Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture

Job Description

Job Description

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.

How You Will Contribute

The Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture will perform conservation examinations and treatments on the museum’s collection of sculpture, decorative arts, installation art, outdoor sculpture, architecture, and other collections in a wide range of materials including ceramics, glass, metal, stone, wood, polychrome wood, plastics, leather, lacquer, other organic materials, and composites. The museum has major holdings of American, European, South Asian, and East Asian works of art, including Contemporary Art, Design, time-based media, and outdoor sculpture, and with expanding collections of African and African Diasporic Art.

The Conservator will work independently and collaboratively to conduct research to further understanding of materials and techniques used by artists, manufacturers, and fabricators. They will serve as an integral member of the museum’s conservation staff and assume leadership in activities relating to exhibitions, installations, loans, preventive care of the permanent collections and building, and professional and public engagement.

The Conservator establishes long-term goals and strategic planning for the conservation gallery maintenance program, overseeing the Supervisor of Conservation Gallery Maintenance and a team of part-time gallery maintenance technicians who carry out routine collection maintenance in galleries on weekly or established periods as required.

Specifically, you will:

• Examine, conduct research, and perform conservation treatment on a range of artworks that fall into the broad category of objects conservation, which includes ceramics, glass, metal, stone, wood, polychrome wood, plastics, lacquer, leather, other organic materials, composite objects, architectural materials, and installation art.
• Evaluate and document the condition of works requested for loan, exhibition, or acquisition consideration.
• Advise on housing, installation, storage, mount-making, handling, packing, and transport of works of art.
• Collaborate with conservation scientists in chemical and instrumental analysis and characterization of materials of works of art.
• Carry out analysis and evaluation of artworks using techniques such as x-radiography and visible, fluorescence, and polarized light microscopies.
• Work collaboratively across departments for exhibition planning, emergency planning, building care and maintenance, and capital projects.
• Mentor and train conservation junior staff, post-graduate fellows, interns, and technicians.
• Lead and participate in ongoing preservation activities to contribute to the preventive care of museum collections, including environmental monitoring, pest mitigation, storage planning, and materials testing.
• Establishes long-term goals and strategic planning for Conservation Gallery Maintenance. Supervise and provide guidance for Supervisor of Conservation Gallery Maintenance and associated team of Conservation Gallery Maintenance technicians. Establish priorities, advocate for and help coordinate resources and budget development. Lead hiring and personnel considerations for team.
• Participate as a member of the Conservation Division in a range of institutional initiatives and functions, as well as in professional and public engagement. These may include museum committees, staff presentations, and teaching and conferences.
• Assist in the administration of the Decorative Arts and Sculpture Conservation Department including development of budget, annual report of highlights, fund-raising, grant-writing, record keeping, and maintenance of chemical inventory and safety protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Your background and experience include:

• Graduate degree from a recognized Art Conservation training program, or equivalent training, with a specialization in objects conservation.
• Significant experience in objects conservation at an advanced level of responsibility in a museum/collection setting.
• Proven ability to plan and execute a variety of complex conservation treatments, and experience with a wide range of collections.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and liaise and communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team, prioritize projects with multiple stake holders, and understand and interpret the role of Conservation Gallery Maintenance in a large museum.
• Demonstrated visual, manual, and scholarly aptitudes. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Position and Compensation Details

• The salary for this position is $85,000.
• This position is Full-Time, Exempt, and 35 hours per week.
• This position reports to The Senior Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture.
• This position is required to be performed fully onsite at Philadelphia Museum of Art locations.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to utilize instruments and computers required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical laboratory environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access all public and staff areas of the museum campus, with or without accommodation.
  • Ability to operate power equipment used in objects conservation, including drills, saws, pressure washers, personnel lifts, and others as needed and with appropriate training.
  • Ability to regularly set up, adjust, and operate a computer/keyboard and other
• Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Institutional Requirements

• Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:

• Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
• Discounted guest tickets for admission
• Discounts on gift memberships
• Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
• Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees including:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
• Health savings or flexible spending account program
• Retirement savings program with museum match
• Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.

Powered by JazzHR

cZZzhbyDHq