The David Booth Fellowship in Painting Conservation (New York, NY, USA) – PASSED DEADLINE

*** APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED – PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION ***

September 2018 – August 2020

The David Booth Conservation Department at The Museum of Modern Art is pleased to offer a two-year fellowship in painting conservation, starting September 2018. The fellowship provides an opportunity to acquire comprehensive training in paintings preservation, conservation, and restoration in a museum setting. Working as part of the paintings conservation team, the fellow will assist conservators with all facets of the preservation, conservation, and restoration of paintings, including acquisition, exhibition, treatment, collection care, and research. Fellowship activities will involve collaboration with Museum departments, including curatorial, Exhibition Design and Production, Exhibition Planning and Administration, Information Technology, and Collection Management and Exhibition Registration. Besides developing and refining advanced techniques in paintings conservation, the fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with MoMA’s conservation scientists; to develop and carry out research projects; and have their disseminated or published through blogs, conferences, and peer-reviewed journals.

REQUIREMENTS

Education
Graduate from a recognized training program; candidates with equivalent training will be considered.

Experience
Internship in the treatment of paintings. No more than three years experience past graduation.

Qualifications

  • Examination and treatment of paintings at an advanced intern level.
  • Some experience with treatment of modern and contemporary works preferable.
  • Familiarity with condition digital-imaging documentation, including ultra-violet, infrared, and photomicrography.
  • Use of analytic instruments, including microscopes, X-ray equipment, and other instruments for the examination and technical analysis of works of art and their constituent parts.
  • Excellent speaking, reading, and writing skills in English.
  • Proficiency with computer software, including image editing and Adobe Photoshop.

Responsibilities

  • Conducts examinations and writes condition reports on works of art. Recommends and executes treatment of works of art and their optimal storage and exhibition conditions in consultation with paintings conservators, scientists, and other higher conservator titles, and curators. Records full photographic and written documentation of original condition and all stages of treatment of works of art.
  • Assists in advising curatorial, registration, and exhibitions staff on conservation requirements to ensure protection of works of art during exhibition, packing, and shipping. Assists in advising curators on the condition of works of art as related to exhibition, loans, and acquisition.
  • Examines and interprets the physical structure of works of art and liaises with scientists on the interpretation of scientific data.
  • Participates in courier trips of loaned works as required.
  • Assists in supervising seasonal (three-month) interns and conservation program trainees as requested.
  • Investigates, evaluates, and tests new materials used by contemporary artists. Researches, develops, and tests materials and techniques for conservation use. Keeps abreast of new technical and material developments in the art historical and conservation fields through attendance at meetings and readings of conservation, technical, and art historical literature.
  • Actively produces blogs posts and publishes research, and is encouraged to speak at related professional conferences.
  • Adheres to the AIC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
  • Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.

REPORTS TO: Painting Conservators and other higher conservator titles

Stipend: $45,000 plus benefits and vacation, with $3,775 for research and travel.

Candidates must submit a statement of interest, a current CV, and a list of references to jobs@moma.org no later than March 1, 2018. Please reference the position title in the subject line.

The Museum of Modern Art is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation.

The Museum of Modern Art’s Conservation Fellowship Initiative is made possible through the David Booth Conservation Center Endowment Fund.

Fellowship in the Conservation of Contemporary Art, Paintings Focus (San Francisco, CA, USA)

*** APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PAST – PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION ***

The Conservation Department at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is pleased to offer a two-year advanced Fellowship in the conservation of contemporary art, beginning fall 2018. In keeping with the nature of contemporary art, the Fellowship is designed to initiate collaboration between conservation disciplines, including paper, paintings, objects, photographs, and electronic media. For the 2018-2020 cycle, a specialization in paintings conservation is preferred.

In addition to performing technical examination and treatment on works in the museum’s collection, the Fellowship will give focus to the non-traditional methods that are employed in creating, and caring for, contemporary works of art. The conservation of contemporary art often requires highly collaborative working methods and engagement with living artists is a core aspect of SFMOMA’s practice. The Fellowship will also include activities such as exhibition planning, installation, and collection research. Since compiling information about artists’ materials, processes, and intentions may be among the most important contributions conservators of contemporary art can make toward future care of collections, effective methods for documenting these factors will be explored. The Fellow will undertake a research project related to contemporary art and will be encouraged to present a paper or publish the findings.

The applicant should have a graduate degree from a recognized conservation training program and enough experience to be able to work with a degree of independence in the studio. The ability to collaborate creatively with other conservators and museum staff members is essential.

Stipend: $47,500 plus benefits with $2000 annually for research and travel to conferences. Candidates should complete the online application and submit a curriculum vitae and a statement (no more than one page) as to the candidate’s interest in the Fellowship through the SFMOMA website, https://sfmoma.snaphire.com/home.

Applicants who are selected for an interview will be asked to submit two letters of recommendation and a brief portfolio. Digital portfolios are encouraged. Please direct any questions to Emily Hamilton, ehamilton@sfmoma.org. All applications must be received by January 15, 2018.

Conservation Technician, Paintings Focus (Columbia, SC, USA)

*** POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED – PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION ***

Carolina Conservation is seeking a dedicated and career-oriented Conservation Technician for its private practice. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic team players with strong critical thinking and applied problem solving skills. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines while working under pressure will be necessary. Carolina Conservation provides on-site disaster response for fine art collections that have suffered severe damage as the result of a fire, flood, or catastrophic disaster. Applicants please send a cover letter, resume, professional references, and salary requirements to info@carolinaconservation.com.

The Conservation Technician, Easel Paintings’ role is to provide valuable assistance to conservation staff by performing conservation treatments for easel paintings under the direction of the Lead Conservator. This assistance includes, but is not limited to evaluations, condition reports, conservation treatments, collection triage, packaging works for transport, and general conservation studio and supply maintenance. Due to the differing nature of each collection, insofar as condition and media types, the daily work scope and duties may be wide-ranging and will require flexibility with regards to job priorities.

The potential career track for a Conservation Technician within the organization includes the opportunity for conservation bench training, apprenticeship, and continuing education.

The Conservation Technician is expended to demonstrate proficiency and skill when handling collection items. This includes the ability to physically handle and move objects, as well as the execution of assigned tasks and treatments regarding the collection within reasonable timeframes.

General Responsibilities of the Conservation Technician will include the following:

  • Assist Lead Conservator in treatment of various easel paintings & painted works
  • Perform conservation treatments to easel paintings & other works as directed by Lead Conservator, including, but not limited to: surface cleanings, varnish removals, varnish applications, consolidation, tear repairs, reversible fills, retouching, linings, and related tasks
  • Assist with the examination and completion of condition reports for incoming collections
  • Basic research, data collection, and documentation
  • Contribute to studio maintenance, material and supply inventory management

Applicants are expected to meet the following education and work experience criteria:

  • BA or BS in related field (Art History, Fine Art, Chemistry, etc.)
  • Optional postgraduate degree in Conservation of Fine Art, specializing in the conservation of paintings, or equivalent training and work experience
  • Private practice experience is a plus, but will consider entry-level conservation professionals
  • Ability to work independently and contribute as an effective member of a team
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Digital photography proficiency
  • Computer proficiency

 Essential Skills & Personality Traits
We have identified a number of skills and abilities that are critical to success in this position. The following are non-negotiable qualities we are looking for in a candidate:

  • An energetic, positive & optimistic attitude
  • Strong personal and professional ethics and conduct
  • Strong verbal communication skills
  • Ability to build rapport & develop strong interpersonal relationships
  • Professionalism, assertiveness & confidence
  • Meticulous, precise, & detail oriented
  • A team player that enjoys working with others
  • An enthusiastic commitment to excellence
  • Pro-active, responsible, motivated self-manager
  • Enjoys working with their hands
  • Processes new information quickly with a passion for learning
  • A passion for using their knowledge & skills to help others

Benefits Include:

  • 60% of Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance premiums paid by Carolina Conservation
  • Two weeks paid vacation (accrual based) + holidays (back dated to start date)
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Continuing Education Opportunities

About Carolina Conservation
Family owned and operated, Carolina Conservation has specialized in fine art conservation for fire and water damaged collections since 2005. We service major national accounts and companies within the property insurance industry. Due to the high level of service quality we provide to our clients, we have built strong industry relationships that have fueled the rapid growth of our studio operations. Over the past twelve years, we have grown to become the largest conservation studio in the nation exclusively specializing in fire and water damaged fine art and specialty collections. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with education and work history. Carolina Conservation employees are given the potential for strong career growth within our organization. We believe in providing our staff access to ongoing education, training, fieldwork experience, and volunteer conservation opportunities.