Conservation Manager role available at the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences – Powerhouse Museum.
A catalyst for creative expression and curious minds. We are Australia’s contemporary museum for excellence and innovation in applied arts and sciences. We are uniquely placed to demonstrate how technology, engineering, science and design impact Australia and the world.
With a unique collection, iconic venues, and the ability to engage audiences of all ages, we balance the management of our assets and collections with a public responsibility to build knowledge and engagement. We achieve our goals through four strategic ambitions: Curiosity, Creativity, Collaboration, and Sustainability. These ambitions are interdependent; and we value and foster a whole-of-organisation approach to our work.
Strategic Collections is one of three teams reporting to the Director, Curatorial, Collections and Exhibitions and encompasses Registration, Conservation and Library Services.
The Conservation unit is responsible for the continual care and conservation management of the collection according to standards appropriate to Australian conditions and in accordance with legislative obligations, strategies and actions and in line with accepted National Standards. The unit has major responsibility for ensuring the preservation, maintenance, conservation, storage and protection of the collection through the following programmes – preventive conservation; conservation treatment, storing collections, display and use, moving collections, research and outreach. Conservation develops policy outlining the high-level principles and guidelines that the Museum follows to achieve its aim of caring for and protecting its collections at all times.
The Conservation Manager is responsible for ensuring optimal care of and access to the collection by a wide variety of users across our physical sites, off-site and across digital platforms. You will lead and manage all aspects of the Conservation unit including collection management, developing MAAS conservation policies and standards in accordance with international best practice, improving work practices, and strategic policy and procedure development.
Closes on August 11, 2014.
View full job advertisement and to apply by clicking HERE
The Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences welcomes applications from Indigenous Australians, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with a disability.  If you have individual requirements that need to be accommodated in order to participate in the selection process and join the Museum, please indicate this in your application.

Collections Manager / Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas

General Description:
The Collections Manager works closely with the AAOA Conservator and the Administrator to oversee and handle all activities in the galleries and storerooms, in addition to planning, managing and scheduling the work of the department technician.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Organize and manage movement of objects within and in between galleries, storerooms and other museum departments
• Organize and undertake a regular and ongoing schedule for gallery maintenance and cleaning of art objects on open display and in closed cases.
• Monitor the climate of the galleries/storerooms and work with conservators/scientists/engineers to maintain optimum conditions
• Coordinate with conservators for the care for objects in the storerooms and conduct regular condition checks of all work on display in the galleries
• Organize, and supervise the maintenance of mounts, bases, and other installation equipment, in addition to occasionally manufacturing simple mounts
• Coordinate with curators, conservators and special events personnel in the safeguarding of art    during departmental or museum special events in the AAOA galleries
• Coordinate with curators and conservators to provide access to the collection for scholarly study purposes
• Supervise the technician in the ongoing task of gallery cleanliness and maintenance, and during exhibition and gallery installations
• Oversee a regular inventory check of AAOA’s holdings with Registrar and Director’s Office.
• Coordinate with the Departmental Administrator in the supervision of the collections management assistant’s work maintaining and updating departmental  records in the TMS database, conducting ongoing inventory and maintaining gallery labels.
• Prepare MMA loan documents and coordinate with curators, registrars, conservators and administration to identify special requirements for travel and  handling
• Maintain the storage and inventory of installation-, collection’s emergency-, and cleaning materials for the department
• Coordinates with the departmental administrator the maintenance of departmental files for all permanent and temporary exhibitions, collection care, education, photography, and loans
• Other related duties

Requirements and Qualifications:
Experience and Skills:

• Excellent organizational, management, and communication skills
• Ability to prioritize  and multitask
• Formal or on-the-job training and experience in  handling, storing and moving 3-dimensional works of art
• Ability to create supports and containers for 3-dimensional works of art for loan, storage and display
• Knowledge of agents of deterioration and the museum environment
• Excellent computer skills, including TMS

Knowledge and Education:

• B.A. degree  required; M.A. degree preferred (specialization in museum studies/collection care)

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.

Summary:

The Conservator of rare and general collections at the Peter H. Raven Library will be responsible for the care and conservation of collections material, preventive conservation, public engagement and outreach, coordination of volunteers and interns, and connecting to the conservation and cultural heritage fields.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Conservator will be responsible for performing item-level conservation treatment on rare and general collections materials. The Conservator must have knowledge of materials science and deterioration mechanisms and be able to recognize various types of damage and their causes. Treatments will include such techniques as mending, washing, deacidifying, board reattachment, attachment removal, encapsulation, rebinding, and others. Many treatment situations will require the modification of “standard” techniques, or the development of new solutions. Therefore, the Conservator must possess strong problem solving skills, as well as a firm knowledge of materials and potential treatment options. The goal of all treatment work will be to return the object to a stable and usable condition while minimizing interference with and damage to original information.

Conservation treatments must be performed according to current best practice standards as understood by the Conservator and the field of library and archives conservation. All treatment work must be done in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). All treatments must be thoroughly documented through digital photography and detailed reports, as in accordance with the Guidelines for Practice as stated by the AIC.

Preventive Conservation:

The Conservator will assist with the design, establishment, and maintenance of various collections care and preventive conservation activities in cooperation with relevant staff and departments. These activities will include, but will not be limited to:

Integrated Pest Management: The careful monitoring of pest levels and swift intervention should an issue arise is essential to the prevention of damage caused by insects, mice, and other pests. The Conservator will be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of glue traps and general pest management activities throughout collections storage areas. The Conservator will also be responsible for the inspection of new acquisitions for signs of pest activity. If signs of pest problems are identified, the Conservator will perform appropriate intervention.

Disaster Plan: Disasters such as floods, fires, weather events, etc. should be anticipated, and a comprehensive and effective plan of action will help to prevent unnecessary damage to collections material should such events arise. The Conservator will work with the Director and other staff members to develop a disaster plan for the Library. The Conservator will also be responsible for the establishment, coordination, and training of a disaster response team, which will provide a previously determined list of people who will respond in the case of an emergency. The disaster plan will focus on the protection of collections material in the event of a disaster, but will stress that the primary concern in all such events is the safety of the staff, patrons, and other people involved, and will include parameters to ensure that safety.

Environmental Conditions: The Conservator will be responsible for implementing and maintaining a program to monitor temperature and relative humidity levels in collections storage areas.

Exhibition and Loan: The Conservator will be responsible for preparing materials for exhibition or loan. If necessary, the Conservator will be responsible for supervision during the installation and deinstallation of exhibits.

Grant Writing

The Conservator will be responsible for working with the Library Curator and other staff to identify future projects and to write proposals for grants that will provide funds necessary to complete those projects. The Conservator will also be responsible for monitoring grant opportunities and applying for any that are appropriate for the Library’s work.

Public Engagement and Outreach:

As one of the few institutions in the St. Louis metro area with a conservation facility, the Peter H. Raven Library at the Missouri Botanical Garden will be instrumental in the efforts to inform the public of the nature and importance of the conservation of cultural heritage. The Conservator may be required to engage in public outreach through lab tours, public demonstrations, media presentations (television, radio, newspapers, etc.), or the creation of didactic or exhibition material that demonstrates conservation techniques and philosophies.

Coordination of Volunteers and Interns:

Volunteers: The Peter H. Raven Library has relied on a group of dedicated volunteers who perform basic preservation activities for many years. The Conservator will work to coordinate, train, and supervise volunteers in the performance of basic preservation techniques such as the creation of basic housings, simple repairs, and other tasks.

Interns: The Library Conservator will assist in the education of emerging conservation professionals through the development of an internship program. Interns will work with the Conservator to perform various conservation techniques according to their skill and experience level. The development of an internship program at the Peter H. Raven Library will benefit the Library by providing connections to the rest of the conservation community and bringing in talented emerging professionals whose work will benefit the collection.

Connecting to the Field:

The Library Conservator must stay current with developing techniques and philosophies in the field to ensure that they will be able to perform treatments in accordance with current best practice. The Conservator will be expected to be an active member in the conservation community through participation in professional organizations and meetings in order to maintain a professional network.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years’ directly related experience working in a book conservation laboratory or private practice under the direction of a professional conservator.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals, techniques, and history of book-binding, paper treatment, and conservation. A portfolio of successful relevant work and documentation examples is required.
• Knowledge of a wide range of conservation treatments and experience working with a variety of binding materials including fragile and rare and/or high value books and other special collections materials.
• Demonstrated experience working  in exhibition preparation of book materials.
• Excellent manual dexterity and sustained concentration with delicate and occasionally repetitive tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and adapt to change, to analyze and solve problems, to be flexible and work well collaboratively and collegially in a small, but dynamic organizational setting, as well as independently.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to establish priorities and achieve goals.
• Experience working collaboratively in a research library and/or archives.
• Demonstrated ability to create various reports and write business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Exceptional ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions.
• Scheduling flexibility that allows working some evenings and weekends may be required.
• Occasional travel required (local and domestic).
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree including significant coursework in related fields such as history, art history, library science, museum studies, chemistry, materials science, and/or studio art is required.

Physical Demands: 

• Physical ability to undertake collection care duties such as  moving books and materials weighing up to 40 lbs., operating lab machinery and working in sometimes dusty and moldy environments.
• Ability to stand and move about entire facility for extended periods of time; frequent standing, reaching and bending – 50% or more of the workday, at times, may be spent standing on feet.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).
• Must be able to work both indoors and out.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb step stools, ladders, etc.).
• Principally operates standard office equipment to include computers, copiers, files, fax machines.

Work Environment: 

• Indoor office setting, shared by multiple staff; noise level is usually moderate.
• Some travel to off-site meetings is required.
• At times, required to work in dusty and moldy environments.

Senior Conservator-Textiles (DCA #061746)
MNM-Conservation, unit of Museum Resources Division
725 Camino Lejo
Santa Fe, NM
87501
The MNM-Conservation unit invites applicants for our position of Senior Textile Conservator.  You will join a seven member mixed specialty conservation unit in a full time permanent position.  MNM-Conservation is a centralized function, part of the larger Museum Resources Division.  We have two conservation laboratories in Santa Fe, a centralized office and digitization area, and a scientific analysis unit attached to the larger and older laboratory on Museum Hill.
The conservation unit dates from the mid-70’s and now cares for the collections and exhibit needs of:

• The Palace of the Governors (oldest continuously occupied building in the continental U.S.)/the New Mexico History Museum
• The New Mexico Museum of Art
• The New Mexico Museum of Indian Art and Culture/Laboratory of Anthropology
• The International Folk Art Museum
• The Office of Archaeological Studies
• The New Mexico Historic Sites (6 open, 2 nascent)
• The International Textile Center (now in planning and development stage)

The Senior Textile Conservator will be responsible for the treatment of a wide variety of textile, costume and related materials. In addition to treatment, this position will work with collection managers, staff and volunteers throughout the Museum of New Mexico System to preserve the collections of the State of New Mexico.  The candidate must have excellent manual skills, the ability to operate a vehicle, possess a good knowledge of conservation theory and the standards of professional practice.  A self starter is required but the ability to work within a team is also needed.
Salary is commensurate with experience and training and is evaluated within the New Mexico State Personnel guidelines.  This is a permanent state position with full benefits.  The salary range is from $13.44 through $23.90 per hour, $27,955 to $49,712 plus benefits.
The applicant should have a comprehensive portfolio of completed projects and be prepared to present it during the interview process.  A presentation before the MNM-Conservation unit staff will be required.
The URL for the State of New Mexico Personnel Office job applicants site is:
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/newmexico/default.cfm
If you have questions or wish more information please contact me.
Mark MacKenzie, Chief Conservator
Director of Museums of New Mexico – Conservation,
Museum Resources Division,
725 Camino Lejo
Santa Fe, NM 87505
E-Mail:  mark.mackenzie@state.nm.us

Position at Yale Center For British Art
Faic Kress Fellow in Painting Conservation
The posting:
The Yale Center for British Art holds more than 1,800 paintings. Together with its collections of more than 50,000 works of art on paper and 35,000 rare books, the Center
forms the largest collection of British art outside the United Kingdom and offers a superb opportunity to study the history of British painting at a major university. The Center
engages in interdisciplinary projects involving many departments at Yale, and the Fellow will have opportunities to work with museum curators and conservators as well as students
and faculty across the university.
General Purpose: The Yale Center for British Art is offering a Postgraduate Research Associateship* in painting conservation to fill an opening sponsored by the FIAC Kress Conservation Fellowship program. The term of the associateship will be one year. The successful candidate will join the painting conservation studio to study the Center’s six paintings by Antonio Giovanni Canal, also known as Canaletto, painted during the artist’s ten-year practice in London. The aims of the project will be to compare what is known of Canaletto’s continental practice with that of his London period, and to treat three of the paintings in advance of a gallery reinstallation in 2016. The Fellow will be encouraged to expand and refine conservation skills through active treatments supervised by department staff, to participate in the intellectual life of the Center, to develop a thorough technical study, and to present findings to appropriate audiences within the Center, Yale University, and the broader museum profession.  *For purposes of this application we must call this position a Postgraduate Research Associate to ensure benefits that “fellows” at Yale University do not normally receive.
Position will include: stipend of $27,000 per year, travel allowance, Yale University health and vacation benefits (12 vacation days; 9 sick days; 8 paid holidays; and comprehensive health care).
Fellowship applications should be sent to:
 
Mark Aronson
Conservation Department
Yale Center for British Art
P.O. Box 208280
New Haven, CT 06520-8280
Informal questions can be directed to Mark Aronson, Chief Conservator (mark.aronson@yale.edu) or (203) 432-2805.
Qualifications:

• Candidates must hold a master’s degree in conservation awarded from a U.S. or Canadian conservation program or be a U.S. or Canadian citizen who is graduating or has graduated within the past three years from a conservation program abroad.
• Candidates must have the ability to undertake research and the highest quality conservation treatments.

Application: Written applications should include: cover letter describing the candidate’s professional interest in the position; curriculum vitae; record of master’s degree in conservation; transcript of graduate course of study (unofficial copy is acceptable); names of three references, with full contact information; and three confidential letters of reference sent under separate cover. Application deadline: 8/1/2014. The starting date is slightly flexible, sometime in the fall of 2014.
 
All candidates applying for positions at Yale University will be subject to pre-employment screening.  All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.  Yale University is an equal opportunity employer.

Midwest Art Conservation Center (MACC)
Paintings or Senior Paintings Conservator
The Midwest Art Conservation Center is seeking an experienced paintings conservator upon the retirement of one of our Senior Paintings Conservators. This is a full-time position with occasional travel. Applicants must have an advanced degree in art conservation with a specialization in paintings conservation or comparable training. A minimum of ten years post graduate experience is preferred. The position calls for treatments on paintings from all periods, including contemporary works and murals. The position title and responsibilities will be commensurate with experience. MACC provides excellent salaries along with outstanding benefits including medical, dental, 403b contributions, vacations, AIC membership, and professional development.
MACC is an independent, nonprofit, regional center providing comprehensive conservation services in Paintings, Objects, Paper and Textiles. The staff is collaborative, very collegial and works innovatively with the curatorial and collection professionals of hundreds of Midwest institutions including the largest art museums, historical societies, universities, libraries and archives, as well as small and mid-sized institutions with unique and varied collections. MACC laboratories are located within the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
Please send your confidential curriculum vitae and references by August 15, 2014 to:
 
Colin D. Turner
Executive Director
Midwest Art Conservation Center
2400 – 3^rd Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
cturner@preserveart.org
612-870-3148

Qatar National Library is recruiting a Senior Conservation Librarian  to be based in Doha, Qatar. For more details about Qatar National Library, feel free to visit http://www.qnl.qa/
To apply for this position, please send your CV to Sandra Montesinos smontesinos@qf.org.qa
Job Purpose:
This senior position will be responsible for a program of conservation and preservation of a wide variety of heritage materials, including books, manuscripts, maps, prints, drawings, photographic materials, and other library/archive materials.  Develops standards, policies, procedures, and selection of materials used in the repair and conservation of both rare and non-rare library materials. The position will plan, document, and perform complex conservation and preservation treatments on materials held in the library’s rare and special collections.  Regularly scheduled evening and weekend work may be required
Responsibilities:

• Develops standards, policies, procedures, and selection of materials used in the repair and conservation of both rare and non-rare library materials.  Researches specifications and sources of conservation materials or equipment.
• Plans, documents, and performs complex conservation and preservation treatments on materials held in the library’s rare and special collections, principally bound volumes on paper with additional expertise in related areas such as maps, prints, drawings, and manuscripts on paper, photographic materials, documents on vellum or papyrus, or other library/archive materials.
• Examines and executes analytical tests on collection materials and helps inform curatorial staff and researchers on their physical makeup or technology of production.
• Documents examinations and treatments in writing and by photography.
• Contributes to the maintenance of the conservation unit and lab: prepares materials used for conservation; monitors supply needs; maintains specialized equipment; maintains security for valuable library materials; understands, follows, and enforces safe laboratory practices.
• Trains, supervises, or coordinates the work of others such as conservation technicians, student assistants, interns, or staff from other units as needed either on a project basis or permanent staff.
• Advises library staff on the condition of collections, collection storage, handling, and exhibition; performs on-site inspections, recommends appropriate action, and assists with its implementation.
• Conducts condition surveys of collections.
• Designs and executes special conservation projects including grant-funded projects, conservation aspects of exhibits or digitization, and loan preparations.
• May assume responsibility for managing project budgets.
• Assists in providing disaster recovery services for library materials; may assume primary responsibility for disaster recovery operations.
• Contributes to the conservation field in areas of specialization through service, research, writing, outreach, presentations, and/or teaching.
• Serve on designated committees throughout the library.
• Keep abreast of developments, trends and issues in all areas of responsibilities.
• Familiarize, understand and implement QF health, safety, and environment policy, procedures, legal regulations and objectives applicable to areas of responsibility. Ensures coordination with HSE department in implementing, monitoring and reviewing of HSE performance to ensure work under his/her control is performed in a safe, healthy and environmentally sound manner.
• This position includes, but is not limited to, other duties as required and defined by the scope, purpose, and spirit of the institution and are not always indicative of the title and grade of the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science accredited by the American Library Association or foreign equivalent.  A second master’s degree in conservation, or equivalent advanced degree and experience is required.
• 3 years of progressively responsible experience in Conservation and Preservation activities.
• Extensive experience and an advanced knowledge of the materials science and chemistry of paper and other writing materials; the history of binding, printing, and manuscripts; and current conservation theory and practice.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills in both oral and written English. Arabic language skills will be an asset.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.m.

Missouri Botanical Garden Job Vacancy Announcement

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Applications remain current for 90 days. Reapplication required thereafter. All resumes and applications are reviewed by a Human Resource Management Division representative before interviews are scheduled. If accommodation assistance is needed for completion of the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact any member of the Human Resource Management Division.

EMPLOYEE REFERRAL PROGRAM – DON’T DELAY, REFER TODAY!

SALARIED:

Job # N033
Library Conservator      Apply Now!
Classification:  Full time, Regular
Dept/Div:  Library
Application Deadline:  June 26, 2014

Summary:
The Conservator of rare and general collections at the Peter H. Raven Library will be responsible for the care and conservation of collections material, preventive conservation, public engagement and outreach, coordination of volunteers and interns, and connecting to the conservation and cultural heritage fields.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Conservator will be responsible for performing item-level conservation treatment on rare and general collections materials. The Conservator must have knowledge of materials science and deterioration mechanisms and be able to recognize various types of damage and their causes. Treatments will include such techniques as mending, washing, deacidifying, board reattachment, attachment removal, encapsulation, rebinding, and others. Many treatment situations will require the modification of “standard” techniques, or the development of new solutions. Therefore, the Conservator must possess strong problem solving skills, as well as a firm knowledge of materials and potential treatment options. The goal of all treatment work will be to return the object to a stable and usable condition while minimizing interference with and damage to original information.
Conservation treatments must be performed according to current best practice standards as understood by the Conservator and the field of library and archives conservation. All treatment work must be done in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). All treatments must be thoroughly documented through digital photography and detailed reports, as in accordance with the Guidelines for Practice as stated by the AIC.
Preventive Conservation:
The Conservator will assist with the design, establishment, and maintenance of various collections care and preventive conservation activities in cooperation with relevant staff and departments. These activities will include, but will not be limited to:
Integrated Pest Management: The careful monitoring of pest levels and swift intervention should an issue arise is essential to the prevention of damage caused by insects, mice, and other pests. The Conservator will be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of glue traps and general pest management activities throughout collections storage areas. The Conservator will also be responsible for the inspection of new acquisitions for signs of pest activity. If signs of pest problems are identified, the Conservator will perform appropriate intervention.
Disaster Plan: Disasters such as floods, fires, weather events, etc. should be anticipated, and a comprehensive and effective plan of action will help to prevent unnecessary damage to collections material should such events arise. The Conservator will work with the Director and other staff members to develop a disaster plan for the Library. The Conservator will also be responsible for the establishment, coordination, and training of a disaster response team, which will provide a previously determined list of people who will respond in the case of an emergency. The disaster plan will focus on the protection of collections material in the event of a disaster, but will stress that the primary concern in all such events is the safety of the staff, patrons, and other people involved, and will include parameters to ensure that safety.
Environmental Conditions: The Conservator will be responsible for implementing and maintaining a program to monitor temperature and relative humidity levels in collections storage areas.
Exhibition and Loan: The Conservator will be responsible for preparing materials for exhibition or loan. If necessary, the Conservator will be responsible for supervision during the installation and deinstallation of exhibits.
Grant Writing
The Conservator will be responsible for working with the Library Curator and other staff to identify future projects and to write proposals for grants that will provide funds necessary to complete those projects. The Conservator will also be responsible for monitoring grant opportunities and applying for any that are appropriate for the Library’s work.
Public Engagement and Outreach:
As one of the few institutions in the St. Louis metro area with a conservation facility, the Peter H. Raven Library at the Missouri Botanical Garden will be instrumental in the efforts to inform the public of the nature and importance of the conservation of cultural heritage. The Conservator may be required to engage in public outreach through lab tours, public demonstrations, media presentations (television, radio, newspapers, etc.), or the creation of didactic or exhibition material that demonstrates conservation techniques and philosophies.
Coordination of Volunteers and Interns:
Volunteers: The Peter H. Raven Library has relied on a group of dedicated volunteers who perform basic preservation activities for many years. The Conservator will work to coordinate, train, and supervise volunteers in the performance of basic preservation techniques such as the creation of basic housings, simple repairs, and other tasks.
Interns: The Library Conservator will assist in the education of emerging conservation professionals through the development of an internship program. Interns will work with the Conservator to perform various conservation techniques according to their skill and experience level. The development of an internship program at the Peter H. Raven Library will benefit the Library by providing connections to the rest of the conservation community and bringing in talented emerging professionals whose work will benefit the collection.
Connecting to the Field:
The Library Conservator must stay current with developing techniques and philosophies in the field to ensure that they will be able to perform treatments in accordance with current best practice. The Conservator will be expected to be an active member in the conservation community through participation in professional organizations and meetings in order to maintain a professional network.

Qualifications/Experience:
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years’ directly related experience working in a book conservation laboratory or private practice under the direction of a professional conservator.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals, techniques, and history of book-binding, paper treatment, and conservation. A portfolio of successful relevant work and documentation examples is required.
• Knowledge of a wide range of conservation treatments and experience working with a variety of binding materials including fragile and rare and/or high value books and other special collections materials.
• Demonstrated experience working in exhibition preparation of book materials.
• Excellent manual dexterity and sustained concentration with delicate and occasionally repetitive tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and adapt to change, to analyze and solve problems, to be flexible and work well collaboratively and collegially in a small, but dynamic organizational setting, as well as independently.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to establish priorities and achieve goals.
• Experience working collaboratively in a research library and/or archives.
• Demonstrated ability to create various reports and write business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Exceptional ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions.
• Scheduling flexibility that allows working some evenings and weekends may be required.
• Occasional travel required (local and domestic).
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree including significant coursework in related fields such as history, art history, library science, museum studies, chemistry, materials science, and/or studio art is required.
• Extensive education in the physical and chemical nature of books and paper, as evidenced by (i) a preferred graduate degree in conservation, or (ii) the completion of a conservation apprenticeship with an established conservator, or (iii) other verifiable certification of advanced training and education.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.
Computer Skills:
• General computer skills for basic work functions, including communication, documentation etc. is expected.
• Requires a strong background in computer applications with experience in database management including Microsoft Office products.
• Solid Internet research skills required.
Language Skills:
Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).
Mathematical Skills:
Proficient H.S. math aptitude – Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, etc.
Reasoning Ability:
Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.
Physical Demands:
• Physical ability to undertake collection care duties such as moving books and materials weighing up to 40 lbs., operating lab machinery and working in sometimes dusty and moldy environments.
• Ability to stand and move about entire facility for extended periods of time; frequent standing, reaching and bending – 50% or more of the workday, at times, may be spent standing on feet.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).
• Must be able to work both indoors and out.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb step stools, ladders, etc.).
• Principally operates standard office equipment to include computers, copiers, files, fax machines.
Work Environment:
• Indoor office setting, shared by multiple staff; noise level is usually moderate.
• Some travel to off-site meetings is required.
• At times, required to work in dusty and moldy environments.
The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

The Conservation Center in Chicago is soliciting applicants to join the company’s Paintings Department as a Senior Paintings Conservator. The ideal candidate must have the following: demonstrated working knowledge of materials, techniques, and ethics of painting conservation; extremely fine manual skills; the ability to carry out treatments of minor to major complexity; using sound judgment; the ability to meet scheduled deadlines; and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and clients as a positive and productive team member.
QUALIFICATIONS:
An advanced degree in art conservation with a specialization in painting conservation preferred, or an advanced degree with comparable training and a minimum of three years post graduate experience.
Examination and treatment related to the comprehensive range of paintings that The Conservation Center treat on a regular basis, ranging from early European to Contemporary.
Thorough understanding of conservation theory and practice.
Ability to provide written condition reports, treatment recommendations, and post-treatment reports a plus.
Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues
Strong communication skills.
Ability to adhere to deadlines.
Ability to multitask.
Ability to collaborate with and manage fellow department staff members to execute successful treatments.
Ability to perform the physical labor as required for specific treatments.
Ability to work in triage based situations.
Responsible for seeing projects through from start to completion.
Previous experience in private practice strongly preferred.
The position involves occasional travel.
Art handling, packing, and installation experience a plus.
This is a full-time salaried position. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience – benefits include medical insurance, vacation pay and a 401(k) retirement program. The Conservation Center is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates are encouraged to contact heather.b@theconservationcenter.com. Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary history, and three professional references which illustrate qualifications.
www.theconservationcenter.com

The Hesburgh Libraries, University of Notre Dame, welcomes applications for a ten-month Advanced Conservation Fellowship, to begin September 2014. The Fellowship is an opportunity for an emerging conservation professional to build and apply the skills, experience, and confidence necessary to address conservation needs in a research library context. Working with the Libraries’ conservator and other library staff, the Fellow will address conservation treatment needs of the Libraries’ rare books and special collections (http://rarebooks.nd.edu). The Fellow will perform treatment, including examination, decision-making and documentation; will gain experience interacting with curators on treatment selection and prioritization; and will engage in other activities suitable to the individual’s skills and learning objectives. The Fellow is encouraged to pursue research and may dedicate up to 20% of work time to research and other contributions to the profession.
The ten-month Fellowship is supported by a stipend of $36,500. Additional benefits include health insurance, paid holiday and vacation leave, and $1,500 support for conference participation and/or research. The Fellowship is generously supported by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, administered by the Foundation of the American Institute of Conservation.
The Fellowship is limited to graduates of graduate conservation programs in the U.S. and Canada, or to U.S. citizens graduating from graduate-level conservation programs abroad. Qualifications include a strong knowledge of the history, manufacture, and chemistry of books and paper; understanding of conservation ethics and preservation theory; excellent hand skills and attention to detail; demonstrated written and oral communication skills; effective interpersonal and team collaboration skills; and the ability to manage time effectively.
To apply, please include a letter, curriculum vitae, and the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of three references. Please submit all application documents electronically to Michelle Savoie, Senior Personnel Operations Coordinator: michelle.savoie@nd.edu. Review of applications will begin July 1, 2014 and will continue until the position is filled.
The University of Notre Dame (http://www.nd.edu) is a highly selective international Catholic research university located in northern Indiana about 90 miles from Chicago. The University of Notre Dame is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer strongly committed to diversity in its staff, faculty, and student body. As such, we strongly encourage applications from members of minority groups, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and others who will enhance our community (http://diversity.nd.edu/). The University supports the needs of dual career couples through a Dual Career Assistance Program (http://hr.nd.edu/employment-opportunities/dualcareer/). For additional information about working at the University of Notre Dame visit http://hr.nd.edu/why-nd.