Category: Job, Internship, & Fellowship Postings

Assistant Conservator, Objects (Regular Full-Time)
Conservation Center
Reporting to the Senior Conservator for Objects, the Assistant Conservator works collaboratively with the entire conservation staff in all aspects of the care and preservation of the museum’s encyclopedic collection of artwork dating from antiquity to the present.
Some duties include: prepares and reviews condition reports for works of art on loan and new acquisitions; prepares treatment proposals and reports in order to document all conservation work; undertakes the conservation and restoration of works of art; performs research and interacts with curators and other professionals to understand significance of artwork and artist’s intentions; advises on appropriate environmental conditions for the safe display and storage of works of art; acts as courier for traveling exhibitions and loans; assists conservation staff with the routine maintenance of the laboratory and the ordering of equipment and supplies; responds to questions from the general public.
The qualified candidate will have a master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program, with a specialization in objects conservation, and three to five years of related experience. Further postgraduate work and/or several years of employment in conservation is strongly preferred. Experience with the installation and de-installation of exhibitions and larger projects such as maintenance of outdoor sculptures is desired.  A demonstrated ability to treat a wide variety of three-dimensional objects, communicate effectively, and work well with other museum staff is essential.
This position requires a flexible work schedule to allow frequent national and international travel.  Active involvement in professional groups such as AIC, ICOM-CC or ICC is also desirable.
Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae, including a list of three professional references. Please note that the online application system only allows one document to be uploaded, so please combine cover letter, resume and lesson plan into one Word or PDF document.
Please follow this link to apply:
https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=13755881

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Assistant/Associate Conservator (Part-time)

Paper Conservation Department 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s finest museums, seeks a part-time (three to four days per week) Assistant/Associate Conservator in the Paper Conservation Department.  This position undertakes a wide range of conservation procedures on  Western historic, modern and contemporary drawings, prints; miniatures on vellum, paper and ivory; manuscript illuminations on vellum, Islamic and Indian paintings, paintings on palm leaf (individual leaves and bound albums),  wallpaper and other materials that are under the jurisdiction of the Paper Conservation Department. Conservation procedures include treatment, examination, evaluating new acquisitions, condition checking of works entering and leaving the Museum, surveying of works in the collection, analysis and identification of materials and structure, by chemical and instrumental means, to determine condition, authenticity, and proposals for treatment and housing. In addtion, all works conserved are photographed and electronically documented, discussed with supervisor prior to treatment and initiate and assist with approved research supporting technical art history, conservation treatment, and preservation. Ancillary conservation procedures include but are not limited to laboratory management tasks undertaken with other members of the department, such as organization and maintenance of conservation supplies, equipment and chemicals according to established safety procedures, preparing chemical solutions, consolidants and adhesives for treatment, obtaining product information, testing materials for treatment, and preparation of materials for laboratory workshops.
This part-time position is scheduled to end on December 31, 2015. 
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• The examination, analysis, documentation and treatment of  assigned works of art.
• Carrying out condition examination of works to be loaned, or on loan, or to be acquired.
• Assisting in the management and maintenance of the laboratory including the preparation of  chemical reagents and solutions.
• Assisting in the housing and hinging of works of art.
• Other related duties 

Requirements and Qualifications:
Experience and Skills:

• Demonstrated excellence in performing complex conservation treatments.
• Excellent manual skills.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail and to sustain focus on long term projects. High quality work as well as efficient use of time is valued.
• Working knowledge of chemical and material sciences.
• Knowledge of preservation standards for archival matting and housing, for  environmental conditions.
• Ability to use digital cameras and electronic resources in documenting treatment.
• Ability to devise conservation strategies based on knowledge of materials, chemical processes, and aesthetic and ethical considerations.
• In depth knowledge of the history of paper, papermaking, artists’ materials and art history.
• Ability to work effectively and constructively both independently and as part of a team, be attentive and engaged with laboratory activities.
• Demonstrated interest in works of art, their fabrication and history, and aesthetic criteria in relation to individual’s conservation projects.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, excellent written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, time management skills, including the ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines and achieve goals.
• Ability to work cooperatively at all times with a large group of conservators and curators.
• Willingness to accept supervision and guidance.
• Attentiveness to conservation issues taking place in the laboratory.

Knowledge and Education:

• A graduate degree in Conservation (a Masters or Certificate/Masters) from an accredited university, including course work in chemistry and material science.
• Specialization in paper conservation in graduate level conservation studies, and in subsequent employment.
• A minimum of two years post graduate internship or fellowship in paper conservation, or a minimum of five years of professional paper conservation experience, preferably in a museum conservation laboratory.

Please send cover letter, resume, and salary history to careers@metmuseum.org with “Assistant/Associate Conservator/Paper Conservation” in the subject line. The application deadline is 7/17/15.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of

Auto req ID	36260BR
Business Title	Assistant Conservator, Renovation Projects
School/Unit	Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Sub-Unit	————
Location	USA – MA – Cambridge
Time Status	Full-time
Schedule	Monday – Friday, 9-5
Department	Peabody Museum
Salary Grade	055
Union	55 – Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Duties & Responsibilities	This position is responsible for care and conservation of fragile three-dimensional objects that are part of the Museum’s renovation projects. Position is responsible for de-installation, photographic documentation, written object descriptions, and updated data entry in the museum’s collection management database (TMS). The incumbent will complete detailed conservation condition assessments; clean and deinfest objects as needed; undertake object conservation stabilization and treatments; develop housing prototypes for complex composite objects; and work in collaboration with collections assistants in moving heavy large and/or very fragile objects. Oversees workflow, schedules and trains other support staff, students, interns, and casual employees in preventive care measures. May respond to technical inquiries by phone or in person; may compose correspondence related to inquiries. Performs local and national database searches for pertinent information to the objects; histories and construction technologies. May compile data used in preparation for future grant proposals and publications. Reports to the Senior Conservator, and works in alignment with the Senior Collections Manager and collections assistants.
Basic Qualifications	BA in conservation, art history, anthropology or museum studies and a minimum of three years work experience caring and conserving three-dimensional objects in a museum environment.
Additional Qualifications	MA/MS from a recognized art conservation training program is preferred although a comparable advanced internship experience working with professional conservators may be considered in lieu of the master’s degree. Excellent knowledge of issues of handling, storage, and preservation of object-based collections. Demonstrated work experience in performing written condition assessments and treatment proposals and in conservation treatments of three-dimensional objects. Solid knowledge of established preservation and conservation methods and standards. Specialized technical skills in preparing object descriptions and research as required. Good knowledge of chemistry and good understanding of materials and construction techniques of inorganic and flexible organic objects including those of plant fibers, wood, shell, ceramic, and plaster. Good familiarity with preventive conservation measures, integrated pest management and deinfestation methods, and of object storage techniques. Current understanding of environmental requirements for objects for their long-term preservation. Knowledge of personnel safety equipment and standards.Must have strong organizational and interpersonal skills; strong written, verbal and listening skills. Ability to prioritize, develop organized work plans, and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines. Regular, consistent and reliable attendance is essential. Position requires high accuracy; clear and concise documentation; and must be detail-oriented with a good ability to analyze and make good judgments as part of workflow. Ability to take direction, follow museum and conservation guidelines, policies, and procedures. Collaborative and effective teamwork skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Good knowledge of TMS database is preferred; proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Good knowledge of digital photography and photographic documentation of objects .Creativity and enthusiastic approach to collections preservation activities.
Additional Information	Physical requirements include walking, standing, stooping, pushing and pulling, and must be able to reach and work above the shoulders,climb ladders, kneel, twist, and squat. Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 30 lbs.) comfortably and to wear a custom-fit respirator on occasion. For candidates under consideration, submission of a portfolio is required that details at least two written object condition reports, treatment proposals and object treatments, and final reports and photographic documentation. This is a term position for two-years from date of hire with no possibility of renewal and is part of a project team with three collection assistants.
Pre-Employment Screening	Criminal Identity
EEO Statement	We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

Position at Colonial Williamsburg

Assistant Conservator, Objects

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Williamsburg, Virginia

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Conservator of Objects. This is a permanent full-time salaried position and is eligible for benefits.
Responsibilities: Working with the objects conservator, the assistant conservator will assist with all aspects of the care and preservation of the Foundation’s collection of decorative, folk, and sculptural objects. The position will focus on maintenance treatment of metal objects, with other duties as needed to support workflow, departmental needs, and exhibition schedules.
Requirements: Graduate of recognized conservation training program or a combination of at least five years of relevant education and experience. Extensive knowledge of conservation principles and practices; demonstrated  treatment skills that require superior manual dexterity and an aptitude for detailed hand work; museum experience; ability to work and think independently while also adhering to established guidelines. Good organizational, computer, interpersonal and communication skills – both oral and written. Ability to share workplace respectfully with others. All applicants must be capable of lifting up to 50lbs, able to stand or sit for long periods, work at heights on occasion, and be medically and physically capable of wearing a respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridges.
Preferred qualifications: Professional membership in art conservation organizations; 1-2 years of post-graduate conservation experience.
Using link below, please apply online: http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/foundation/careers/
Successful candidate must have USA work visa. Colonial Williamsburg supports a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. AA/EOE
Click here for more information about conservation at CW.
 

Painting & Painted Surfaces Conservator

Winterthur Museum

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library seeks a Painting and Painted Surfaces Conservator to care for its easel paintings, frames, and painted finishes on furniture, objects and historic interiors and to teach in the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation. Responsibilities include conservation of an important collection of American paintings and objects of varying substrate with painted surfaces, loan and exhibit preparation, collaboration with the Curator of Fine Arts to achieve institutional preservation goals, and supervision of students and volunteers as needed.  The Painting and Painted Surfaces Conservator also holds an appointment as affiliated faculty in the Department of Art Conservation at the University of Delaware, providing instruction and mentoring of students in the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation. The hours devoted to teaching for this position may vary from year to year, but the educational setting builds vital links to other conservation faculty, and links to graduate students from all the specialties.
The Conservation Department at Winterthur provides unique opportunities for a Painting and Painted Surfaces Conservator to design treatments and complete research in collaboration with conservators from many different specialties as well as with conservation scientists on site.  Winterthur hosts a Scientific and Analytical Research Laboratory with extensive analytical capabilities, including XRF, FTIR, Raman, GC-MS, LC-MS, SEM/EDS and XRD. The Winterthur Museum collections includes 90,000 objects in 35,000 square feet of exhibit galleries and 175 furnished museum rooms as well as an extensive independent research library that hosts both funded  and independent researchers in addition to students, staff and the public.  The American paintings in the collection represent a carefully selected survey of early American portraiture and genre painting exhibited in both the Museum rooms and the Galleries. Works by artists such as John Singleton Copley, Robert Feke, John Smibert, John Breckenridge and James Earl represent the development of the artistic tradition in early America.  The object and furniture collections include many important examples of painted and lacquered furniture, metal ware, and other painted substrates that present challenging conservation problems.
In addition to a thorough knowledge of the history and technology of paintings and painted finishes, the candidate should demonstrate superior hand skills, familiarity with a wide variety of treatment options, an understanding of conservation science and analytical techniques as they relate to paintings and painted surfaces, the ability to use and teach basic and advanced examination and documentation techniques, and knowledge of conservation standards and practices. Applicants should also have superior organizational, written and oral communication skills and be able to work in a creative, energetic and collaborative environment.  Teaching experience, a research/publication record, evidence of professional engagement, and familiarity with paint on a variety of substrates is desirable.
Qualifications: The applicant must hold a Master’s degree in conservation or a Bachelor’s degree and equivalent experience.  Applicants should have 7 years of conservation experience with at least 5 of those years post degree or training and be a member of the American Institute for Conservation, preferably at the PA or Fellow level.  Experience working in a museum setting is desirable.
Interested candidates should forward a cover letter and resume to Human Resources, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE  19735 or email jobs@winterthur.org.  EOE

The Sheridan Libraries are seeking an Assistant Director for Library Conservation and Preservation. The Assistant Director is responsible for developing the strategic direction of the unit and implementing policies and programs which ensure the ongoing conservation and preservation of the Sheridan Libraries’ collections. In addition to managing the unit, the Assistant Director is responsible for identifying and developing collaborations, partnerships, and programmatic opportunities across the institution in fulfilling the mission of the Sheridan Libraries and Johns Hopkins University. The Assistant Director is also responsible for developing and administering the Heritage Science for Conservation program, which is an inter-disciplinary and inter-institutional research program in collaboration with the Department of Materials Science in the Whiting School.
Key Responsibilities

• Develops strategies, policies, and programs to conserve and preserve the Sheridan Libraries’ collections.
• Manages a team of 7 full-time staff and additional interns and students.
• Plans, implements and manages the operational budgets of the unit and several conservation endowments.
• Provides leadership in the unit for a broad range of conservation and preservation activities including: exhibits, conducting condition reports for loans, preparing facilities reports, developing preservation assessments, managing workloads of conservators.
• Manages the Conservation Internship/Fellowship Programs. Identifies, writes, manages and collaborates with others on conservation, preservation, and conservation science research grants.
• Represents the unit and the Libraries at local, national and international conferences on conservation, conservation science, and preservation.
• Works with Office of Risk Management and Laboratory Safety to ensure local and federal compliance of labs.
• Works closely with Dean of University Libraries & Museums, Associate Dean for External Affairs, and others to identify and to build donor base and sustainability models for the department; including working with Friends group on “conservation adoption” candidates.
• Writes and manages the Milton S. Eisenhower Libraries Disaster Plan (DPlan).
• Serves as PI and manages the Heritage Science for Conservation program, and recommends and facilitates areas of research relevant to the ongoing needs of book and paper conservation to HSC. Participates in quarterly Baltimore Areas Conservation Science Research Team.
• Collaborates and provides leadership in the development of cooperative conservation/conservation science projects.
• Documents the departments stewardship of the Ruzicka Feldman Endowment, Gladys Brooks Foundation, and Helen Ohrenshcall Endowment.
• By role serves on the Library’s Managers’ Council, Exhibitions Committee, Collection Management Council, and Disaster Recovery Team. The Assistant Director is responsible for seven direct reports in three operational units.

A key partner in the academic enterprise, the library is a leader in the innovative application of information technology and has implemented notable diversity and organizational development programs. The Sheridan Libraries and University Museums are strongly committed to diversity. A strategic goal of the Libraries and Museums is to ‘work toward achieving diversity when recruiting new and promoting existing staff.’ The Libraries and Museums prize initiative, creativity, professionalism, and teamwork. For information on the Sheridan Libraries, visit http://www.library.jhu.edu/. For information on Evergreen Museum and Library and Homewood Museum, visit http://www.museums.jhu.edu/.
Job Requirements
MLS degree from an ALA accredited library school with at least 5 years of job-related experience. A graduate degree/advanced certificate in book and paper conservation or equivalent of 10 years conservation bench experience.

• Demonstrated experience in grant writing and management.
• Experience in conservation treatment, collections management principles, practices, and issues.
• Familiarity with conservation science research.
• Demonstrated administrative and managerial experience, preferably in an academic research library.
• Standing in the national and international library and museum fields as relating to preservation/conservation.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in developing inter/intra-institutional cooperation.
• Requires excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

Apply Here: http://www.Click2Apply.net/qszvtt4
 

Physical Scientist (Conservation), Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute.
The Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) is seeking Physical Scientists (Conservation) to conduct research on works of art, antiquities, and other objects of cultural value through scientific examination, identification, and analysis of their materials. They may also perform technical examinations of these objects for authentication, condition assessment, or conservation treatment. Applicants must be able to perform analysis in the general areas of organic or inorganic materials using some of the following analytical methods: scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively-coupled mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
MCI is a scientific research center of the Smithsonian Institution with the mission to increase and disseminate scientific knowledge that improves preservation and conservation of museum collections and related material, with an emphasis on the collections of the Smithsonian Institution’s museums. For a more detailed description of the MCI’s programs please see www.si.edu/mci.
For a complete application package and instructions please access USAJOBS https://www.usajobs.gov/ or the Smithsonian website http://www.si.edu/OHR/jobs_public and retrieve announcement numbers 15A-SR-300454-MPA-MCI and 15A-SR-300473-DEU-MCI. The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Vacancies close Tuesday, June 16, 2015. Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National.
For more information contact:
Janet G. Douglas
Head of Technical Studies
Museum Conservation Institute
Smithsonian Institution
(301) 238-1238
douglja@si.edu

Kress Fellowship in Photographs Conservation

The Art Institute of Chicago

2015-2016

The Art Institute of Chicago is a world-renowned art museum housing one of the largest permanent collections in the United States. It is encyclopedic in nature with strong holdings across all media, all traditions and all ages.  The Art Institute is particularly recognized for its extraordinary Impressionist, Modern, Contemporary and American collections, among other aspects of its holdings.  In addition to housing its permanent collection, it typically stages 35-40 special exhibitions a year.  In 2014, it was named by Trip Advisor travelers as the number one museum in the world, a remarkable recognition that speaks not only to the quality of the collection but to the entirety of the visitor experience.  The Art Institute welcomes between 1,400,000 and 1,800,000 visitors a year and has a membership of 100,000.  The museum has an annual operating budget of approximately $110 million.  Founded in 1879, the Art Institute grew with the success of Chicago and quickly attained world class stature given the strength of its collection.  The Art Institute has expanded several times in its history, most recently and notably with the opening in 2009 of the 264,000 square foot Modern Wing designed by internationally acclaimed architect Renzo Piano.  The addition has been critically important to the museum as it not only provided much needed gallery space, but also allowed the Art Institute to reorganize its galleries to present the collection in a more logical and accessible fashion.  The new addition also includes one of the largest education facilities at any museum and this center has allowed the Art Institute to expand its already impressive array of offerings.
The Art Institute of Chicago is accepting applications for a nine-month, full-time FAIC Samuel H. Kress Conservation Fellowship in the Conservation of Photographs, starting September 1, 2015. The focus of the Kress Fellowship will be on the conservation of the Alfred Stieglitz Collection in the Department of Photography, in preparation for an online publication that will follow the Online Scholarly Catalogue Initiative (OSCI) model. This Fellowship has been supported by a grant from the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation, funded by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation.
The Fellowship will afford the successful candidate the opportunity to expand his or her knowledge of photographic materials. The Fellow will undertake an in-depth examination and analysis of the photographs as well as their conservation treatments when needed. Instrumental analysis will be available through the Conservation Science Department of the Art Institute of Chicago. In addition, the Fellow will participate in the day-to-day operations of the conservation lab in the Department of Photography and professional outreach activities, gaining the experience of working in a large museum with an encyclopedic collection.
The successful candidate will have a completed MA degree from a conservation program.  Candidates with relevant training and experience in the conservation of photographs are preferred.
Application deadline: June 30, 2015
Fellowship start date: September 1, 2015
Full-time, 35 hours/week, 9-month position
The Fellow will be supervised by the Conservator, and will work closely with other staff in the Department of Photography.
For fullest consideration, apply on-line at https://hrweb.artic.edu/recruit/applyjob.html.
Please submit CV, letter of intent, and 3 references (all as one attachment).
The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.