Objects Conservator, The Menil Collection

The Menil Collection is seeking an objects conservator to undertake treatments and research related to the preservation of the objects in the museum’s care. The objects conservator will participate in museum-wide preservation activities including gallery monitoring and maintenance; oversee artwork approved for loan, including assessment, treatment, condition reports, and related travel; conduct research on the materials and techniques of artists represented in the collection; supervise departmental volunteers and interns; and assist in the organization, maintenance, and purchase of lab equipment.
A master’s degree from a recognized art conservation program with a specialization in objects is required, along with substantial practical experience and the ability to undertake innovative treatments. Demonstrated experience in the treatment of modern and contemporary art is preferable. The successful candidate will have excellent verbal and writing skills. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and the ability to plan and schedule independent work are essential. The objects conservator will report to the chief conservator.
Considered one of the most important privately assembled collections of the twentieth century, The Menil Collection houses approximately seventeen thousand paintings, sculptures, and prints, drawings, photographs, and rare books. Masterpieces from antiquity, Byzantium and the medieval period, the cultures of Africa, Oceania, and the American Pacific Northwest, and the twentieth century, including significant surrealist holdings, are particularly well represented.
Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience. Please send a curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references, and a letter of intent to: Human Resources, The Menil Collection, 1511 Branard Street, Houston, Texas 77006. Application materials may also be emailed to smmaloch@menil.org.

DIRECTOR AND UNIVERSITY ARCHIVIST – Digital Collections and Archives

The application deadline for this position is February 28, 2014.
The Digital Collections and Archives (DCA) supports the teaching and research mission of Tufts University by ensuring the enduring preservation and accessibility of the university’s permanently valuable records and collections. The DCA assists departments, faculty, and staff in managing records and other assets by providing information management consultation, advice, and stewardship. The DCA collaborates with members of the Tufts community and others to develop tools to discover and access collections to support teaching, research, and administrative needs, in addition to providing reference and instruction services.
The Director and University Archivist oversees all of DCA’s staff, collections, and services and has primary responsibility for strategic direction, planning, budget management, fundraising, collection development, developing grant proposals and managing grant-funded projects. The Director leads a highly-integrated staff team and has responsibility for the department’s day-to-day operations as well as setting strategic direction for the department in support of the university’s strategic goals. The Director represents DCA internally and externally, to donors, community members, and within the profession. Participates in university-wide policy development and implementation particularly focused on institutional data management.
Basic Requirements:

  • MLS from an ALA-accredited program and 10 years of related experience OR Bachelor’s Degree and 15 years of related experience.
  • Strong proficiency in office applications.
  • Proven experience leading and mentoring diverse, dedicated, professional staff. Success in developing and managing grant projects. Experience negotiating with donors in complex political and emotional contexts. Knowledge of intellectual property issues and related laws. High proficiency in problem-solving leadership skills, particularly prioritizing competing demands. Experience managing budgets. Experience presenting formally and informally before diverse audiences, including to students, faculty, administrators, and donors and at professional conferences and events. Strong record of engagement in the archival profession.
  • An employee in this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the time of hire, promotion, or transfer.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in related field.

Tufts University is an AA/EO employer and actively seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Apply Here: http://www.Click2apply.net/82wyfnz

Archivist, Jane Kessler Memorial Archives, Penland School of Crafts

Position Summary
The Jane Kessler Memorial Archives collects and manages inactive records of enduring value that relate to the history of Penland School of Crafts. The records document the evolution of the institution, its programs and activities as well as key contributions of artists, trustees and personnel who have shaped the institution. Carefully selected artifacts directly related to the school’s programs are also collected. Housed within the archives are photographs, correspondence, account books, trustee minutes, news clippings, publications, oral histories, architectural drawings, objects and ephemera representing Penland School of Crafts’ history from its inception in the 1920s to the present.
The archivist is responsible for the evolution, oversight and management of the Jane Kessler Memorial Archives.  The position is part-time, 24 hours/week, year-round, non-benefits eligible and reports to the Executive Director.
Information in the archives to date tells the early history of the Appalachian School, the founding of the Penland Weavers and Potters in 1923, the events leading up to the 1938 incorporation of the Penland School of Handicrafts (as it was then called), and the accomplishments of the school under the leadership of its directors Lucy Morgan, Bill Brown, Verne Stanford, Hunter Kariher, Ken Botnick and Jean McLaughlin.
Responsibilities
Policies and Procedures

  • Works within Penland’s approval processes to establish and update collections policies using best practices of the Society of American Archivists.
  • Works within the parameters of the school’s collections policies to develop and manage the collections.
  • Creates and maintains an emergency preparedness and recovery plan for the archives.
  • Creates and manages an archives access and use plan, duplication and photography request forms, and a publications permission policy.
  • Develops a retention and destruction policy for the school’s social media platforms in coordination with the communications manager; integrates the archives policy with the school’s overall retention and destruction policy.
  • Develops procedures for transfer and storage of historically significant electronic records; works with the IT manager and deputy director to insure smooth systems access and involvement of key staff.
  • Follows the board-approved gift acceptance policy; brings it to appropriate board committees for periodic review.
  • Keeps the staff and trustees informed of policies and procedures.
  • Communicates the policies and procedures to interested parties as needed.

Accession and record management

  • Handles requests and processes the acquisition of materials to the archives through gifts from individuals, transfers from Penland offices, or purchase.
  • Manages the records/personal papers of key institutional leaders (executive directors, trustee chairs, program directors, long-time affiliated artists, etc.)
  • Identifies out-of-scope materials and handles the de-accessioning of material as needed; thoroughly documenting the process and following all established procedures.
  • Catalogues all materials accepted into the archives; arranges, describes, and stores all materials.
  • Keeps the staff and trustees informed of acquisitions.

Reference

  • Serves as the point of reference as appropriate for questions or needs from the staff, students, instructors, and the general public.
  • Provides reference checks for presentations and published works related to the school’s history.
  • Assists with historical information in support of grant writing and fundraising as requested.

Promotion of school history

  • Serves as school historian when questions arise related to the school’s history.
  • Promotes the history of Penland through archives open houses, exhibits, presentations, and written materials.
  • Works with the Penland communications office to provide a portal to Penland’s history and collections through the website.
  • Represents the institution at professional meetings.

Budgeting/Ordering/Accounting

  • Proposes annual operating and capital budgets for the archives.
  • Follows established procedures for requesting purchase authorizations, placing orders for materials, supplies, equipment for the archives and for submitting invoices and bills as soon as possible. Insures that all orders are placed, received, and accounted for properly.
  • Monitors the archives budget throughout the year.
  • Works with the Executive Director when adjustments to the budget are necessary.

Other Duties as Assigned
Qualifications

  • MA in archival administration or library science with a concentration in archival management is preferred.BA in history, American studies, or related field, with specific training and experience in archival administration is required.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills, the ability to manage a varied workload, a high level of concentration and attention to detail, good people skills, and the ability to plan and manage a budget.
  • Must work well independently as well as part of a team.
  • Knowledge of computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheet and database management, and electronic cataloging.
  • Basic knowledge in the care and storage of two and three dimensional objects.
  • Knowledge and experience in the digital conversion of legacy photographic processes is a plus.

Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and to work at a computer. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or touch objects, tools or controls and to talk fluently and to hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, to walk, and to bend. The employee must regularly lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds or more. Specific vision required by this job includes close vision.

Compensation

Annual compensation is discussed during the interview process. The part-time position is non-exempt and eligible for vacation, holiday and sick time benefits.
To Apply
The position will remain open until filled, however the initial review of applications will consist of applications received by March 1, 2014. Send resume and cover letter addressing relevant experience and interest in the position and contact information for at least 3 references to Sally Loftis, Human Resources Manager, Penland School of Crafts, PO Box 37, Penland, NC 28765 or sallyloftis@penland.org.
Penland School of Crafts is a national center for craft education offering residential workshops, residencies, community education programs, and exhibitions. Located on 420 acres in the NC Mountains, Penland has 15 teaching studios and 57 historic and contemporary buildings. Penland School of Crafts is an equal opportunity employer with a staff of 65. Penland operates with a $15 million endowment and an annual operating budget of $5.5 million. Penland School of Crafts is an equal opportunity employer.
 

Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship in Paper Conservation, The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is offering an advanced training fellowship in paper conservation beginning in the fall of 2014. The Fellowship will be for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second and third year.
The Fellow will be involved in a wide range of conservation activities including examination and treatment of works on paper scheduled for loan, acquisition and exhibition. The diversity of the Print and Drawing collections ranging from the 15th through 21st century provide a rich resource for conservation education. The Fellow will also participate in all daily activities of the conservation department including environmental monitoring, condition checks for incoming and outgoing objects and preventative maintenance of the collection. The successful candidate will be encouraged to focus on a research project that should culminate in a published paper or professional presentation.
Candidates must have a Master’s degree in art conservation and at least one year of practical experience beyond graduation, or equivalent experience. The Fellow will receive an annual salary with an additional allowance for travel and research, plus benefits including health, dental and vacation leave.
For consideration, please go to <https://hrweb.artic.edu/recruit/applyjob.html> Job ID: 8000, and submit a cover letter summarizing your interest, resume and three professional references. Please combine the cover letter, resume and references into one document. Upload this file within the online application.
 

Full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor in Conservation Science at the University of Delaware

The Department of Art Conservation at the University of Delaware invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor in conservation science. In addition to pursuing an ambitious research agenda, the appointee will be expected to enhance the department’s course offerings in instrumental analysis and general science teaching and play an active role in advising undergraduate and graduate students on scientific research projects. The successful candidate will join a department of five full-time UD faculty members with extensive records of scholarship and public outreach in addition to 15 teaching conservators and scientists at Winterthur Museum. This position is crucial to advancing the Department’s and College’s long-term commitment to excellence for education and training of undergraduates, Master’s-level, and doctoral students in conservation and preservation.
Founded in 1743, the University of Delaware is one of the nation’s oldest institutions of higher education and combines tradition and innovation. Our long-standing partnership with the Winterthur Museum allows for unparalleled opportunities for our faculty and students.  Also, the Winterthur Program in American Material Culture and the University of Delaware’s Center for Material Culture Studies and Department of Art History similarly enhance the opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching and research.
The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, materials engineering, or a closely allied discipline. Candidates with a Ph.D. degree in either analytical chemistry or organic chemistry would be especially welcomed, and the successful candidate should ideally possess experience conducting scientific study of cultural materials, teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level, and a demonstrated record of scholarship and publication. Candidates with experience conducting chromatographic studies of cultural materials will be given the strongest consideration, with particular emphasis on the LC and GC methods applied to the study of works of art. Experience teaching theory and applications of chromatography is also highly desired. Other aspects important for consideration include experience teaching science to non-majors and any pre- or postdoctoral experiences related to cultural heritage analysis. Specific consideration will be given to applications where the organic chemistry of ancient, historic or modern material culture has been probed in the candidate’s research. Familiarity with immunoassay methods for identifying organic components of museum collections and MS techniques applied to these same problems including DART, MALDI, or DESI is also desirable.
Please visit our website at www.udel.edu and the Art Conservation department website at http://www.artcons.udel.edu/. The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from minority group members and women.
The appointment will begin on September 1, 2014. The Ph.D. is required. Applicants should visit www.udel.edu/udjobs and read “Applicant Instructions” under the “Resources for Applicants” tab before submitting their applications. Applicants are asked to create and upload a single document that includes a cover letter and a c.v.  Please also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent via e-mail or regular mail to Dr. Joyce Hill Stoner and Dr. Jennifer Mass, Search Committee co-chairs, Winterthur/University of Delaware, c/o Winterthur Museum, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735 (jhstoner@udel.edu and jmass@winterthur.org ). Review of applications will begin upon receipt, with a deadline of February 10, 2014 (will probably be extended at least two weeks).

FULL-TIME SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, TIME-BASED MEDIA COLLECTION, CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART

FULL-TIME SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
TIME-BASED MEDIA COLLECTION
CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART
Carnegie Museum of Art is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Senior Research Associate, Time-Based Media Collection. The Senior Research Associate will be responsible for overseeing a three-year, grant-funded project focused on preserving and providing access to the collection. Duties include: maintaining the database records for time-based media materials, assisting with the accessioning of new acquisitions, arranging for the migration of selected materials to digital formats, developing and implementing grant related programs and activities, providing support for exhibitions and other events at the museum, supervising project interns, and overseeing the archiving of the Film and Video department’s paper and photo archive by the Archival Assistant.
The position requires an advanced understanding of avant-garde film and video history, as well as knowledge of moving-image metadata standards; analog and digital video formats; and standards and practices for film and video preservation and video digitization and display. Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong project management, planning, and organizational capabilities; and the ability to work well with a wide array of staff members and external experts are critical. The candidate should have a master’s degree in moving image archiving, archival studies, or an equivalent combination of academic training and work experience. Experience working with museum collections and experience spearheading moving image access initiatives preferred.
Competitive pay rate.  Excellent benefits package, including medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement plan.
Application materials will only be accepted through the employer’s website.    For more information and to apply, visit http://www.carnegiemuseums.org/hr and click SEARCH JOBS.  EOE

Outdoor Sculpture and/or Architectural Features Conservator

Rosa Lowinger & Associates seeks to hire a conservator that specializes in outdoor sculpture and/ or architectural features to work out of our Miami studio. This position is for an experienced individual who will work on high-end contemporary outdoor sculpture, municipal public art collections, and architectural conservation projects, in particular an upcoming large scale testing project for conservation of a modernist concrete structure.
Preferred candidates will have a graduate level degree in objects or architectural conservation and 3 years of experience.  Spanish language skills are also highly useful.   The position involves travel, field work, and the ability to work with clients, and manage larger projects
This is a full time permanent position with a highly competitive salary, vacation and benefits.
Please send a cover letter and resume to: rlowinger [at] rosalowinger [dot] com
ROSA LOWINGER & ASSOCIATES           
Conservation of Sculpture + Architecture
Miami    •    Los Angeles
305.573.7011      323.377.8425 mobile
www.rlaconservation.com

Outdoor Sculpture and/or Architectural Features Conservator

Rosa Lowinger & Associates seeks to hire a conservator that specializes in outdoor sculpture and/ or architectural features to work out of our Miami studio. This position is for an experienced individual who will work on high-end contemporary outdoor sculpture, municipal public art collections, and architectural conservation projects, in particular an upcoming large scale testing project for conservation of a modernist concrete structure.
Preferred candidates will have a graduate level degree in objects or architectural conservation and 3 years of experience.  Spanish language skills are also highly useful.   The position involves travel, field work, and the ability to work with clients, and manage larger projects
This is a full time permanent position with a highly competitive salary, vacation and benefits.
Please send a cover letter and resume to: rlowinger [at] rosalowinger [dot] com
ROSA LOWINGER & ASSOCIATES           
Conservation of Sculpture + Architecture
Miami    •    Los Angeles
305.573.7011      323.377.8425 mobile
www.rlaconservation.com

AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART CONSERVATOR OF PHOTOGRAPHS

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art seeks applicants for the position of Conservator of Photographs. This position is endowed by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The basic functions of the conservator will be to provide examination, treatment, and research of photographs in the permanent collection and works on loan; establish standards and monitor environment for collection display and storage.  The Conservator will maintain the conservation laboratory including acquisition of equipment and supplies and long range planning for the facility.  Other duties will include conducting research on the permanent collection to contribute to the field of photograph conservation, history, and technology; monitoring cold storage vaults in consultation with facilities and registrar staff; monitoring change in photographs through colorimetric readings before and after exhibition; consulting and collaborating with curators and preparation staff, other conservators (including those on contract to the museum), and regional colleagues; advising museum staff on procedures for safe artwork handling under normal and emergency conditions; responding to public inquiries about conservation; courier duties as needed.
Qualifications:  Advanced degree in art conservation, specializing in the conservation of photographs; minimum five years’ experience  working in a museum conservation facility and working with art museums in preparation and treatment of large numbers of photographs for major exhibitions; experience with current conservation equipment, including analysis using ultraviolet light, infrared light, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, x-radiography, densitometry, colorimetry, spectrophotometry, and examination; knowledge of basic mechanisms and research trends in cold storage; demonstrated ability to recreate historic photographic processes preferred; working knowledge of chemistry and materials science; strong organizational skills; ability to analyze and solve problems and work effectively with others; excellent writing and communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write to specifications, document treatments, and prepare reports; familiarity with Microsoft Office and PC desktop applications.  Background screen required.
Qualifications listed in the full position description on the Jobs tab at
www.cartermuseum.org.  Reports to Deputy Director of Art and Research.
Application deadline is January 7, 2014.  To apply, send letter, resume,
salary history, and references to human.resources@cartermuseum.org or to
HR Manager, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107 or fax  to
(817) 665-4315. EEOC. No walk-ins. The Amon Carter campus is smoke-free.
 
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position:                Conservator of Photographs  
Reports to:            Deputy Director of Art and Research   
Revision Date:      November 13, 2013
Classification:       Salaried/Exempt
_________________________________________________________
Provide examination, treatment, and research of photographs in the permanent collection and works on loan; establish standards and monitor environment for collection display and storage.
Responsibilities

  1. Establish examination and treatment priorities in consultation with curators for the conservation of photograph collections.  Perform detailed examination of photographs to facilitate process identification for cataloguing. Write treatment proposals and reports for major/minor treatments of photographs.
  2. Inspect permanent collection photographs proposed for exhibition, publication, or loan and make recommendations regarding condition and handling.
  3. Inspect photographs on loan and those proposed for acquisition.
  4. Maintain the conservation laboratory including acquisition of equipment and supplies and long range planning for the facility.
  5. Conduct research on the permanent collection to contribute to the field of photograph conservation, history, and technology; represent the museum at national meetings.
  6. Contribute to museum publications and exhibitions and to outside publications.
  7. Identify storage and treatment needs for photograph collections.  Maintain standards for housing and environment.  Monitor cold storage vaults in consultation with facilities and registrar staff.
  8. Monitor change in photographs through colorimetric readings before and after exhibition.
  9. Consult and collaborate with curators, preparation staff and conservators (including those on contract to the museum), and regional colleagues.
  10. Advise museum staff on procedures for safe artwork handling under normal and emergency conditions.
  11. Participate in the planning of emergency response and disaster mitigation for the museum’s collection.
  12. Contribute to the maintenance of vendor files, inventories or supplies and equipment, and selection of the materials for the conservation resource library.
  13. Respond to public inquiries about conservation; provide assistance to external requests as time permits.
  14. Perform courier duties as required.
  15. Supervise Conservation fellows, interns, and visiting conservators; provide functional supervision for Installation and Preparation Services, Collection Management, and Facilities staff.
  16. Maintain confidentiality regarding all proprietary museum information.
  17. Other duties as requested.

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in art conservation, specializing in the conservation of photographs.

Minimum of five years’ experience working in a museum conservation facility and working with art museums in preparation and treatment of large numbers of photographs for major exhibitions.

  • Experience with current conservation equipment, including analysis using ultraviolet light, infrared light, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, x-radiography, densitometry, colorimetry, spectrophotometry, and examination.
  • Knowledge of basic mechanisms and research trends in cold storage.
  • Demonstrated ability to recreate historic photographic processes preferred.
  • Working knowledge of chemistry and materials science.
  • Strong organizational skills; ability to establish priorities and achieve goals.
  • Ability to initiate and adapt to change, analyze and solve problems, able to maintain flexibility and work collaboratively.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write to specifications, document treatments, and prepare reports.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office and PC desktop applications.

 

Willman Spawn Internship in Paper Conservation – American Philosophical Society Library

The Library of the American Philosophical Society (APS) is pleased announce our annual competition for the Willman Spawn Internship in Paper Conservation. The internship begins in September of 2014 and is designed for students currently in graduate school or those who wish to gain experience in the field.
Internship projects will include: conservation treatment of works on paper, environmental monitoring, rehousing of manuscript materials, and review of loan requests. Special interests or specific goals of the intern are encouraged as part of the learning experience.
A $7,000.00 stipend is provided to assist with travel and research. The length and start date of the internship are negotiable.
Please send a letter of intent, resume, and contact information for 3 references (not letters of recommendation, please) to the address listed below. Non-US citizens must also provide documentation stating that the applicant is authorized to accept employment in the United States.
Anne Downey
Head of Conservation
American Philosophical Society Library
105 S. 5th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
 
Application deadline is January 20, 2014