Tag: object conservation

Object conservator (Minneapolis, MN, USA)

KCI Conservation, a busy object and sculpture conservation practice in Minneapolis, MN is seeking a full-time Object Conservator for a one-year contract (with potential for longer-term extension). KCI Conservation provides professional conservation services for a wide range of materials, but we have become especially well known and respected for the conservation of modern and contemporary art, as well as outdoor sculpture and public art. The diverse repertoire of artworks treated by KCI include traditional sculptures, decorative arts objects, ethnographic objects, monuments, fountains, mosaics, multi-media art, and kinetic art. Our clients include museums, private collectors, cities and government agencies, and corporate clients. For more information about our firm, please visit our website at: kciconservation.com.

Job Description
The successful candidate will contribute to all aspects of the conservation practice, including: completing condition assessments of objects; writing treatment proposals and reports; providing cost estimates; conservation treatment of artworks in the conservation lab and in situ; performing treatments for outdoor sculpture; completing collections surveys; supervision of conservation technicians; and interacting with clients.  The position requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications
Completion of graduate level training in objects conservation from a recognized art conservation program; 3+ years post-graduate conservation experience is preferred; Highly organized with good time management skills and the ability to work within deadlines; Excellent written and oral communication skills; Demonstrated ability to work well in a group and with individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines; Experience supervising technicians or interns is preferred; Experience working with outdoor sculpture and public art is optimal.

Terms and Compensation
This is a one-year contract position with competitive hourly pay and a stipend toward moving expenses, purchase of conservation tools, etc. The contract may be extended or be converted to a permanent staff position. Please contact Kristin Cheronis and Laura Kubick for more information at 612-564-3176 or kciconservation@gmail.com.

Submission
Cover letter and C.V. with three conservation-related references may be emailed with the subject heading “Object Conservator Position” to kciconservation@gmail.com by July 15, 2018. Please include 2 examples of condition and treatment reports and associated photographs.

Fellowship: Andrew W. Mellon Advanced Training Fellowships in Ethnographic and Archaeological Object and Textile Conservation, Smithsonian Institution (Suitland, MD, USA)

Application deadline:March 15, 2017
The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) offers two fellowships in ethnographic and archaeological object and textile conservation, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.  Fellowships, awarded for one year with a possible one year renewal, commence fall 2017, and carry a $40,000 stipend, $5000 travel/research allowance, $2000 for medical insurance, and benefits. Fellows take part in the Conservation Department’s major projects and research related to the projects and collections. The current projects include the preparation of artifacts for exhibit at both NMAI museum sites: Washington, DC, and New York City. The fellowships are located at the NMAI Cultural Resources Center in Suitland, MD (8 miles southeast of Washington, DC).
The fellowships cultivate practical skills and foster a solid understanding of the cultural contexts of materials, the NMAI’s philosophy of conservation, and the ethics of the conservation profession.  Museum programming involves collaboration with Native Peoples in the development of appropriate methods of care for, and interpretation of their cultural materials, this may include community consultations both at NMAI and in the field.
Applicant Qualifications: Applicant should be recently graduated from a recognized conservation training program or have equivalent training and experience. The best qualified candidates are those pursuing a conservation career specializing in material culture of indigenous peoples from North, Central and South America. The applicant should have a proven record of research, writing ability, and fluency in English language skills (written and spoken).   Fellowships are awarded without regard to age, sex, race, or nationality of the applicant.
Deadline: Completed online applications must be submitted no later than March 15, 2017 (including reference letters).
Finalists will be invited for an interview and asked to submit a portfolio of completed projects.
All applicants will be notified by May 12, 2017 of the selection committee’s decision.
For additional information about how to register and apply via the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System, please visit: nmai.si.edu/explore/collections/conservation/training/#andrew