Jobs, Internships & Fellowships Digest: July 7, 2017

  1. Subject Leader and Program Coordinator in Metals, Conservation of Metals, West Dean College
  2. Associate Conservator of Paintings, Philadelphia Museum of Art
  3. Project Conservator, Denbighshire Record Office
  4. Conservation Professionals, Smithsonian, National Air and Space Museum
  5. Collection Care North Manager, British Library
  6. Graduate Teaching Assistant – Conservation of Ceramics and Related Materials, West Dean College
  7. MPHIL Textile Conservation, University of Glasgow
  8. Paper Conservator, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
  9. The Mora Sample Collection, ICCROM Archives and Laboratory
  10. Conservator, Vancouver Art Gallery
  11. Conservation Internship, National Library of Ireland
  12. Associate Conservator of Works on Paper, The Conservation Center

1. SUBJECT LEADER AND PROGRAM COORDINATOR IN METALS, Conservation of Metals, West Dean College (West Sussex, UK)

  • Application deadline: July 12, 2017

The Edward James Foundation is a charitable educational trust located on the 6,400-acre West Dean Estate in beautiful West Sussex countryside near Chichester, specializing in creative and applied arts. As well as being a respected educational institution, the historic house and collections, the stunning grounds and gardens open to the public, and the year-round events and exhibitions make West Dean truly unique.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic conservation professional to be the Subject Leader specializing in Metals. Working within the School of Conservation, the post holder will be responsible for the organization and delivery of subject specialist curriculum for conservation of Metals at Graduate Diploma and Masters level, as well as having responsibility for the co-ordination and management of some aspects of cross-school curriculum as agreed with the Head of School.

The Metals department comprises one of five conservation disciplines offered at West Dean, with courses ranging from Foundation Diploma to MA; validated by the University of Sussex. Subject specific study within the broad contextual experience of a multi-disciplinary conservation college, a low staff to student ratio, extensive workshop time and international profile, contribute to a unique experience. With the course established for nearly three decades West Dean Alumni are leading practitioners both in the UK and beyond.

The ideal candidate for this position will have demonstrable experience in the professional practice of metals conservation and a broad understanding of inorganic materials; with experience of teaching, assessment and administration in higher education, as well as a track record of successful program management. Crucial to the role is also a solid understanding of contemporary conservation theory and practice, and a professional approach to best workshop and studio practice.

For the full job description, person specification and terms and conditions of employment, please contact katharine.osborne@westdean.org.uk. Full or part time hours maybe available. The closing date for applications is July 12, 2017.


2. ASSOCIATE CONSERVATOR OF PAINTINGS, Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia, PA, USA)

  • Application Deadline: July 15, 2017

Reporting to the Senior Conservator of Paintings, the Associate Conservator has direct responsibility for conservation of a renowned and growing collection of paintings spanning many cultures and curatorial departments. Candidates must possess outstanding visual and manual aptitudes, strong written and oral communication skills, a sound art-historical and technical knowledge of painting, and demonstrated ability to deal with the complexities and dynamic pace of a large cultural institution.

Responsibilities:

  • Examine, perform technical and historical study, document, and treat paintings in the collection
  • Assess the condition of paintings requested for loan or being considered for acquisition, and document the condition of incoming or outgoing loans
  • Advise on installations, storage, handling, packing, and transport of paintings
  • Work with conservation scientists in chemical and instrumental analysis and characterization of materials and construction of works of art
  • Supervise and instruct conservation junior staff, post-graduate fellows, interns, and technicians
  • Promote awareness of the role and work of the museum’s Conservation Department, in part through developing content for public outreach

Your diverse background includes:

  • Academic credentials from a recognized conservation training program and specialized experience beyond the degree in the study, care, and treatment of paintings
  • Significant museum experience in the typical range of conservation activities involved in optimal preservation and presentation of a large and varied paintings collection
  • Involvement in the support of active loan and exhibition programs
  • Experience working cooperatively with staff at large to meet departmental and institutional goals

Questions may be directed to Teresa Lignelli, The Aronson Senior Conservator of Paintings, tlignelli@philamuseum.org.

For more details and to apply, visit: https://tinyurl.com/y78eqs75.


3. PROJECT CONSERVATOR, Denbighshire Record Office (Ruthin, North Wales)

  • Closing date: July 17, 2017
  • Full time (37 per week, 3-month Fixed Term contract until December 2017)
  • Salary: Grade 6 – GBP21,962 – GBP24,964

We are looking for an experienced, motivated and enthusiastic Conservator to survey the condition of the collection and advise on any further preservation requirements.

For more information see Denbighshire County Council’s job pages at: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/jobs/current-vacancies/current-vacancies.aspx.

The project will survey the records of the North Wales Hospital, which was the main institution in North Wales for the care of the mentally ill for almost 150 years. This important collection tracks the development of institutional psychiatric care and treatment during an exceptional period of innovation in mental health treatments.


4. CONSERVATION PROFESSIONALS, Smithsonian, National Air and Space Museum (Chantilly, VA, USA)

  • Application deadline: July 21, 2017

The Smithsonian Institution has a requirement for the services of conservation professionals to perform artifact condition assessments, documentation, triage treatments and treatment reports for artifacts at the National Air and Space Museum. The award(s) will be performed within a 12-month period and for a maximum of 1,800 hours of service. All work will be performed in the Emil Buehler Conservation Laboratory at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

Additional information about this project, including the “Request for Quote” and “Statement of Work” documents can be requested by contacting Lauren Horelick (horelickL@si.edu).

Responses from interested parties, based on the “Request for Quote” document and the “Statement of Work”, will be due by 5:30 p.m. EST on July 21, 2017.


5. COLLECTION CARE NORTH MANAGER, British Library (Boston Spa, UK)

  • Closing date: July 23, 2017
  • Interview date: Week commencing August 7, 2017

The British Library wish to appoint a Collection Care Manager to manage collection care activities on our Boston Spa site in West Yorkshire. The post-holder will be the primary collection care contact on site and will work with colleagues and stakeholders to identify and manage risks to physical collections in storage, transit and use. The post-holder will line manage the Collection Care North team who box, shrink wrap as well as processing collection items for an external binding contract.

Working in close collaboration with the Preventive Conservation and Conservation teams in St. Pancras the post-holder will develop and manage a yearly work program which balances the needs of the collections with changing user and business needs. The initial focus will be to review activities and further develop the team to ensure it meets the future needs of the site and collections stored there to ensure a consistent approach to collection care across both sites.

You need to have a degree in book or paper conservation or equivalent experience, recent experience managing preventive conservation/preservation activities and an understanding of digitization processes and workflows. In addition, you will have a broad knowledge of preventive and conservation treatments within library collections together with the ability to diagnose conservation problems and to develop and evaluate options for solutions. You will work with minimal supervision and have the skills and knowledge to plan and manage your work to ensure that deadlines are met. You must be able to communicate effectively with people at all levels, and be able to keep clear, detailed and accurate records of all treatments undertaken. You will have previous experience managing staff, interns or volunteers and delivering coaching or training.

For more information and to apply please visit: https://britishlibrary.recruitment.northgatearinso.com/birl/.


6. GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT – CONSERVATION OF CERAMICS AND RELATED MATERIALS, West Dean College (West Sussex, UK)

  • Closing date for applications: July 24, 2017

The Edward James Foundation is a charitable educational trust located on the 6,400-acre West Dean Estate in beautiful West Sussex countryside near Chichester, specializing in creative and applied arts. As well as being a respected educational institution, the historic house and collections, the stunning grounds and gardens open to the public, and the year-round events and exhibitions make West Dean truly unique.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic conservation professional to be the Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Ceramics and Related Materials programs. Under the direction of the Program Leader, this role will provide supervision and tuition of students and oversight of the studios, workshops and equipment.

The Ceramics department comprises one of five conversation disciplines offered at West Dean, with courses ranging from Foundation Diploma to MA; validated by the University of Sussex. Subject-specific study within the broad contextual experience of a multi-disciplinary conservation college, a low staff-to-student ratio, extensive workshop time and international profile, contribute to a unique experience.

The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years practical experience in the conservation of ceramics and related materials gained in a commercial or museum context. Crucial to the role is the ability to approach with confidence and ethical best practice, the treatment of a range of conservation problems commonly encountered, and to be able to assist students with the evaluation and delivery of treatments. Supervisory experience is also required.

This is a part time role, ideally one day a week. For the full job description, person specification and terms and conditions of employment, please contact katharine.osborne@westdean.org.uk.


7. MPHIL TEXTILE CONSERVATION, University of Glasgow (Glasgow, UK)

  • Application deadline: July 24, 2017

An unexpected vacancy has arisen on the program beginning in September 2017 and further applications are welcome. The application deadline is Monday 24 July. Interviews will be held, in person or by skype, on Tuesday 8/ Wednesday 9 August.

Depending on need, bursary funding will be available for UK/EU or overseas students.

Please see information about the program at: www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/textileconservation/. Information on the online application process is at: www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/.

Please contact Frances Lennard (frances.lennard@glasgow.ac.uk), or Karen Thompson (karen.thompson@glasgow.ac.uk) for more information.


8. PAPER CONSERVATOR, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery (Bristol, UK)

  • Closing date for applications: July 24, 2017
  • Salary Range: GBP26,822 – GBP30,153
  • Contract: Permanent/Full-time

Bristol Culture has an exciting opportunity for an experienced paper conservator to join their Conservation and Documentation team.

Part of Bristol City Council, Bristol Culture is responsible for the care of collections held across 5 museum sites and the Bristol Archives and it welcomes approximately 1 million visitors annually. Based in a well-equipped studio at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, the paper conservator will have the opportunity to work across all curatorial departments with nationally and internationally significant collections including a Designated Eastern Art Collection, over 20,000 Fine Art works on paper and an extensive World Cultures collection.

The successful applicant will identify and prioritize conservation projects and undertake interventive conservation treatments, materials analysis, and research where necessary. They will assess, plan and schedule conservation work associated with the busy exhibitions and loans program, including condition checking, mounting, and framing works on paper. They will advise on new acquisitions, carry out technical examination and undertake collections care projects to increase access through improved documentation, mounting and storage.

They will maintain the equipment and materials in the studio, ensure that health and safety requirements are met and the Museum’s security procedures are adhered to. Experience supervising students and volunteers and providing specialist talks to visitors, Friends groups and professional colleagues is required.

With excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently they will have a relevant qualification or equivalent in paper conservation and be able to demonstrate experience of working with similar collections. Professional accreditation through ICON is desirable.

For further information, including the full job description and how to apply, please visit: https://jobs.bristol.gov.uk/vacancy/conservator-paper-318998.html.


9. THE MORA SAMPLE COLLECTION, ICCROM Archives and Laboratory

  • Application deadline: July 31, 2017

Request for proposal to reorganize and describe the Mora Sample Collection ICCROM holds a valuable collection of material samples donated by Paolo and Laura Mora, internationally renowned conservators involved in the coordination of ICCROM’s Mural Painting Conservation course along with numerous technical missions and campaigns.

ICCROM invites interested professionals (scientists/conservators/archivists) with experience in this type of work to prepare a proposal for the reorganization and description of the Mora sample collection.

Further information at: www.iccrom.org/heritage-science-mora-sample-collection/, and www.iccrom.org/wp-content/uploads/20170627_RFP_Mora-Sample-Collection.pdf.


10. CONSERVATOR, Vancouver Art Gallery (Vancouver, BC, Canada)

  • Application deadline: July 31, 2017
  • Salary: Pay Grade 26 Step 1 $31.40 per hour
  • Hours: Monday to Friday; nine-day fortnight, 70 hours bi-weekly

Reporting to the Director of Operations & Museum Services, the Conservator is responsible for the overall design and administration of the conservation program with regards to all works of art of the Vancouver Art Gallery, including works on loan. He/she supervises the work of staff/interns; provides conservation input with regards to exhibitions, loans and acquisitions. The Conservator examines works of art to determine conservation techniques required; executes conservation and restoration treatments on works of art; ensures that professional conservation standards for mounting and framing works, environmental and lighting conditions are met. He/she works with the Director of Operations and the Senior Curator to develop and manage the conservation and permanent collection maintenance budgets. The Conservator provides consultation and technical guidance to members of the Gallery staff, colleagues from other institutions, artists and lenders, regarding conservation. He/ she oversees and maintains departmental records and database files; and produces reports as required. He/she maintains a current awareness of developments in art conservation and research into conservation techniques and materials.

The Conservator supervises and participates in the work of staff/interns engaged in conservation duties, such as examining works of art (to determine the condition of the work), and conservation treatments required both for newly acquired art work and works in the collection.

Major Responsibilities:

  • Determine and perform, or supervise, treatments for art works and prepare relevant reports.
  • Manage contract conservation services for art works requiring specialized expertise, or when time is not sufficient to do the work in- house.
  • Devise techniques for conservation treatments.
  • Test new materials for conservation use and ensure that all materials used meet conservation standards.
  • In consultation with Curatorial staff, approve art works for loan to other art galleries, museums and institutions based on knowledge of the art work, and a review of facility reports from borrowing institutions.
  • Examine incoming and outgoing works of art, prepare condition reports or supervise the preparation of condition reports by other staff, stabilize art works and ensure their condition is satisfactory for travel.
  • Manage the care and maintenance of the Outdoor Art collection.
  • Assist the Director of Operations in developing and administering an annual budget for the Conservation department.
  • Assist the Senior Curator in developing and administering an annual budget for the maintenance of the permanent collection.
  • Work with the Director of Operations, Chief Curator, Curators, Registrar and Preparation staff, and lead the preservation of the collection in terms of environmental and physical conditions in the Gallery and storage areas. Advise Preparation on packing and crating, matting and framing and handling of works of art.
  • Select and supervises Conservation Interns and volunteers.
  • Assist in writing grant applications for conservation interns and conservation projects.
  • Oversee and develop conservation documentation, including: condition reports, treatment reports, installation instructions and the preparation of information for the collections database and conservation database. Ensure data standards and guidelines are followed. Develop reports and respond to requests for information as required.
  • Chair the Vault Working Group.
  • Lead Emergency Preparedness for the Permanent Collection
  • Represent the Conservation department at a variety of meetings, including exhibition, loan and department head meetings.
  • Respond to inquiries from colleagues at other institutions, artists and lenders regarding a broad range of matters related to conservation, environmental conditions and conservation-related supplies and services.
  • Travel to tour venues and complete condition reports and other work as required. Performs as a courier for loaned works of art as required.
  • Assist with the development of plans for the future Vancouver Art Gallery, especially with respect to designs for the future storage of the Permanent Collection, and for the future Conservation Laboratory.

The duties and responsibilities outlined above are representative, but not all inclusive.

Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

  • Thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of restoration and preservation of works of art in one or more areas of specialization.
  • Thorough knowledge of the correct nomenclature and terminology to describe damage, deterioration, and incipient problems in works of art.
  • Thorough knowledge of the factors which may contribute to the deterioration of works of art and the conservation programs necessary to combat deterioration.
  • Thorough knowledge and experience in all application treatments to conserve and restore art works in own area of specialty.
  • Thorough knowledge of the principals of art, chemistry, bacteriology, physics and laboratory techniques as they apply to the conservation of works of art.
  • Working knowledge of preparation techniques.
  • Considerable knowledge of conservation and restoration techniques applied to works of art other than those of own specialty.
  • Knowledge of the photographic processes required in conservation work.
  • Ability to supervise and participate in the work of subordinates engaged in conservation duties.
  • Ability to develop a budget, and select and order suitable equipment and supplies for the conservation laboratory of a major Art Gallery.
  • Ability to recognize and respect curatorial prerogatives in conservation.
  • Ability to write clear, concise reports.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Art Gallery staff, vendors of equipment, materials, and services; colleagues in other institutions, both local and international, and the public.
  • Skill in the use and care of scientific laboratory equipment.

Training and Experience

  • A Master’s degree in Art Conservation specializing in fine Arts; supplemented with considerable experience (minimum of 5 to 7 years) in Art conservation at the supervisory level in a major Art Gallery.
  • The successful applicant will be required to consent to a Criminal Record and Background Check.
  • All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Please send your resume, in confidence, by Monday, July 31, 2017, to the Director of Human Resources, Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2H7, Fax: (604) 682-1086 or email: hr@vanartgallery.bc.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those short-listed will be contacted.


11. CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP, National Library of Ireland (Dublin, Ireland)

  • Deadline for receipt of completed applications: September 1, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.
  • Stipend: GBP27,000 (subject to normal statutory deductions)

The National Library of Ireland offers a one-year Conservation Internship, jointly funded with the Heritage Council of Ireland. The internship is part of the Heritage Council’s commitment to the promotion of best practice for conservation in Ireland.

The intern will work alongside experienced conservators in the NLI’s busy conservation studio. The internship will combine studio practice and research and preservation, and will develop and broaden the intern’s knowledge and experience. He/she will work on a variety of collections from the manuscript, printed and visual collections of the National Library of Ireland, as well as assisting in the preparation and installation of exhibitions and loans. The intern will be encouraged to publish and present their work to different and diverse audiences.

Requirements:

  • Recent graduates of a recognized book &/or paper conservation training program (2015-2017)
  • Theoretical understanding and practical experience of conservation treatments (paper and/or book or parchment)
  • Experience in surveying/ dealing with large collections
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Excellent written, verbal & IT communication skills

Applicants should ensure that they are eligible to live and work in Ireland. Applications from non-conservation graduates will not be considered.

To apply, post 3 hardcopies of completed application form to Human Resources, National Library of Ireland, 4 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Deadline for receipt of completed applications is 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 1, 2017.

For more details, visit: www.nli.ie/en/udlist/current-opportunities.aspx?article=37d467ed-1e05-4f59-b459-88989179c1d8.


12. ASSOCIATE CONSERVATOR OF WORKS ON PAPER, The Conservation Center (Chicago, IL, USA)

The Conservation Center in Chicago is searching for an Associate Conservator of Works on Paper, in effort to expand the company’s Paper Department. The ideal candidate should have the following: working knowledge of materials, techniques, and ethics of paper conservation; extremely fine manual skills; the ability to carry out treatments of minor to major complexity; sound judgment; the ability to meet scheduled deadlines; and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and clients as a positive and productive team member.

Qualifications:

  • An advanced degree in art conservation with a specialization in paper conservation preferred; or an advanced degree with comparable training, and a minimum of two years’ post-graduate experience.
  • Thorough understanding of conservation theory and practice.
  • Ability to provide written condition reports, treatment recommendations, and post-treatment reports for a wide range of works on paper.
  • Strong grasp of methods and materials utilized in the conservation of works on paper including, but not limited to the following: water bathing, humidification, light bleaching, flattening methods, backing removal, lining, mounting, stain reduction, hinge removal, tear and loss repair, compensation, retouching, suction table techniques, and safe handling procedures during use of solvents.
  • Ability to perform stabilization and treatment on different types of items including the following: drawings, prints, pastels, watercolors, contemporary media, folding screens, scrolls, architectural drawings, letters, documents, and photographs.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Ability to adhere to strict deadlines.
  • Ability to perform the physical labor as required for specific treatments.
  • Ability to work in disaster recovery and triage situations.
  • Exhibits skills necessary to complete all aspects of projects, throughout the treatment process.
  • Previous experience in private practice strongly preferred.

This is a full-time salaried position, which requires occasional travel. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience – benefits include medical insurance, vacation pay, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

The Conservation Center is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates are encouraged to contact Heather Becker at heather.b@theconservationcenter.com. Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary history, and three professional references which illustrate qualifications. If applying from outside the US, a US work visa is required before applying.