Conservation Services at the University of Kansas Libraries (Lawrence, KS) seeks applicants for the position of Assistant Conservator for Special Collections
Application deadline: February 23, 2015
Apply at: https://employment.ku.edu/staff/2712BR
Departmental Program Summary:
The Conservation Services Department provides leadership, coordination, expertise, and services within a comprehensive, system-wide program to preserve KU Libraries’ paper-based collections.

Position Summary:
The Assistant Conservator for Special Collections will serve a central role in the Stannard Conservation Laboratory with primary responsibility for special collections held by Kenneth Spencer Research Library. This position, under the direct supervision of the Head of Conservation Services, helps manage and undertake a range of mission-critical daily operations of the Stannard Conservation Laboratory including: evaluating damaged collections; making treatment decisions and performing conservation treatments on special collections materials; providing exhibition preparation and support; undertaking conservation assessments and surveys; and participating in emergency preparedness and response operations.
Position Description:
Conservation treatment—70%

• Drafts treatment proposals and specifications, and provides basic time estimates for work to be undertaken, for rare books, manuscripts, archival materials, and other paper-based library collections.
• Performs highly complex conservation tasks that require knowledge and expertise in multiple techniques to solve unique problems. Treatments applied in combination include but are not limited to conservation rebinding, rebacking and board reattachment; surface cleaning; aqueous washing and alkalization treatments; mending with various papers; lining; backing removal; tape and adhesive removal; matting and encapsulation; and enclosure construction.
• Carries out proposed treatments and repairs to library and archival materials with minimal supervision and in accordance with accepted standards for conservation practice.
• Documents treatments using a range of written and photographic techniques according to accepted standards for conservation practice.
• Selects and uses appropriate specialized tools and equipment appropriate for the treatment, including, but not limited to: hand tools, book presses, board shear, guillotine, ultrasonic welder, and suction table; may also perform maintenance on this equipment.
• Designs and constructs both simple and complex, custom-fitting enclosures for fragile materials bearing in mind the unique needs of those formats and their chemical interactions with the materials available for construction.
• Assists in the preparation of library materials for exhibition. Fabricates simple and complex mounts. Assists with installation and de-installation.

Project management—15%

• Develops and implements workflows for conservation projects.
• Provides technical advice on the housing, storage, handling and repair of special collections.
• Advises library staff on conservation principles and practices.

• Assists in training staff, students, interns, and volunteers, as necessary.

Departmental responsibilities—15%

• Serves on the Collections Emergency Response Team and assists with disaster preparedness and recovery operations following standard procedures.
• Undertakes collection surveys to assess condition and prioritize conservation treatments, as necessary.
• Assists with preventive programs such as environmental monitoring and pest management as needed.

• Stays current with developments in the field of library and archives conservation.

• Prepares, conducts, and participates in staff and public outreach and education efforts.
• Participates in departmental meetings and planning activities, including departmental goal-setting.
• Compiles statistics and prepares reports as appropriate.
• Assists with equipping the conservation laboratories to meet current and anticipated future treatment needs. May order supplies, tools, and equipment as needed.
• Participates in the broader work of KU Libraries by serving on committees, working groups, and task forces as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Required:

• B.A. degree
• 1 year relevant experience, including training in book or paper conservation.

Preferred:

• M.A. degree from a recognized conservation training program or related field, or demonstration of a similar level of education and training required for the conservation of rare materials.
• A portfolio of relevant work if selected for interview
• Demonstrated knowledge of physical and chemical mechanisms of deterioration of library and archives materials.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals, techniques, and history of book- binding, paper treatment, and conservation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of conservation ethics and practices relevant to research library and archival materials; commitment to the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Standards for Practice.
• Excellent manual dexterity and sustained concentration with delicate and occasionally repetitive tasks.
• Basic computer skills including word processing and use of spreadsheets.

• Competency in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign.
• Experience working in an academic research library.
• Experience managing conservation technicians or students.
• Experience evaluating and treating materials for digital imaging projects.
• Experience in exhibit preparation.
• Demonstrated record of continuing education in conservation through workshops, lectures, and conference attendance.
• Ability to communicate effectively about treatment options and decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Effective organizational skills.

 
For more information on Spencer Research Library’s collections, see: http://spencer.lib.ku.edu/
 

Paintings Conservator
Modern Art Conservation (New York, NY)

Modern Art Conservation, a New York City-based conservation studio, is seeking a fulltime conservator of modern and contemporary paintings. The applicant must be highly skilled in the practical treatment of modern and contemporary paintings and painted surfaces, be well versed in the theoretical discourse of the profession, and possess a knowledge of preventive conservation practices relating to the care of modern collections. A strong interest in structural conservation is a plus. The applicant should be proactive in collaboration with colleagues, have the ability to communicate effectively, in written and oral form, with a wide range of individuals including clients, artists, art handlers and other conservators, as well as have the ability to manage and work on multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines. She/he must show diplomacy and judgment and have a positive attitude and friendly demeanor.
Qualifications:
Master’s Degree from a recognized program with 3 or more years experience in paintings conservation; a career interest in the conservation of contemporary and modern paintings; US citizenship or Green Card; fluent in spoken and written English; physical strength to lift large and heavy artworks; ability to travel; strong interpersonal skills.
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and benefits are offered. The position is available immediately.
Please send a letter, resume with three professional references, two sample treatment reports, two sample condition reports and a summary of treated works/artists by February 25th to: pc2015@modernartconservation.com.

Summer Internships at NCPTT

The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT), an office of the U.S. National Park Service, seeks students and recent graduates to undertake laboratory or field research in archeology, architecture, engineering, collections management, historic landscapes, and materials science. This summer, we are also offering a special internship opportunity in petrographic analysis of building stones for students or young professionals with a background in geology, mineralogy, or other related field.
Internships last ten weeks, beginning on or about June 1, 2015 and ending August 7, 2015.
Compensation is based on experience, including academic experience.
Applications will be accepted through March 2, 2015.
For more information and application instructions, visit http://ncptt.nps.gov/internships
Questions should be directed to Ed FitzGerald at edward_fitzgerald@contractor.nps.gov

The University of Kansas Libraries is hosting the Ringle Summer Conservation Intern in Book Conservation.
To Apply: https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGWEbHost/jobdetails.aspx?partnerid=25752&siteid=5541&AReq=2643BR

Posting Title	Summer Conservation Intern
Position Number	00007419
Department	Libraries-General
No. of Positions	1
Location/Division	Lawrence
FTE	1.00
Reg/Temp	Temporary
FLSA Status	Nonexempt
Employee Class	U-Unclassified Professional Staff
Work Schedule	8-5, M-F 8 week assignment (between June and September)
Conditions of Employment	Limited Term
Limited Term End Date	30-Sep-2015
Position Overview	The University of Kansas is seeking applicants for its 2015 Summer Conservation Internship. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to undertake and complete a conservation project and gain insight into the workings of a dynamic preservation department. Conservation decision-making and documentation for library and archival collections will be stressed. The main summer project will focus on preparing condition reports, treating, and creating housings for a collection of 19th and 20th century books and manuscripts that will be travelling overseas for an upcoming exhibition. Other small projects may be added after agreement by the conservator and intern. Focus will be on special collections and archival materials.This KU Libraries internship is made possible through the generosity of Stata and David Ringle. This summer internship is appropriate for pre-program students with some treatment experience, current students, and recent graduates of conservation training programs and their equivalents.
Job Description	The Conservation Intern will be hired for an 8 week assignment, working 40 hours per week. This position, under the direct supervision of the Head of Conservation, will treat paper items and books from Spencer Research Library following national standards for treatment and documentation of work. The main summer project will focus on preparing condition reports, treating, and creating housings for a collection of 19 th and 20 th century books and manuscripts that will be travelling overseas for an upcoming exhibition. Other small projects may be added after agreement by the conservator and intern. Focus will be on special collections and archival materials.Duties: 70% Treatment of special collections materials from Spencer Research Library, using accepted practices of the field. Objects may include books, manuscripts, archival documents, drawings, and maps. Treatments performed may include surface cleaning, humidification and flattening, mending and filling, encapsulation, and book treatments. 20% Creation of custom housings suitable for overseas shipping, for items to be loaned. 10% Written and photographic documentation for collection material following the American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice
Required Qualifications	Bachelor’s degree. Demonstrated book or paper conservation treatment skills, as evidenced by sample treatment reports or bookbinding models. Must be able to commit to eight consecutive weeks of work between June and September 2015.
Preferred Qualifications	Demonstrated ability to work independently. Current or recent graduate of book or paper conservation training program, or equivalent experience, such as The North Bennet Street School. Experience working in a research library setting. Project management experience. Demonstrated strong written communication skills.
Additional Candidate Instruction	To apply, please submit the following items: Cover letter (including how the internship will help the applicant reach professional goals) Current resume, including list of conservation/preservation classes or completed training Contact information for two references (including phone and email) Two sample treatment or project reports (with images) Review of application materials begins March 1, 2015.  To be considered it is necessary to apply before this date.
Contact Information to Applicants	Leah Nelson, leahnel@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range	15.63/hr
Application Review Begins	01-Mar-2015
Anticipated Start Date	01-Jun-2015
Disclaimer	The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.

The Smithsonian Institution’s Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) is looking for a student with graduate-level experience/training in archives, records, and information management and an interest in materials science or conservation to assist with the organization of MCI’s Mecklenburg Materials Archive.
The Archive: For nearly forty years, conservator, scientist, and engineer Marion Mecklenburg studied the mechanical behavior of art materials, with resulting discoveries that had—and continue to have—a direct impact on the preventive and treatment efforts of collections professionals around the globe. While conservators of fine art have traditionally focused on the chemical deterioration of art materials, Dr. Mecklenburg argued that the physical behavior of those artworks is further understood, predicted, and managed when approached as an engineering problem. Through his own studies—and through the studies of the countless researchers who worked or trained with him—Mecklenburg made mechanical engineering a formative aspect of conservation research.
Dr. Mecklenburg retired from the Smithsonian Institution in 2010 and the organization of decades of his materials, research, and equipment is currently underway at MCI. The planned Mecklenburg Materials Archive will house the paint, wood, and fabric samples prepared and studied by Dr. Mecklenburg, and provide researchers with access to the raw materials (such as custom-made paints) from which those samples were created. The Archive will also include working and study samples of the equipment used over the course of Dr. Mecklenburg’s career (and information to help researchers interested in building similar equipment); a library of notes, books, and publications related to the environmental, lighting, and material mechanics research of Dr. Mecklenburg and his colleagues; and correspondence related to the archived samples, the commercial production of art materials, and the application of engineering principles to the study of material behavior in artwork.
The Project: The creation of the Mecklenburg Materials Archive is a multi-year project that will combine conservation, materials science, and library and archival science principles to create a usable archive of materials and reference data with a cataloguing system appropriate to mixed collections intended for historical study as well as for continued use and analysis. A summer intern is sought to review the research notes, correspondence, publication drafts, and other documentary and library materials related to the Archive and to assist in determining an appropriate inventory and cataloguing protocol for the organization of these materials.
Location and Supervision: MCI is the center for specialized technical collection research and conservation for all Smithsonian museums and collections. 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. The Mecklenburg Archives intern would be supervised by Dr. Dawn Rogala, MCI Paintings Conservator (primary supervisor) and Mitchell Toda, Assistant Archivist for the Smithsonian Institution Archives (SIA). While MCI is the primary internship location, the intern should expect to spend at least one day per week at SIA. Smithsonian shuttle bus service runs hourly between downtown Washington, DC and MCI’s location at Smithsonian facilities in Suitland, Maryland. MCI is also easily reached by car. SIA is located in downtown Washington, DC and is accessible by public transit.
Stipend: A stipend of $6,000 is available for the 10-week internship period. Relocation, housing, and insurance are not included. The internship is intended mainly for the summer of 2015, but start and end dates are flexible.
To Apply: Applications must be made through the Smithsonian’s Online Academic Appointment System (https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html) by February 25, 2015; select the option for the MCI Internship Program. Your application materials should specifically mention Dr. Rogala as supervisor and the Mecklenburg Archive project, and discuss how working on this project matches your interests and would further your studies. Selected candidates will be interviewed by telephone, although MCI visits are welcome.  If you have any questions or want to further discuss this project, Dr. Rogala can be reached at rogalad@si.edu and Mr. Toda can be reached at todam@si.edu.

POSITION: Sr. Conservator
JOB SUMMARY:
The J. Paul Getty Museum is seeking a Senior Conservator of Antiquities to oversee the Getty Villa’s conservation department, which is responsible for the long-term preservation of one of the largest and finest collections of Greek and Roman antiquities in the United States. The Senior Conservator of Antiquities oversees the safekeeping, proper installation, and conservation of all works in the Getty Villa’s permanent collection. It conducts an active and influential program of treatments and research, including technical and materials analyses, and as a result attracts a broad range of masterworks from around the globe to the Villa’s conservation studios and galleries. The department supports a program of ambitious loan exhibitions through its conservation work and state-of-the-art installation and mount-making procedures. The Senior Conservator represents the institution in the negotiation of joint projects with other institutions and governments while advancing its reputation as a leader on conservation matters internationally. He/she also oversees department staffing, hiring, performance reviews, staff development, and the budget.
The successful candidate will have a Master’s Degree and/or Ph.D. degree, ten years’ experience as an objects conservator, a record of successful treatments and professional publications, and proven ability as a manager. Frequently working in tandem with the curatorial department, he/she will have the reputation and skills to initiate collaborations and build partnerships internationally. The individual will be equipped to consult with other institutions as appropriate on their conservation needs and to conduct negotiations regarding loans and treatments where required. He/she will contribute to researching, developing, and overseeing innovative methodologies for long-term preservation of works of art in support of the Getty’s leadership role among museums and cultural institutions. The Senior Conservator will report to the Associate Director for Collections and work closely and collaboratively with the Senior Curator of Antiquities and with colleagues across the Getty campus.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises a conservation department of nine, including five conservators and three mountmakers, nurturing staff development and reviewing performance
• Provides expert opinion about the condition of proposed acquisitions
• Oversees the conservation treatment of all works in the Getty’s antiquities collection.
• Supports a program of international loans of works of art through his/her expertise, reputation, and diplomacy
• Advises on the presentation of works of art in the Villa’s galleries and for special exhibitions while overseeing and facilitating their safe installation
• Develops best practices for conservation treatment and the installation of works of art.
• Works collaboratively with Museum curators, scientists and staff of the Getty Conservation Institute,  colleagues across the two Getty campuses, and internationally to further the programs and mission of the Getty Villa and J. Paul Getty Museum under the auspices of the Getty Trust
• Administers the department budget

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MA in conservation or equivalent degree preferred
• 10+ years experience in conservation

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Background in chemistry and physics and knowledge of production methods for 3-dimensional objects in diverse media
• Background in archaeological field work and its techniques and methods
• Knowledge of Word, e-mail, Excel, and basic office software
• Managerial and diplomatic skills
• Scholarship and publications
• A record as an effective communicator, networker, and team player, who thrives in the highly collaborative, dynamic environment of a complex organization.

TO APPLY, PLEASE VISIT: https://jobs-getty.icims.com/jobs/2446/conservator-sr/job
 

Position Description:
A Project Conservator is sought to fill a 2.4-year position as part of a larger team researching the properties and applicability of dye materials for conservation treatment of faded taxidermy.  The conservator will need to be available to start the project no later than April 5, 2015.
With generous funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), in partnership with Yale University’s Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (IPCH) and Peabody Museum, is conducting a research project that aims to develop best practices for recoloring taxidermy mounts, primarily those displayed in museum habitat dioramas. The research project will investigate the physical and chemical properties of dyes identified as potentially useful for this purpose, and develop treatment protocols and decision-making standards for the use of well-understood, high-quality, affordable materials in the conservation of fur-based specimens and artifacts. It will culminate in the presentation of results to professionals in conservation and the collections care communitythrough a variety of in-person and online avenues, including one or more training workshops and a project website.
Specific responsibilities of the Project Conservator will include:

• Work with project directors, staff, collaborators, and external advisors in the execution of project research, presentation, interpretation, and dissemination of results.
• Support the development of methods of inquiry into project research questions
• Assist with equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Assist with sample preparation, analyses, data collection and interpretation at AMNH and Yale ICPH
• Develop curricula for training workshop(s) on the care and conservation of taxidermy, and gather/produce necessary support materials
• Contribute to the presentation of findings through blogs, publications, conference presentations and/or posters, on-line training modules, etc.
• Work with project team to create content for project blog and website
• Investigate the potential of additional modes of dissemination targeting appropriate audiences

Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have an M.A/M.S in Conservation or equivalent. S/he must be able to pursue multiple research activities and project goals simultaneously. Proficiency in the issues of taxidermy conservation and two years of related experience in either a museum conservation lab or equivalent is necessary.  The applicant should have strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to manage and organize large amounts of data; a capacity for meticulous care in the preparation and handling of sample materials; competence in both Mac and PC computer platforms, Adobe CreativeSuite software, and basic use of a digital SLR camera.
Application Process:
Please apply directly to the AMNH careerswebpage:  careers.amnh.org/
Completed application must be received no later than Monday, February 23^rd, 2015.
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

Conservator/ Asian Art Department

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s finest museums, seeks a Conservator in the Department of Asian Art.  The newly appointed conservator for Japanese painting will work closely with other conservators at the Met, especially in the Department of Asian Art, for the care and conservation of the entire collection of Japanese paintings, prints, and related works of art. The conservator will coordinate with curatorial staff, conservators, and scientists to ensure that all works of art are stored and displayed in the appropriate environment with respect to climate, lighting, and other relevant factors. In addition, the conservator will have responsibility for performing condition examination to determine if works are insufficiently stable condition for movement, either within the museum or for loan to other institutions.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Conservation of the collection of Japanese art in the Department of Asian Art in consultation with the curator of Japanese art and the Department Chair
• Works with Collections Management and other curatorial staff to advance the care and conservation methods, storage and exhibition methods, and the proper care and handling of paintings.
• Collaboration with other conservators in the Department of Asian Art as well as other conservators on projects as needed
• For special projects, collaboration with conservators in Japan affiliated with the Association for Conservation of National Treasures (ACNT: Kokuho Shore Sokoshi Renmei)
• Condition examination for gallery rotations, as well as incoming and outgoing loans
• Monitoring of gallery conditions
• Generation of conservation reports and condition reports for the collection

• Assists with the training of interns and fellows in Japanese painting conservation methods
• Other related duties

Requirements and Qualifications:
Experience and Skills:

• Required, the ability to independently or as part of a team remount all formats of Japanese paintings including but not limited to screens, hanging scrolls, handscrolls and albums
• Required, experience conserving designated National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties, or non-designated works of equivalent caliber
• Preferred, experience training in a conservation studio in Japan

Knowledge and Education:

• Required, a minimum of ten years of training in Japanese painting conservation
• Required, ability to communicate in Japanese at a native or near native level
• Required, ability to communicate in spoken English at least a basic level
• Preferred, graduate level degree or equivalent in conservation studies
• Preferred, graduate level degree or equivalent in Japanese art history

Please send cover letter, resume, and salary history to careers@metmuseum.org with “Conservator/Asian Art Department” in the subject line.

 

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 employment.

2015 Summer Internships at the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute
 
The Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) is offering short-term opportunities to work on research and conservation projects with staff members. The internships are intended mainly for the summer of 2015, but consideration will be given to projects at other times during the year.  Preference will be given to applicants currently enrolled in conservation training programs or graduate students in related subjects. A stipend may be offered for a period of up to 10 weeks.  Projects will be supervised by the following staff members, whom applicants are urged to contact in advance of application:
 
Mary Ballard, Senior Textiles Conservator, 301-238-1210, ballardm@si.edu
A. Elena Charola, Research Scientist (biodeterioration, stone), 301-238-1213, charolaa@si.edu
Paula DePriest, Deputy Director (biodeterioration), 301-238-1206, depriestp@si.edu
Janet G. Douglas, Head of Technical Studies (analysis of cultural heritage), 301-238-1238, douglja@si.edu
Christine France, Research Physical Scientist (stable isotopes), 301-238-1261, francec@si.edu
Carol Grissom, Senior Objects Conservator, 301-238-1236, grissomc@si.edu
Jessica S. Johnson, Head of Conservation (archaeological materials), 301-238-1218, johnsonjs@si.edu
Robert Koestler, Director (biodeterioration), 301-238-1205, koestlerr@si.edu
Nicole Little, Physical Scientist (ICP-MS, XRD, SEM-EDS), 301-238-1243, littlen@si.edu
Odile Madden, Research Scientist (modern materials, plastic, Raman spectroscopy), 301-238-1257, maddeno@si.edu
Dawn Rogala, Paintings Conservator (modern paints, artists’ materials research/archives), 301-238-1255, rogalad@si.edu
Jia-Sun Tsang, Senior Paintings Conservator (modern and contemporary art  conservation), 301-238-1231, tsangj@si.edu
Ed Vicenzi, Research Scientist (spectroscopic imaging/microscopy), 301-238-1215,  vicenzie@si.edu
E. Keats Webb, Digital Imaging Specialist (advanced imaging), 301-238-1212, webbekeats@si.edu
 
Applications must be made on line through SOLAA (https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html) by February 25, 2015; select the option for the Museum Conservation (MCI) Internship Program.  Selected candidates will be interviewed by telephone, although MCI visits are welcome.