Category: Job, Internship, & Fellowship Postings

Conservators – Earthquake Recovery
(Two positions, 1 year fixed term)
Canterbury Museum, Christchurch, New Zealand

Applications are invited from suitably qualified conservators for two fixed term positions as Earthquake Recovery Collections Conservators, funded by our insurers.
Applicants should have proven experience of working with a wide range of materials both organic and inorganic to include ethnology and social history, and a range of natural history objects including geology, insects and bones. Experience in using collections management databases and ability to account for use of time to meet insurance company needs are also required.
Applicants must have, or be eligible for, a New Zealand work visa.
To find out more about these positions and the method of application please visit the vacancies page on our website www.canterburymuseum.com
Applications not following the method set out will not be accepted.
Applications close at 5:00 pm on 18 January 2015.

MELLON POSTGRADUATE FELLOWSHIP IN COSTUME AND TEXTILE CONSERVATION – PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is offering an Andrew W. Mellon Postgraduate Fellowship in Costume and Textiles Conservation, beginning September 1, 2015 and ending August 31, 2016. The Fellowship may be extended up to three years. The applicant should be a graduate of a recognized conservation training program or have equivalent experience. The Fellow will examine, conduct research, and perform treatment on costumes, accessories and textiles in the Museum collections and will participate in preservation activities throughout the Museum, including exhibitions and storage.
The Fellowship will include the conservation of European and American costume and needlework as well as the museum’s extensive collections of South Asian and East Asian textiles, contemporary fiber, craft, traditional tapestry, and carpets.  The Fellow will work with the two staff conservators in the state-of-the art laboratory.
Each fellowship includes a stipend of $35,198, health insurance, $3,000 in travel funds and $2,000 for research support. Applications should be sent electronically and include: pdf files containing statement of interest, resume, transcripts of graduate courses, and four examples of examination reports and treatment records with photographs.
Please include any published treatments or research. For electronic submissions please use a file sharing service (such as DropBox or WeTransfer) to gdiefenderfer@philamuseum.org.
Confidential supporting letters from two conservation professionals familiar with the candidate’s work should be sent directly by the referee to:
Sara Reiter, Senior Conservator of Costume and Textiles,
Philadelphia Museum of Art,
P.O. Box 7646,
Philadelphia, PA  19101-7646.
sreiter@philamuseum.org
All application materials must be received by February 15, 2015. EOE Receipt of application will be confirmed by e-mail.
Chris Wasson
Conservation Administrator
Philadelphia Museum of Art
215-684-7542
cwasson [at] philamuseum_org

Conservator for Special Collections
The Conservator for Special Collections plans and carries out the physical treatment of special collections material from the Duke University Libraries including those from the Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Duke University Archives, and branch libraries. This position reports to the Head, Conservation Services Department (CSD).
Responsibilities
Conservation (80%)

• Works with the department head and appropriate conservation and library staff to develop treatment strategies for special collections materials. Coordinates treatments and priorities with the Head of CSD.
• Performs appropriate conservation treatments on library materials held in the Libraries’ rare and special collections in support of various workflows including those for Rubenstein Library User Services and Technical Services, the Digital Production Center, and the Exhibits Program. Scope of work includes treating primarily bound and unbound books, manuscripts and other documents on paper and vellum. Depending on the conservator’s expertise the scope may also include treating photographs, papyri, and other formats and substrates found in the collections. Documents treatments with photographs and written reports following CSD and American Institute for Conservation (AIC) guidelines and best practices.
• Identifies items for which protective enclosures will be the most effective preservation option; constructs appropriate protective enclosures or delegates the construction of enclosures to other staff, students or volunteers.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Departmental Support and Programming Initiatives (10%)

• Participates in planning and setting goals, managing projects and developing workflows in support of CSD priorities.
• Assists in providing disaster recovery services for library materials.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Professional Development (10%)

• Actively participates on appropriate Library committees, task forces or groups to meet the strategic goals of the Department and the Duke University Libraries.
• Displays continuing growth in professional and subject knowledge and takes an active interest in the profession. Growth and interest should be demonstrated through continuing development of professional knowledge and abilities, membership and participation in professional organizations, and service to the library, University, or community in a professional capacity.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provides training, supervision and quality control for students, staff and volunteers in coordination with the department head and/or senior conservator.
• May serve as interim supervisor in the absence of the department head and senior conservator.

Qualifications
It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning and a commitment to diversity.
Education:
Required: ALA-accredited MLS or Master’s degree in conservation of library and archival materials, or demonstration of a similar level of education and training required for the conservation of rare materials.
Preferred: Demonstrated record of continued education in areas relevant to this position.
Experience:
Required:

• Minimum of three years of demonstrated experience in conservation of special collections and knowledge of current conservation principles, practices, and procedures.
• Exceptional manual skills and a full understanding of current conservation theory, principles, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of physical and chemical mechanisms of deterioration of library materials.
• Knowledge of conservation ethics and practices relevant to research library materials; commitment to AIC standards of practice and Code of Ethics.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and productively in a changing environment.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills.

 Preferred:

• Prior experience working in an academic research library or archives.
• Prior experience supervising conservation technicians and students.
• Expertise in the treatment of photographic materials; works on art on paper, vellum and parchment; or similar cultural heritage materials generally found in academic libraries and university archives.
• Experience evaluating and treating materials to prepare them for digital imaging and/or exhibitions.
• Experience in exhibitions including preparation, installation, materials testing and environmental monitoring.
• Teaching experience.

For a complete job description including directions for applying, please see:
 
http://library.duke.edu/about/jobs/conservator

MARINE ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSERVATOR
Position Summary:
This position is a UK based independent contractor role to document and conserve both organic and inorganic artefacts recovered from a marine archaeological environment for storage, research and exhibition. Artefacts recovered will cover a broad range of material including large bronze cannon. The successful candidate will work under and report to the Project Conservator.
The successful candidate will follow up on conservation treatments and apply policies and industry standards.
The position offers an opportunity to engage in high-status material culture conservation from excavation to storage or display. Interventive conservation documentation may lead to publication
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Liaises closely with and follows conservation strategy laid out by the Project Conservator.
• Maintains and manages laboratory equipment, tools and supplies, including handling hazardous substances.
• Applies conservation methods to stabilise artefacts.
• Conducts condition assessments.
• Records results in digital form.
• Carries out and facilitates conservation duties that include integrated environmental monitoring.
• Coordinates and liaises with stakeholders for appropriate treatment for artefacts.
• Documents artefact condition and treatments before and during conservation.
• Conducts research and analyses where necessary.
• Collaborates with other conservation professionals of relevant expertise, where necessary.
• Provides support in outreach programmes and supports tour visits.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Confident self-starter capable of working both as part of a multi-disciplinary team and independently.
• Good common sense based on past experience to identify problems and solutions.
• Ability to put forward own ideas confidently.
• Shares results and information with various stakeholders.

Strong organisational skills highlighted by the following attributes: client focused, efficient and capable of working under pressure to deadlines, proactive, excellent multi-tasking capabilities and communication skills, strong priority and time management skills, ability to respond to special projects on a short notice.
Education:

• Relevant degree of MA level or comparable experience in archaeological or marine archaeological conservation.
• Proven experience in internships and apprenticeships in museums/conservation.
• Industry standard qualifications

Location: United Kingdom
Position Type: Contractor, reports to Project Conservator and Director of Research & Scientific Services
Additional Information:  To apply for the position or obtain additional information, send a cover letter along with a resume or Curriculum vitae to:  JohnOppermann@odysseymarine.com.  No telephone calls please.
Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.

E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation

Conservator for Asian Art

 
Position Summary:
The Newark Museum seeks a full-time conservator for a two-year minimum posting to oversee the conservation of the Museum’s Asian collections, one of the larger and finest collections of Asian art in the United States. The Conservator for Asian Art oversees the safekeeping, proper installation and conservation of all Asian works in the Newark Museum’s permanent collection (approximately 30,000 works). The conservator also assists with processing potential out-going loan requests with regard to their physical condition, potential treatment and recommendations and/or oversight of appropriate packing/crating.
The successful candidate will have at a minimum a Master’s Degree and three years’ experience as a conservator, a record of successful treatments and proven ability as a manager. Working closely with the curatorial, registration and exhibitions department, s/he will have the reputation and skills to build partnerships. The individual will be able to coordinate outside contract conservators where the work required is beyond their own area of expertise. The conservator will report to the Curator for the Arts of Asia and work closely and collaboratively with the registrar, collections manager and exhibitions department as well as with colleagues throughout the Museum and its contractors.
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, oversee and implement the appropriate re-housing of selected groups of objects—particularly the Museum’s collections of Asian costumes and textiles and arms and armor (approximately 4,000 objects)
• Assess and where applicable treat or oversee treatment of works identified for exhibition and loans
• Develop and assist implementation of best practices for conservation treatment, presentation and the installation of works of art
• Provide expert opinion about the condition of proposed acquisitions
• Supervise qualified conservation or museum studies interns that will assist and enhance their own work
• Work as a team member with Museum curators, registrar, collections manager, exhibition designer, mount-maker, educators, development and staff

Qualifications:

• M.A. in conservation or equivalent degree preferred
• Three or more years experience working in the field
• Proven record of successful treatments
• Knowledge of materials and ability to advise on collections care and treatment strategies
• Knowledge of Word, Outlook (e-mail), Excel, PowerPoint and basic office software; knowledge about ARGUS database a plus.
• Strong communication, managerial and diplomatic skills

TO APPLY,
SEND CURRICULUM VITAE AND COVER LETTER TO:
Human Resources
Newark Museum
49 Washington Street
Newark, NJ 07102
Fax: 973.642.0459
Email: humanresources@newarkmuseum.org
The Newark Museum is an equal opportunity employer.
Please be advised that only those candidates whose qualifications meet the requirements of the position will be contacted.
 
Closing date: January 16, 2015
 

Project Conservator of American Furniture and Woodwork
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is offering a 3 year position in conservation of American furniture and woodwork dating from 1650-1840, beginning early January 2015. A 2-3 years extension is possible after the initial 3 years.  The Project Conservator will work under the supervision of the Senior Conservator of Furniture and Woodwork to examine, research, analyze, and treat a selection of the Museum’s collection of American furniture dating from 1650 to 1840 towards the publication of a catalogue in both printed and online formats.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with associate curator of American Decorative Arts  in devising priorities, research,  treatments, and scheduling
• Examine, research, analyze, and treat early American furniture, which includes frames and architectural woodwork, that will be photographed for collections catalogue
• Travel to study objects related to the Museum’s collection
• Participate as an engaged and active member of the Furniture and Woodwork Conservation Team and in related activities that support the overall mission of the Conservation Department including supervision of Mellon Fellow, art handlers, conservation technicians, and textile reproduction specialist

Training and experience required:

• Advanced training in conservation or equivalent qualifications, followed by a minimum of 6 years of experience in the field, ideally in a museum setting
• Hand skills relating to traditional furniture making, carving, and woodworking.  Additional skills in microscopy, surface treatment, and upholstery desirable
• Experience in and knowledge of the nuances of American furniture and its European precedents with a particular specialty in Philadelphia furniture
• Experience at establishing priorities and developing a work plan
• Experience at successfully completing projects within deadlines

To apply, create a single document that contains a cover letter stating interests and qualifications and a resume to upload with your application at http://www.philamuseum.org/jobs/.
In addition to the application materials above, two supporting letters from conservation professionals familiar with your work should be sent directly by email or mail to the attention of Behrooz Salimnejad, The Elaine S. Harrington Senior Conservator of Furniture and Woodwork, at bsalimnejad@philamuseum.org or P.O. Box 7646, Philadelphia, PA  19101-7646. Questions can be addressed to Behrooz by email to or by telephone at 215-684-7557.
 
Application deadline:  December 31, 2014

Position at National Endowment for the Humanities
The Division of Preservation and Access has an opening for a Humanities Administrator (program officer) who would work with potential applicants in the development of proposals, help carry out the evaluation of applications, and participate fully in administrative, financial, program policy, and other matters for the division.
The Selective Placement Factors for this position are as follows:  Experience in a professional position at either a museum, library, or other cultural heritage organization; or working as a consultant for at least one year at either a museum, library, or other cultural heritage organization.
In order to be found minimally qualified for this position, applicants must possess at least a BA in a humanities field. A MA or PhD degree is preferred.
As part of the online application process you will need to respond to a series of questions designed to assess your possession of the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies:

• Knowledge of preservation and access issues and trends in museums, libraries, or other cultural heritage organizations.
• Knowledge of preservation, conservation, or collections management focused on humanities collections in cultural heritage institutions.
• Knowledge of preventive conservation focused on humanities collections.
• Experience in education, in grant activities, and in cultural heritage institutions.
• Educational background in the humanities.
• Ability to communicate orally.
• Ability to communicate in writing.

 Applications must be received by December 15, 2014.
Full details are here: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/386246500
The Division of Preservation and Access provides leadership and support for a sustained national effort to preserve and increase the availability of resources essential for research, education, and public programming in the humanities.  The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent grant-making agency of the U.S. government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities

The Smithsonian Institution has a requirement for the services of a conservation professional to perform artifact condition assessments, documentation, treatments and treatment reports for the Milestones of Flight gallery renovation at the National Air and Space Museum.  The position will be for a not-to-exceed 18 month period.  Work will be performed in the Emil Buehler Conservation Laboratory at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia and at the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall, Washington DC.
 
The Milestones of Flight gallery contains seventy of the Nation’s most historically significant aerospace artifacts, including the “Spirit of St. Louis” and the Apollo 11 Command Module.  All of the artifacts in this gallery will be given thorough evaluations and necessary treatments as part of a major gallery renovation.  Work will also be performed in support of the day to day activities of the Conservation Unit at the Udvar Hazy Center.
Salary Range: $63,091 to $71,504 per year
 
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required: For this position, specialized knowledge is defined as work performing condition assessments and remedial conservation treatments on a range of historic objects and works of art.  Experience with paintings and painted objects is an additional desired skill set.
 
Experience: You qualify for this position if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal Service or comparable pay band system.  Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
 
Or Education: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education or masters or equivalent graduate degree related to the position.
 
Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications; for example, a half year of experience and a half year of education in the field may be qualifying.
 
EEO Policy-The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
 
To apply for this position, please send your resume and letter of interest to Malcolm Collum at collumm@si.edu.

14/385 Manager Preservation and Repository Services, Archives New Zealand
 
Are you interested in helping to ensure that all key New Zealand government records of long term value are preserved and available for all to access? If you are – come and work at Archives NZ!
 
Archives NZ is New Zealand’s national archive and a business unit in the Department of Internal Affairs – Te Tari Taiwhenua.  Archives NZ is looking for an experienced manager to lead the preservation and storage of its physical holdings in Wellington and to pursue commercial opportunities for its newly created Film Preservation Laboratory (Film Lab).
 
The Manager Preservation and Repository Services is a complex management role.  It is responsible for ensuring the long term viability of the broad range of our holdings (art, maps, prints, documents, film, audio), and for the effective management of the Wellington repository and the organisation’s Digital Imaging and Film Preservation laboratories.  One of the key challenges for this role is to develop a commercial strategy for the Film Lab enabling it to deliver high quality revenue generating services to other archival institutions and the film industry.  The ongoing sustainability of the Film Lab will depend on this being successful.  Responsibility for the Digital Imaging Laboratory also requires the development of key internal customer services to user support requests for digital files.
 
The Manager Preservation and Repository Services will have:

• Experience in sourcing, negotiating and delivering commercial contracts
• Experience in successfully developing and maintaining effective working relationships with customers (internal and external)
• Experience in the management of preservation and/or repository services
• Proven experience in building a cohesive high performing team which delivers quality results
• Experience in developing and delivering integrated, prioritised work programmes
• Experience leading and implementing complex projects
• Experience in the Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museum sector would be an advantage

Applications close: 5pm, Monday 17 November 2014 NZDST
For more information please contact: Jan Clark, Director Holdings and Discovery, Archives NZ on +64 4 495 6215 or jan.clark@dia.govt.nz
Job description: To review the full job description, please click here
To apply: Please click here to apply online

SMITHSONIAN 12-MONTH POSTGRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS IN CONSERVATION OF MUSEUM COLLECTIONS
The Smithsonian’s Office of Fellowships and Internships has announced one-year fellowships for recent graduates of masters programs in art and archaeological conservation (or the equivalent) to conduct research and gain further training in Smithsonian conservation laboratories for conservation of museum collections.  Researchers in conservation science topics, including those at the postdoctoral level, are also encouraged to apply.  The fellowship begins in the fall of 2015. A stipend of $37,700 is being offered at the postgraduate level and $48,000 at the postdoctoral level, plus a research allowance up to $4,000.  While 12-month fellowship proposals are preferred, applications for projects of shorter duration (between 3-12 months) are acceptable, with a commensurate reduction to the stipend amounts.  The prospective fellow must first contact the conservator or scientist with whom he or she would like to work. If the potential supervisor confirms that candidacy is suitable, application must be made through the Office of Fellowships and Internships by December 1, 2014.  Program guidelines and instructions for application are available at http://www.smithsonianofi.com/fellowship-opportunities/smithsonian-postgraduate-fellowships-in-conservation-of-museum-collections-program/.  As one of the conservation laboratories in which a fellowship is offered, the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) offers postings for treatment and research projects benefiting Smithsonian collections that make use of MCI’s excellent analytical capabilities (http://www.si.edu/mci/).
Contact:

• Mary Ballard, Senior Textiles Conservator, 301-238-1210, ballardm@smsi.edu
• A. Elena Charola, Research Scientist (biodeterioration, stone), 301-238-1213, charolaa@si.edu
• Paula T. 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, 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 J. 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 (research and treatment of modern and contemporary art), 301-238-1231, tsangj@si.edu
• Ed Vicenzi, Research Scientist (microchemistry/microscopy), 301-238-1215, vicenzie@si.edu

Fellows may also be hosted in the conservation laboratories of other Smithsonian museums, with the possibility of additional facilities for analytical work available at MCI. The conservator contacts for these museums are listed below:

• Janice Ellis, National Museum of American History (202-633-3623; ellisjs@si.edu) for books and paper
• Sunae Park Evans, National Museum of American History (202-633-3629; evanssu@si.edu) for costumes
• Malcolm Collum, National Air and Space Museum (703-572-4361; collumm@si.edu) for objects
• Tiarna Doherty, Smithsonian American Art Museum (202-633-5802; dohertyt@si.edu) for colonial to contemporary paintings, paper, objects, and frames
• Catharine Hawks, National Museum of Natural History (202-633-0835; hawksc@si.edu) for natural history objects
• Greta Hansen, National Museum of Natural History (301-238-1306; hanseng@si.edu) for anthropological objects
• Andrew Hare, Freer and Sackler Galleries (202-633-0370; harean@si.edu) for objects, paper, and Asian paintings; and conservation science
• Susan Lake, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (202-633-2731; lakes@si.edu) for modern materials
• Nora Lockshin, Smithsonian Institution Archives (202-633-5913; lockshinn@si.edu) for archives, books, and paper
• Dana Moffett, National Museum of African Art (202-633-4614; moffettd@si.edu) for objects
• Lou Molnar, National Portrait Gallery (202-633-5822; molnarl@si.edu) for paintings and paper
• Beth Richwine, National Museum of American History (202-633-3639; richwineb@si.edu) for objects
• Suzanne Thomassen-Krauss, National Museum of American History (202-633-3347; thomassenkrauss@si.edu) for textiles