Category: Emerging Conservation Professionals

ECPN Minutes – September 24, 2010 1 PM EST, conference call

On Call:
Ryan Winfield
Heather Brown
Rose Daly

1. New Committee Members, committee position descriptions
2. AIC Website, ECPN blog updates
3. Twitter, Facebook, Ning updates
4. Outreach: ECPN poster at the AIC 2011 meeting, podcasts, AIC outreach lecture, local outreach, flier, upcoming meetings to be attended by ECPN committee members.
5. Angels Project
6. Mentoring Project

1. New Committee Members
Welcome to Heather Brown and Amy Brost! Heather will take over the position of Outreach coordinator from Jason Church and Amy will take over the communications coordinator position from Katie Mullen. Thanks to Jason and Katie for all your hard work and dedication to ECPN. I encourage Heather and Amy to keep a general file of meeting minutes and their projects to pass along to future committee members.

2. AIC Website, ECPN blog updates
Since finding jobs and internships are so important to emerging members, the ECPN will look over the career center of the AIC website and suggest content that could be added, especially in the “Becoming a Conservator” section. During the call we discussed specifically having topics like: resumes and C.V.’s, Portfolios, “Top 10 things a pre-program intern should know” (this would be great to partner with the Education and Training committee), Documentation, the ECPN mentoring program, research ideas, and maybe a list of links to helpful websites, blogs, etc. Amy Brost has also sent out a list of links, to be added to the ECPN blog, but perhaps also the webpage. A survey of conservators was also suggested to ask what supervisors look for in a C.V., and their expectations for pre-program interns, graduate fellows, and post-graduate fellows.

Ryan is looking into a Google calendar for the webpage, and perhaps importing the blog to Facebook so updates on the blog are automatically posted on Facebook. Ryan is working with Membership to list pre-program supervisors on the AIC “Find a Conservator” search function.

3. Twitter – Rose has de-activated the account, Facebook – Rose and Ryan are Admins, Heather Brown was just made an Admin – Would Jason Church and Katie Mullen like to continue to be administrators? Ning was de-activated by Ryan.

4. Outreach: A poster at the AIC 2011 meeting will be proposed, deadline is October 1st – Heather and Rose will work on it. Podcasts of the outreach lecture are being planned, we are still brainstorming for a speaker to record, and a microphone would be needed, Rose mentioned purchasing one personally that she would be willing to allow other ECPN members to use. Heather is attending MAAM Oct 25, (http://www.midatlanticmuseums.org/) and hopefully she can bring some fliers about ECPN, Rose will be sending the flier to Amy and Heather for editing, Rose is attending MRCG November 12 (http://mrcg.wik.is/) and she can look for interested future ECPN members or collaborations with MRCG.

5. Angels Project: Heather will be contacting Ruth about the Angels project at the AIC 2011 meeting.

6. Mentoring Project: Heather and Ryan will be working together on the mentoring project, Heather may be posting a testimonial from a successful mentee on the ECPN blog, and possibly the AIC webpage as well.

Next call will be Oct. 21, 2010.

Good meeting, very fast, and there is a lot to follow-up about, look for e-mails from Rose soon.

For those who missed the announcements and posts this year’s Angel’s Project was held at the Milwaukee Historical Society on May 15th. More than 20 volunteers came to the Historical Society headquarters at the former Second Ward Savings Bank building. This year’s project was to document, evaluate, and rehouse the Historical Societies photography collection. After a full day’s work over 400 tintypes, ambrotypes, and daguerreotypes were assessed and rehoused for archival storage.

On a personal note this was my first Angel’s Project and I didn’t really know what to expect. I was apprehensive about this years project because as an architectural conservator I’ve never worked with photographs and was wondering if I would actually be of any help at all. I could not have been more wrong, there were volunteers who were professionally trained photography conservators paired with pre-program students with no experience. Meg Geiss-Mooney was my partner I sat down next to her and learned exactly what I needed to do my job, as well as hearing her great textile conservation stories about polyester Star Trek uniforms and the conservation of Princess Leia’s golden bikini (yes, that bikini!).

Overall, the Angel’s project was a great experience and one that I hope to be a part of for many years to come. Not only was it an opportunity to learn a lot about proper archival housing for early photographs, I had fun and felt good about donating my time to a worthy cause.

In addition to the pictures posted on flickr, this year ECPN made a short movie about the Angel’s Project. I hope you enjoy and if anyone wants a copy just let me know.

Position at Columbia

Conservation Assistant
Conservation Department
Columbia University Libraries

Position ID # 059246
(Technical Assistant VI)
Salary Grade: $652.21/week

This is a full-time union position with comprehensive benefits and
20 days paid vacation.

Duties: This position is split between rare and special collections
(80%) and general collections (20%). Under the direction of the Head
Conservator and the Special Collections Conservator, the
Conservation Assistant will perform basic paper conservation
procedures such as surface cleaning, washing, re-sizing and mending,
on materials from the Libraries’ rare and special collections.
Duties will also involve creating protective housings for single
items and for collections, as well as cutting mats and making
cradles for exhibits. Will assist with environmental monitoring,
supply inventory, disaster response and treatment documentation.
Will also perform conservation repairs on selected general
collections materials, including sewing pamphlets, reattaching
boards, encapsulating maps and documents, repairing torn pages and
making protective enclosures. Depending on skill and aptitude may
also perform more complex binding repairs. Other duties as assigned.

Applicants are encouraged to provide a portfolio or examples of
previous conservation work. In the absence of a portfolio, the
applicant will be asked to demonstrate competence with certain
skills and techniques.

Requirements: Minimum one year full-time experience in conservation
of rare or valuable books and paper artifacts, in a library/archives
setting or in a private conservation studio, including experience
with protective housings and exhibit preparation. Applicants should
have well-developed treatment skills, experience with complex
binding and repair procedures, and be aware of current conservation
philosophy and ethics. Must be highly organized and flexible; good
communications and interpersonal skills essential. Must be willing
to work on a wide range of materials, performing detailed and
occasionally repetitive tasks. Requires operation of specialized
equipment (e.g. ultrasonic welder, fume hood, guillotine cutter) and
use of various chemicals under controlled conditions. Applicants
should be able to work standing up for extended periods of time,
lift moderately heavy objects, and to work with dusty library
materials. Must be able to pass medical exam for use of half-face
respirator. BA/BS preferred. Basic word processing, spreadsheet and
database skills will be helpful.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Those
received before August 31, 2010 will receive priority consideration.

Interested applicants must apply via:
http://jobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=120043

North Carolina Division of Historic Sites
Objects Conservator
Durham, NC

Description of Work

Conservator provides examination, general treatment and documentation
of a wide range of organic/inorganic objects including: furniture,
glass, ceramics, books, paper, paintings, textiles and metal and
ethnographic objects belonging to the Div of NC State Historic Sites.
Performs object condition surveys, evaluates items for specialized
treatment, organizes treatment schedules, documents treatment via
photographs and written reports. Will maintain a comprehensive
computer-based tracking system for objects needing treatment. Also
assesses condition of new accessions and objects to be lent; develops
preventive conservation programs for sites and works with sites to
review disaster preparedness plans. Will monitor exhibit and storage
areas for temperature, humidity and light levels; prepare conservation
budgets as needed and purchase conservation equipment/supplies. Also
trains staff on proper care/handling of artifacts as requested and
assists with statewide emergency recovery.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and abilities:
Demonstrated competence in the treatment of a wide range of object
types; computer literacy, including the ability to work with
collections database software, word processing and digital image
programs; excellent hand skills and attention to detail; highly
developed interpersonal skills; high standards of professionalism and
ethics; excellent research and writing skills; a working knowledge of
environmental monitoring techniques and integrated pest management
principles. The Conservator is part of the Div of Historic Sites
curatorial team that includes two curators and a registrar. The
position is supervised by the Chief Curator of the Div of Historic
Sites & Properties. The conservator will develop and maintain
professional relationships with other conservators and other
institutions such as the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and
the North Carolina Museums Conference (NCMC).

Please see http://osp.its.state.nc.us/positiondetail.asp?vacancykey=4802-60083404&printit=no for the full position description information.

Saving the Stones is a five month international training internship in historical and archeological conservation.
The internship will enable you to:

* Study ancient building technologies
* Work alongside leading Israeli conservation specialists and archaeologists
* Learn about renowned historical figures, nations, cultures and religious movements which have left their mark in Israel

Saving the Stones is a joint project of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the Old Acre Development Company and the Acre Municipality.
The program is sponsored by The Israel National Commission for UNESCO
The program is powered by MASA – Israel Journey.

After completing all the requirements you will receive an ICC certificate consisting of practical conservation training from the Israel Antiquities Authority and theoretical lessons.

See: http://www.antiquities.org.il/akko/ for more information

Only 9 days left to this offer. Contact us to reserve time for later.

From the Research and Writing website:

Once again, Research and Writing is pleased to offer presenters at the AIC annual meeting a 20% discount on editorial services.

This discount is meant encourage members of the conservation community to convert their presentation (slide talk, formal or informal lecture,
poster, or other) into print-based publishable form.

We can help you:

• organize your presentation
• convert slides and notes into a working draft
• edit your paper for clarity and consistency
• identify appropriate publication venues
• ensure your paper conforms to specific author guidelines
• locate images and copyrights

and complete many other research and writing related activities.

This offer is valid until 15 July 2010, but I will take reservations for work that may start after that date.

More information at http://bit.ly/AIC_disc_10 or email Sarah at researchandwriting.nyc @ gmail.com

—
Research and Writing
P. O. Box 6611
New York NY 10128
212 860 2386

Contract Assistant Conservator
The Preservation Society of Newport County

The Preservation Society of Newport County seeks a conservator to work on a year-long conservation treatment project involving large 18th century Chinese lacquer panels now used as wall paneling in the historic house museum “The Elms” in Newport, RI, USA. The project will begin at a mutually agreed upon time and end one year later. It is a full-time position including benefits. A stipend of $33,000 will be awarded and housing provided. It is anticipated that there will be an opportunity to extend the contract. The one-year position is funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Educational Requirements

Applicants must have a MS in Conservation plus three years of hands-on conservation experience, not including internships or a MS equivalent plus 5 years experience. Preference will be given to those who have experience in the traditional use of Asian lacquer (urushi) as well as western conservation methods. The applicant must have a good command of spoken and written English; be able to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos; and be able to compose and deliver formal communications. The applicant must be competent with computers: MS-Windows, e-mail/internet, word processing. Digital photography and image management are also important.

Position Description

The Assistant Conservator will work closely with other staff on this treatment project and work may include the supervision of interns or technicians. The project will include setting down lifted urushi, paint, and gilded surfaces. This will be followed by the removal of wax coatings, varnishes, and inappropriate repairs using solvents. Fills and compensation for decorative losses will be undertaken, with toning and coating as necessary. Experience working with other decorative surfaces, such as gilding and decorative paint, is essential, and experience working in an architectural context would be considered valuable. The ability to work on technical projects with one’s hands is a fundamental skill for the position and the work may be physically demanding at times, requiring personal agility.

Supervisor

The Assistant Conservator will be supervised by the Chief Conservator of The Preservation Society of Newport County, who is the Project Director of the overall initiative. The conservator will also be supervised by and work very closely with the specialist Project Conservator, who will work on the project part-time.

Please send a letter of interest to Jeff Moore, Chief Conservator, The Preservation Society of Newport County, 424 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 or by e-mail to . Candidates meeting the criteria will be requested to submit further credentials.

Collections Technician (Curator/Archivist I)

The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

Norman, OK

Closing Date:

Open until filled

The Collections Technician provides technical assistance for the museum’s collections by managing the integrated pest management program (IPM), monitoring museum collection environments, and managing the dermestid facility for research quality skeletal preparations in accordance with accepted museum practices and standards for collections care.

Job functions include the operation and maintenance of the treatment facility for incoming objects, the operation and management of the dermestid facility, monitoring and identifying pests, preparing reports, and taking appropriate treatment and preventative actions. Additional functions include implementing and monitoring approved museum policies and procedures, maintaining all associated databases, and conducting IPM training to current and incoming staff, volunteers, and students. The Collections Technician is expected to participate in service to the museum, museum community, university, and/or professional organizations at the local, state, regional, and national level.

Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in museum studies, zoology, or other museum-related discipline OR an equivalent combination of education/job-related experience.

Other preferred qualifications include strong organizational skills, attention to detail, the ability to work independently and as a team member, and the ability to speak to small groups.

How to apply for position:

Applicants must apply online at http://jobs.ou.edu. The University of Oklahoma Requisition No. is 09709. Applicants must submit resume, cover letter, and a minimum of three professional references (including phone number and address) with their online application.

Materials submitted in an application become property of OU. For other information on employment at the University of Oklahoma, call (405)325-1826 or TDD (405)325-5529. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity in the workplace.

The Hirshorn museum and sculpture garden offers a number of undergraduate and graduate internships. Internships are offered during the summer, fall, and winter semesters, and academic credit may be arranged through the intern’s school.
Deadlines:
• Spring (January – May) Deadline: October 15th
• Summer (June – August) Deadline: February 1st
• Fall (September – December) Deadline: July 1st