research and Academic Program. The Clark library, including more than 240,000 volumes, is one of the nation’s premier art history libraries. The Clark also houses and co-sponsors the Williams College Graduate Program in the History of Art.
Requirements include:
• Graduate-level conservation degree with a specialization in
paper or photographic materials.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-graduate experience.
• Experience with analysis, documentation, conservation treatment, and preventive care for paper and photographic materials following ethical standards for professional conservation practice.
• Travel for site projects such as assessments or treatment.
• Computer proficiency with MS Office products.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• An electronic portfolio of treatments and research projects will be required of
applicants selected for an interview.
Application Information:
Benefit package includes annual research funds (including paid leave), health, dental and life insurance, retirement, vacation, sick leave, holidays and access to Williams College cultural and recreational facilities. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Send cover letter, CV and two references to Leslie Paisley, Williamstown Art Conservation Center, 227 South Street, Williamstown, Ma. 01267
For more information contact lpaisley@williamstownart.org. Full position description available on the WACC’s website: www.williamstownart.org. Position open until filled.

Job Posting: Exhibits Conservator at US National Archives (Washington, DC)

The US National Archives is seeking an Exhibits Conservator (GS-13) to serve as the technical expert in the preservation requirements for the exhibition of its archival materials. The Exhibits Conservator will coordinate National Archives exhibits conservation activities, examine and treat National Archives collections, conduct training and make recommendations for exhibit policies, guidance, programs and procedures. The position will be based in Washington, DC. Salary range: $92,145 to $119,794 per year.
Applications are due by 11/7/16. For additional information and specific application information see: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/449339600/ for US citizens (Job Announcement JD1791936TBD) and https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/449160700/ for status candidates (Job Announcement JD1790288TBMP).
Doris A. Hamburg
Director, Preservation Programs (RX)
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
8601 Adelphi Road College Park, MD 20740
doris.hamburg@nara.gov tel 301-837-1785 cell 240-338-9121
www.archives.gov/preservation

Job Posting: Digitization Conservator at US National Archives (College Park, MD)

Job Opening: Digitization Conservator (Digitization) GS-13 at US National Archives
The US National Archives is seeking a Digitization Conservator (GS-13) to serve as the technical expert in the preservation requirements for the digitization of its archival materials. The Digitization Conservator will coordinate National Archives digitization conservation activities, examine and treat National Archives collections, conduct training and make recommendations for digitization policies, guidance, programs and procedures.  The position will be based in College Park, MD. Salary range: $92,145 to $119,794 per year.
Applications are due by 11/7/16.  For additional information and specific application information see: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/448491500/  for US citizens (Job Announcement JD1784356TBD) and https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/448380100/ for status candidates (Job Announcement  JD1783183TBMP).

Advocacy Alert: IMLS Reauthorization Introduced in Congress

We received this important advocacy alert from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) today. Please take a few minutes to let your Congressional representatives know how important IMLS is to conservation, museums, and our cultural heritage.
Note: The links below will take you to the AAM website where you can use their template tools to quickly reach your representatives.
IMLS Reauthorization Introduced in Congress; Contact Senators Today!
Late last week, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced S. 3391, the Museum and Library Services Act of 2016, joined by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Thad Cochran (R-MS), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). This bipartisan legislation, which the Alliance worked with others to help craft, would reauthorize the Institute of Museum and Library Services for six years and advance many of the Principles for IMLS Reauthorization endorsed by the museum field.
“The Museum and Library Services Act of 2016 will strengthen IMLS and enhance its ability to serve museums nationwide. Our field is lucky to have a supporter on Capitol Hill like Senator Jack Reed, and I’m grateful to him for working so closely with us on this proposal,” said Alliance President and CEO Laura L. Lott. “Now, this bill and the valuable improvements it contains need our help. With the congressional calendar running short, it is an especially important time to build momentum behind this legislation.”
Ask your Senators to cosponsor the Museum and Library Services Act of 2016.
The legislation:

  • Formally authorizes a 21st Century Museum Professional Program, to improve the recruitment, preparation, and professional development of museum professionals, especially those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
  • Maintains the agency’s existing authority to support museum activities at both the state and regional level, while adding regional museum collaboration to its “Purpose” section, akin to how state museum collaboration is currently referenced.
  • Adds a new emphasis on ensuring that every American has access to high-quality museum experiences to the “Purpose” section.
  • Maintains and augments the agency’s research, data collection, and analysis about museums and libraries.
  • Establishes new reporting to ensure that the agency sufficiently collaborates with museum and library organizations at the national, regional, and state level on its research and data collection activities.
  • Includes additional federal entities on the list of potential interagency partnerships, allowing IMLS to expand its collaborative efforts with other agencies and magnify support for museums and libraries.
  • Updates the agency’s governance, so that it operates more closely in alignment with other federal cultural agencies.

Ask your Senators to cosponsor the Museum and Library Services Act of 2016. P.S. Debate continues in Congress on legislation needed to keep federal agencies operating past September 30. Negotiators and analysts continue to express optimism that a deal will be struck, but the clock is running out. See AAM’s most recent advocacy alert for more details on how programs that impact museums have fared so far during this year’s appropriations process.

Collections Conservator – Mount Vernon (Alexandria, VA)

 
The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association seeks a highly motivated objects conservator to assume the role of Collections Conservator and direct the conservation of the Fine and Decorative Arts Collections at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, a 450-acre historic site, located 15 miles south of Washington, DC, and visited by more than 1 million visitors annually. These collections encompass more than 15,000 items, including sculpture, furniture, ceramics, metals, other decorative arts, paintings, prints, and textiles. Collections are displayed in the Mansion, an 18th-century historic structure; an array of outbuildings; a purpose-built museum facility opened in 2006; and a research library opened in 2013.
Please apply by:  September 23, 2016
Position Specific Responsibilities:

  • Oversees the preservation and conservation of Mount Vernon’s Fine and Decorative Arts collections
  • Prepares objects for exhibition in historic structures and museum galleries, loan and photography in accordance with AIC’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
  • Coordinates work by contract conservators
  • Plans and implements preventive maintenance
  • Works closely with Historic Preservation and Collections staff and contract conservators, under the direction of the Senior Curator

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree from a recognized conservation program, with a specialty in objects conservation, preferably with a focus on decorative arts
  • Minimum of five years post-graduate experience
  • Minimum of three years conservation experience in an historic site or museum setting
  • General knowledge of current museum practices in storage, handling, exhibition display, environmental controls and illumination
  • Familiarity with conservation issues particular to historic house museums and historic sites
  • Excellent hand skills, competence with basic scientific instrumentation, computers, and digital media
  • Attention to detail, creative problem solving, and strong organization skills required
  • Experience with lab management preferred
  • Demonstrated leadership and decision-making abilities
  • Works effectively individually and as part of a team
  • Communicates courteously, professionally and effectively with colleagues, supervisors and the public

Special Requirements:

  • Ability to lift and carry collection objects up to 30 lb.
  • Ability to climb and balance on ladders
  • In addition to regular hours, able to occasionally work early mornings, evenings, or weekends as well as outdoors, as needed for installations or events
  • Safely uses solvents, reagents, and other hazardous materials
  • Practices, maintains and enforces safety regulations and procedures in and out of the lab

Please apply online via our website by following the link below:
http://www.mountvernon.org/about/employment/open-positions-at-mount-vernon/?gnk=job&gni=8a78824756b5d9b80156ec28b2d36d9e&gns=http%3A%2F%2Fcool.conservation-us.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fosg-l
Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Advocating for Conservation and Museums This Fall

As summer turns to Fall and Congress moves back into session, we are entering what could be an active time for Museum Advocacy, both before and after the November election.
While Congress has not yet enacted any of the 12 annual appropriations bills into law, the House and Senate have each completed some work on their Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 funding proposals. There may also be an upcoming vote on a
stop-gap bill to keep the Federal Government Open.

The chart below compiled by AAM shows how the FY 2017 bills compare to FY 2016 current funding for some programs impacting museums:

 AGENCY/PROGRAM

 FY 2016 CURRENT

 FY 2017 HOUSE

 FY 2017 SENATE

 IMLS Office of Museum Services

 $31.3 million

 $31.3 million

 $31.9 million

 National Endowment for the
Humanities

 $147.9 million

 $149.8 million

 $148.4 million

 National Endowment for the Arts

 $147.9 million

 $149.8 million

 $148.4 million

 NSF Advancing Informal STEM Learning

 $62.5 million

 TBD

 $62.5 million

 Smithsonian Institution

 $840 million

 $863 million

 $860 million

 State and Tribal Historic
Preservation Offices

 $56.9 million

 $58.9 million

 $57.9 million

 Civil Rights Movement sites

 $8 million

 $11 million

 $10 million

 Save America’s Treasures

 unfunded

 $5 million

 unfunded

 National Park Service Operations

 $2.370 billion

 $2.435 billion

 $2.406 billion

Considering that the total allowable funding for FY 2017 domestic spending is essentially frozen at current levels, the numerous small increases for museum-related programs are an encouraging start. However, none of these totals have been finalized and they could all be altered significantly in year-end negotiations. Even if you have done so before, it would be helpful to let your legislators know where you stand on issues affecting museums and conservation. Visit the AAM website, where you will find many advocacy templates that you can personalize and use for this cause.

Get in touch with your representatives now to create a strong link and enhance the value of any future communications with them about legislation up for vote. Please be on the lookout for AIC advocacy alerts in the coming weeks.