Assistant Paintings Conservator

Job Title: Assistant Paintings Conservator

Employment Type: Full Time, Exempt

Department: Conservation

Division: Curatorial

Reports to: Conservator in Charge

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Salary Range:  $60,000 - $66,000

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion at WAM:

At WAM we are committed to building a diverse environment, one where staff feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring. Please visit our Mission, Vision, and Values page to learn more.

Job Overview:

To perform examinations and conservation treatments of paintings; document materials and methods of manufacture, condition, and conservation procedures performed on works in the collection; and collaborate on conservation research projects.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Conservator in Charge to develop strategic, multi-year goals and priorities for the conservation of the Museum’s collection of paintings
• Perform conservation treatments following professional ethical standards including the AIC Code of Ethics, working in consultation with curatorial staff
• Document treatments and update existing condition reports
• Perform photographic documentation of collection paintings as needed
• Perform technical studies, investigations, and examinations of paintings to expand understanding of artists and cultures represented in the collection
• Monitor the condition of paintings and frames from the collection and on loan; partner with curatorial staff to prioritize conservation treatment of works in the collection
• Partner with Museum preparators, registrars, and members of Facilities and Protective Services to set and enact policies on aspects of transport, storage, installation, display, environmental monitoring, and collection emergencies
• Perform courier duties for works on loan
• Maintain paintings conservation workspaces; order conservation supplies as needed; advise the Conservator in Charge on future departmental needs
• Advise and coordinate workflows with curatorial staff and with the Preparators
• Partner with the Conservator in Charge to supervise and support professional development of occasional postgraduate conservation fellows and graduate interns
• Perform outreach activities, including presenting to the public on technical or conservation-related matters, answering paintings conservation inquiries, contributing to Museum programming and social media channels
• Engage with developments in the conservation field through professional conference and workshop attendance, keeping abreast of professional and popular conservation literature, and maintaining a strong network of colleagues
• Perform other mission-driven related duties as assigned according to interests and abilities; examples include commitment to DEAI initiatives both internal and external, preparation of grant proposals, engagement with Museum donors and other key stakeholders, and collaboration with allied research institutions.

Qualifications:

• A thorough understanding of conservation procedures, materials and techniques for paintings and painted surfaces, with an emphasis on Western easel paintings through the present day
• Demonstrated ability to perform documentation and conservation treatment of varying complexity
• Self-awareness of personal skill; readiness to consult with a broad professional network
• Demonstrated research skills and engagement with trends in the field
• Superb attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and effective communication skills
• Ability to work efficiently both on site and occasionally from home
• Ability to travel, representing the Museum on courier trips, at conferences, and operationally important meetings
• Demonstrated curiosity and desire for professional growth

Education and Experience:

• Graduate of a formal advanced-level conservation training program or equivalent through apprenticeship; education should be strong in art history, studio art, chemistry, and related subjects.
• Two or more years of significant post-graduate conservation experience, preferably in a museum conservation department, is required.