Assistant Conservator

Position Description

The Assistant Conservator supports both the Photograph and Works of Art on Paper conservators; the focus will be determined by deadlines and workload. The successful candidate will join the team of two permanent conservators, a conservation fellow, graduate students and undergraduate interns.

Duties include examination, documentation, material analysis, technical research treatment, housing, mounting for exhibition, and storage and. The assistant will act as an advocate for the care of collections in the museum workflow, collaborating with different departments including: conservators, curators, registrars, preparators, and climate engineers. They will work closely with the curatorial department to conduct, present, and publish research in professional meetings and journals. They will oversee the environmental monitoring and pest management program and supervise conservation fellows and interns. Other responsibilities include participating in educational and outreach programs such as leading laboratory tours, responding to public inquiries, and presenting conservation activities to museum visitors.

Responsibilities

• Assist the conservation department in caring for the collection of photographs and works on paper.
• Prepare condition and treatment reports.
• Carries out treatment
• Prepare environmental reports; maintain and download.
• Oversee IPM program.
• Conducts technical examination and material analysis.
• Conducts research and contributes to professional publications.
• Collaborates with curatorial and educational departments in outreach activities.
• Assists with the supervision of fellows, students, and interns of various skill levels.
• Contribute to the maintenance of vendor files, inventories of supplies and equipment, and selection of materials for the conservation resource library.
• Respond to public inquires.
• Perform courier trips as required.
• Contributes to the maintenance of vendor files, inventories of supplies and equipment, and selection of materials for the conservation resource library.
• Contribute research findings to museum publications and exhibitions as needed.
• Participate in educational programs, and in the training of interns of various skill levels.
• Adhere to the Code of Ethics of the American Institute for Conservation and maintain confidentiality.
• Other duties as requested.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Assist with supervision of conservation fellows, interns, and students.

Skills and Requirements

• Excellent hand skills and knowledge of current conservation ethics and treatment practices
• Familiarity with analytical techniques and equipment as related to paper and photograph conservation.
• Experience with spectral imaging techniques, pXRF and the VSC8000, highly desirable
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Key Characteristics/Traits

• Ability to work well with others as well as to work independently
• Ability to organize tasks and prioritize projects
• Tactful, assertive, and thoughtful, with an ability to listen to and consider differing approaches
• Excellent time management skills
• Attention to detail
• Creative and collaborative

Qualifications/Education

• Master's degree in art conservation, or equivalent with focus on photograph or paper conservation
• Two-Four years post graduate experience in photograph or paper conservation preferred.
• Experience with collections management databases, Emu is highly desirable
• Working knowledge of Office 365

Other Job Requirements

• Successful completion of post-offer drug and background screening

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.