Job Posting: Business Developer – Art Services (NY/NJ Area)

Job Title: Business Developer – Art Services, USA
Reporting: Managing Director (GVA) / CRS team (Fairfield)
Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop SGS Art Services in USA
  • Client Acquisition
  • Adapt global strategy to local specificities and develop a targeted long-term new business strategy
  • Generate leads and efficiently keeping in regular contact with existing prospects
  • Identify new market areas for expansion and development
    May be assigned an annual sales target in addition to sales management responsibilities

Specific Responsibilities

  • Develop strategic partnerships and collaborations
  • Develop network of subcontractors in collaboration with the Technical Manager
  • Work with management team to identify and evaluate market and target clients
  • Develop business plans and sales strategies, Initiates and coordinates development of action plans to increase turnover
  • Work with management team to develop and implement strategic sales plan
  • Identify and evaluate specific new profitable business opportunities
  • Achieve own sales target and lead team to achieve team target and/or overall company target
  • Initiate and complete proposals and presentation for new business opportunities
  • Work with internal teams to deliver outstanding presentation to capture profitable business opportunity
  • To maintain an excellent client relationship with existing and potential client
  • Responsible for preparation and distribution of all monthly and weekly reporting:  Financial, sales reports, other company-wide communication
  • Responsible for driving continuous improvement of sales staff competencies and skills
  • Assist in the development and implementation of marketing plans as needed
  • Conduct one-on-one quarterly reviews with staff to build more effective communications, to understand training and development needs, and to provide for the improvement of sales staff and performance
  • Adheres to all company policies, procedures and business ethics codes and ensures that they are communicated and implemented within the team
  • Drives to meet personal revenue targets
  • Monitors competitive activity and pricing
  • Other tasks as assigned by management in support of business needs

SGS required training: Code of integrity
Education

  • M. A. Degree in Art History or Paintings Conservation or equivalent education or business background (i.e. Auction House) experience preferred.  B.A. Degree would be considered.
    MBA Degree is a plus for this role

Skills, Experience and Technical Knowledge

  • 5-10 years international experience in the Art Market
  • Deep understanding of mechanisms of art auction, logistics, exhibitions, insurance and exhibition
  • Understanding of issues of authenticity, condition, restoration and handling related to artworks.
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Strong Leadership and Management skills
  • Fluent English. Other languages an asset.
  • Good computer skills (Office suite, etc.)

Visit : www.sgs.com – Careers Section to apply

Job Posting: Technical Manager – Art Services (NY/NJ Area)

Job Title: Technical Manager – Art Services, USA
Reporting: Local Business Developer
Primary Responsibilities 

  • Maintain and develop the technical excellence of the services (condition reporting and technical examination on artworks)
  • Overall responsibility to ensure that the inspection activities are carried out in accordance with Technical procedures and internal protocols
  • Deliver on-site technical examination report on artworks
    Train and audit inspectors performing condition reports

Specific Responsibilities 

  • Establish pragmatic and efficient analytical plans to meet clients’ expectations
  • Schedule and conduct autonomously analyses by techniques such as photography in visible and UV light, stereomicroscopy, X-ray radiography, infrared reflectography, X-ray microfluorescence, and others as appropriate (Raman, FTIR, SEM, GCMS, radiocarbon dating) in collaboration with external partners to investigate works of art
  • Perform sampling and micro-sampling on artworks
  • Draft technical examination reports
  • Train inspectors performing condition reports on acquisition procedure, scope, conservation and security issues according to technical procedures and internal protocols.
  • Audit inspection activities according to technical procedures and internal protocols
  • Advise Local Business Developer on art-related technical issues
  • Quality check of condition reports performed by inspectors
  • Ensure the maintenance of the laboratory and equipment
  • In charge of the safety and radioprotection regulations

SGS required training: Code of integrity
Education

  • M. A. Degree – Art Conservation Science. A PhD or equivalent a plus or similar (e.g. Paintings conservator with complementary scientific education/experience), preferably with a specialization in examination of paintings and modern/contemporary materials
  • Fluent English. Other languages an asset

Skills, Experience and Technical Knowledge

  • At least 5-10 years of experience in technical examination on artworks
  • Experience on condition reporting on different categories of art objects
  • Very good competences in photography and documentation of cultural objects
  • Ability to manage a team
  • Strong organisational skills
  • Easiness to draft technical documents in English
  • Computer literate
  • Precision, independence
  • Ability to interpret specifications to satisfy clients’ requirements.
  • Strong understanding of conservation theory, ethical decision-making ability and knowledge of preventive conservation practices
  • Strong analytical and problem solving abilities

Visit www.sgs.com – Careers Section to apply

Job Posting: Inspection and Administrative Coordinator – Art Services (NY/NJ Area)

Job Title: Inspection and Administrative Coordinator – Art Services, USA
Reporting: Technical manager
Primary Responsibilities 

  • Plan and coordinate operations of condition reporting
  • Quality check of the reports
  • Condition reporting on artworks
  • Assist the Technical Manager in performing technical analyses on artworks
  • Administrative assistance

Specific Responsibilities 

  • Coordinate operations with relevant inspectors (paintings conservators)
  • Quality check of the condition reports
  • Contact with clients
  • Assist the Local Business Developer and Technical manager with day-to-day administrative tasks
  • Produce condition reports of different levels of details on art objects of different categories
  • Work according to established procedures
  • Report damages, inconsistencies, non-conformity

SGS required training

  • Code of integrity

Education

  • M. A. Degree – Paintings Conservation or Conservation Science, or equivalent educational background preferred.
  • Specialization in paintings and/or contemporary materials
  • Fluent English. Other languages an asset

Skills, Experience and Technical Knowledge

  • Experience in condition reporting on different categories of art objects
  • Experience in technical examination of artworks (X-ray radiography, Infrared radiography, XRF, UV fluorescence, technical photography, stereomicroscopy, etc.)
  • Administrative skills
    Good competences in photography and documentation of cultural objects
  • Very good computer skills
  • Precision, independence

Visit www.sgs.com – Careers Section to apply.

Arsenic and Old Lace: Controlling Hazardous Collection Materials

Are there hazardous materials in your collection, but you don’t know what to do with them? Or do you think you might have problem materials lurking in your collection that you don’t even know about? Learn how to handle these problems – join us May 3, 1:30 ET  for our next free Connecting to Collections Care webinar.  Register olnine at: http://www.connectingtocollections.org/arsenic-and-old-lace-controlling-hazardous-collection-materials/
Connecting to Collections Care (www.connectingtocollections.org), a program of the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation, provides free collections care training and resources for smaller-sized cultural organizations.
c2c-care

BROMEC 36 – Call for metal conservation research abstracts

 
BROMEC, the Bulletin of Research on Metal Conservation, requests research abstracts (max. 400 words) and professional meeting announcements (max. 75 words) for BROMEC 36, to be published online.
BROMEC keeps you up to date with metals conservation research activities between the triennial ICOM-CC Metal Working Group meetings.
Submissions can be made in English, French or Spanish – the BROMEC Editorial Team will translate and publish submissions in the three language versions of BROMEC. Refer to BROMEC 28 found at www.warwick.ac.uk/bromec, where you can freely access all the previous issues of BROMEC. And for subscription to BROMEC: www.warwick.ac.uk/bromec-subscription.
We trust these simultaneous multilingual issues will increase communication across a greater cross-section of the world’s metal heritage conservation research community.
Contributions can be submitted at https://goo.gl/735Sw7. The final submission date is Wednesday 11 May.
 
 

Job Posting: Glazier/Conservation Assistant, Junior Glazier/Conservation Assistant, Master Glazier/Assistant to Conservator – Nzilani Glass Conservation (Oakland, CA)

Start date: Variable
Contact: amakau@nzilani.com
3246 Ettie St. Oakland, CA 94608
510-821-2742
www.nzilani.com
The company: Nzilani is a glass conservation company that focuses on conserving and restoring historic leaded art glass windows throughout the Bay Area. Jobs range in size from simple, residential windows; to monumental stained glass in historic settings. The team comes from a variety of backgrounds, but is united in its dedication to quality, the preservation of art and attention to detail.
Glazier | Conservation Assistant: Most of our work occurs in the studio, but as a multi-faceted company, we do on-site work as well. A glazier is required to go on-site with the crew to remove and install our work. Some conservation projects entail designing and installing protective glazing using materials such as Plexiglas or tempered glass. A knowledge of frame building (wooden, stone or cement) is not necessary to apply, but is preferable. Basic carpentry skills are also a plus. Within the studio, accuracy, while maintaining the overall time-line of the project schedule, is key. There should be a basic understanding of: glass cutting, building a window with came and glass, soldering and puttying. Use of hand and power tools is also necessary. On the job training may be offered pertaining to skill level. An additional aspect of documentation (written or photographic, depending on interest, ability and/or prior experience) may also be applicable. This job provides the opportunity to learn extensive knowledge of stained glass conservation and to contribute to efficiencies within the company.
Positions are available for: Junior Glazier, Glazier & Master Glazier. Please read descriptions and apply for the job that best fits your level of experience. All jobs share the base level of Required Skills.
Required Skills

  • Able to safely lift 40lbs.
  • Clean Driving Record
  • Basic proficiency working with MAC computers, knowledge of PC’s a plus
  • Dependable, Self-Directed, Detail Oriented Worker
  • Excellent interpersonal skills – Team Player
  • Enthusiasm for performing any task, large or small
  • Discretion & sensitivity when working on location at historic, religious or personal location.
  • Ability and confidence to safely handle museum quality artwork
  • Maintain a clean and tidy work area
  • Respect & Adherence to all Health & Safety Protocols
  • Excellent references

Junior Glazier/ Conservation Assistant
Job Description: A junior glazier works on-site to remove and install conservation projects. In studio, their work is overseen by a Master Glazier to perfect their skills required to become a master glazier. Some documentation skills may be applicable.
Experience required

  • Job Experience: 1 year+ experience in stained glass, building, carpentry or demonstration/proof of transferable skills
  • Education: High School+
  • Practical Skills: proficient with power tools and comfortable working on scaffolding, excellent multitasker
  • Technical Skills: N/A. A plus if knowledge in: Photography, Dropbox, Photoshop and Excel for Mac OS X

Commitment Required: Minimum of 2+ years with potential to become a master glazier
Salary: Compensation is commensurate with experience
Glazier/ Conservation Assistant
Job Description: A Glazier works on-site to remove and install conservation projects. In studio, while primarily independent, their work is periodically overseen by a Master Glazier to hone their skills to become a master glazier. Some documentation skills may be applicable.
Experience Required

  • Job Experience: 2 years+ experience in glazing stained glass. Building, welding or carpentry skills are a plus.
  • Education: High School+
  • Practical Skills: proficient with power tools and comfortable working on scaffolding, excellent multitasker
  • Technical Skills: N/A. A plus if knowledge in: Photography, Dropbox, Photoshop and Excel for Mac OS X

Commitment Required: Minimum of 2+ years with potential to become a master glazier
Salary: Compensation is commensurate with experience
Master Glazier/ Assistant to Conservator
Job Description: A Master Glazier has extensive experience both in the studio and on-site. Possession of a California Glazing Contractors License is preferable, but not necessary. In studio, the Master Glazier is knowledgeable in all aspects of stained glass (re)fabrication/glazing. They can complete a project start to finish with no oversight. Some documentation skills may be applicable.
Experience Required

  • Job Experience: 5 years+ experience in glazing stained glass. Building, welding or carpentry skills.
  • Education: BA College+
  • Practical Skills: Proficient with power tools. Comfortable working on scaffolding. Building, welding or carpentry skills. Excellent multitasker, communicator. Potential teaching component. • Technical Skills: N/A. A plus if knowledge in: Photography, Dropbox, Photoshop and Excel for Mac OS X

Commitment Required: Minimum of 2+ years with potential to become a master glazier
Salary: Compensation is commensurate with experience
How to apply: Please e-mail your application, including your cover letter and resume, to Ariana Makau at amakau@nzilani.com

Job Posting: Office/Documentation Assistant – Nzilani Glass Conservation (Oakland, CA)

Start Date: Immediate
Contact: amakau@nzilani.com
3246 Ettie St. Oakland, CA 94608
510.821.2742
www.nzilani.com
The company: Nzilani is a glass conservation company that focuses on conserving and restoring historic leaded art glass windows throughout the Bay Area. Jobs range in size from simple, residential windows; to monumental stained glass in historic settings. The team comes from a variety of backgrounds, but is united in its dedication to quality, the preservation of art and attention to detail.
Job Description – Accurate, reliable & flexible
Persons who wish to undertake both components of this job will be considered first. This job may be split into two, part-time positions if the ideal candidate cannot be found to fulfill all the requirements.
This position requires performing a variety of office (with limited physical) tasks while working with the Nzilani Team. All aspects of the job are integral to making Nzilani run smoothly. The ideal candidate must be extremely organized, self sufficient, a fast learner and able to multi-task. Clear, succinct communication skills are essential. Performance feedback is received in an efficient, positive light and changes made accordingly.
This is a supporting position to key Management in the Company. The Office Manager requires: filing paperwork, maintaining spreadsheets, and taking meeting notes. Assistance to Project Managers includes: facilitating in creating an easy-to-navigate work flow, precise record-keeping, and staying up to date on current and future jobs at Nzilani.
The Office Assistant also works closely with the Principle Conservator at Nzilani. You may assist on: on-site surveys, project management and communication. Organizational skills are key, as the Office Assistant maintains the archives of all projects at the studio. On occasion, you may also be asked to run errands, such as buying lunch, mailing a letter, etc.
For someone with a meticulous eye and attention for detail; this position has opportunity to grow and incorporate a Documentation Conservation Assistant Position. There is the opportunity to learn extensive knowledge of stained glass conservation and to contribute to the efficiencies within the company (to be discussed in further detail during interview if there is interest and/or prior experience).
DAILY TASKS

  • Maintain office operations by: receiving and distributing communications (via emails and texts), efficiently updating data entries, maintaining supplies and equipment, picking-up and delivering items, creating and implementing organizational systems.
  • Forward on information by: receiving and distributing communications, collecting and mailing correspondence, copying and filing information.
  • Maintain supplies by: checking stock to determine inventory levels, anticipating requirements, placing and expediting orders, verifying receipt, stocking items, delivering supplies to work stations.
  • Maintain equipment by: completing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting failures, calling for repairs, monitoring equipment operation.
  • Maintain office schedule by: picking-up and delivering items using own automobile.
  • Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and trainings provided by Nzilani.
  • Enhance organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
  • Exercise discretion when entering Time-card information into Quickbooks by keeping salary information of Nzilani employees anonymous.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

  • Job Experience: no experience required, though interest and knowledge of art conservation is preferred
  • Education: BA College+
  • Office Assistant: Dropbox, Quickbooks, and Office 365 for Mac OS X
  • Documentation Assistant: Dropbox, Digital Photography, Adobe CC Suite, WordPress and Blurb

REQUIRED SKILLS – BOTH

  • Ability to focus in a busy environment
  • Enthusiasm for performing any task, large or small
  • Ability to assess, summarize and present official & technical documents to in-house staff clearly
  • Proficient with MAC computers, knowledge of PC’s a plus
  • Dependable, Independent Learner & Worker, Excellent Multitasker, Detail Oriented
  • Ability to independently prioritize and switch gears as needs arise
  • Team Oriented – excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to work well with all levels of internal management and staff, outside clients and vendors

  • Keep work area clean and tidy
  • Excellent references

PREFERRED SKILLS

  • Understanding &/or interest in preservation practices
  • Experience in day-to-day contractor business operations

REQUIRED SKILLS – OFFICE ASSISTANT

  • Able to safely lift 15lbs.
  • Sensitivity to confidential matters required
  • Stellar Office Administrative Verbal/Writing Skills
  • Type documents, reports and correspondence
  • Scheduling, Telephone Skills, Typing, Documentation Skills, Meeting Planning
  • Internet research skills – retrieve information when requested
  • Office filing and organizational storage systems; scan and copy documents
  • Assist with task planning and implementation;
  • Update and maintain databases such as mailing lists, contact lists and client information
  • Update and maintain internal staff contact lists
  • Ensure office equipment is properly maintained and serviced
  • Monitor and maintain office/studio supplies
  • Clean Driving Record, plus working vehicle – compensation for work related mileage is provided
  • Personal cell phone – compensation for work related use is provided
  • Perform work related errands as requested such as going to the post office and office supply store

REQUIRED SKILLS – DOCUMENTATION ASSISTANT

  • Able to safely lift 30 lbs.
  • Ability and confidence to safely handle museum quality artwork

COMMITMENT REQUIRED

  • Minimum of 1+ years

SALARY

  • Compensation is commensurate with experience.
  • Compensation for smart phone and mileage use for business related Activities.

How to apply: Please e-mail your application, including your cover letter and resume, to Ariana Makau at amakau@nzilani.com

Job Posting: Conservator of Textiles – The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)

Conservator of Textiles
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Williamsburg, Virginia 
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is seeking applicants for the position of Conservator of Textiles. This is a permanent full-time salaried position and is eligible for benefits.
Responsibilities: The Conservator of Textiles is responsible for enhancing the protection and preservation of Colonial Williamsburg’s cultural assets by supervising the operation of the textiles conservation laboratory. Primary functions include proposing and carrying out conservation treatments, and researching and developing new approaches to conservation treatment. Condition assessments and treatments are carried out in accordance with exhibition objectives.
Additionally, the Conservator of Textiles oversees the conservation treatments and career development of laboratory staff (where applicable) as well as conservation technicians, interns, and volunteers.
Requirements: Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including professional presentations; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; must be able to establish priorities, meet deadlines and work under pressure. Detailed knowledge of traditional decorative, fine, and folk art materials and technologies; knowledge of the effects of environmental conditions on materials and objects; detailed knowledge of conservation materials and experience in applying current conservation methodologies; highly developed manual skills; scientific knowledge to enable undertaking in-depth examination and analysis of objects, performing treatments and producing and following necessary literature and reports; demonstrable history of proposed, completed and documented treatments. All generally gained through graduate level study in conservation plus ten years conservation experience in recognized institutions — or the equivalent technical education and experience.
Preferred qualifications: Supervisory and administrative experience; familiarity with upholstery techniques used in the 18th and 19th centuries; membership in a professional conservation organization; history of publications pertinent to the area of specialization.
The Conservation Department of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is composed of an energetic team of conservation professionals who work in nine modern well-equipped labs. On-site analytical capabilities include: x-radiography, fluorescence microscopy, FT-IR, XRF, and SEM-EDS.
Colonial Williamsburg’s textile and costume collection includes more than 8,000 examples of clothing, needlework, quilts, carpets, and flat textiles from several continents and ranging in date from the 17th century to the present. Among the embroidered textiles are clothing, bed furnishings, samplers, raised-worked boxes, and mourning pictures. Household textiles include linen tablecloths, homespun sheets, and woolen blankets, as well as printed cotton bed hangings, chair covers, and carpets from Asia and Europe. An extensive assemblage of costume accessories comprises hats, shoes, stockings, handkerchiefs, aprons, gloves, and pocketbooks.
For further information and to apply online, please visit: http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/foundation/careers
Salary commensurate with experience. Successful candidate must have USA work visa.  Colonial Williamsburg supports a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.  AA/EOE

A difficult problem with no easy solutions

The Wall Street Journal recently published the news that the four year long restoration of the Vatican’s Gallery of Maps has been completed and that the paintings have recovered something of their original grandeur (“An Italy Alive Again in Maps”, by Liam Moloney, April 24- 25, 2016). The restoration was funded by the California chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums which raised 25% more than the $2.3 million needed to complete the work. There are scores of churches in Italy that will never have the wherewithal to raise even that unneeded half a million dollars for the care of their art. They lack the cachet and importance of the Vatican and therefore the patrons. The disparity in funding among institutions is a difficult problem with no easy solutions.

Why don’t they think conservators count?

I recently saw “The First Monday in May”, a documentary about the creation of both the Metropolitan Museum’s spring 2015 costume exhibit , “China: Through The Looking Glass,” and the gala, held on the first Monday in May, that celebrated its opening.
The film opens with a shot of a woman in a white lab coat (who I assume to be a member of the Costume Institute’s conservation department) rolling a cart piled with costume storage boxes down the back corridors of the museum. There are many shots of conservation staff removing pieces from boxes, dressing mannequins, and even repairing pieces.
Almost every museum department involved in the exhibit and the party is mentioned by name and its head interviewed. Among the missing: conservation. The women and men who prepared the objects for display are at least as important as the florists. Why don’t the film makers think that conservators count?