Assistant Conservator

Description

Introduction

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is one of the major repositories of American photography and works of art on paper in the world, ranging from early daguerreotypes and lithographs to site-specific installations by contemporary artists. The collection includes the archives of photographers Laura Gilpin, Eliot Porter, and Karl Struss, among others; complete sets of Richard Avedon’s In the American West and Alfred Stieglitz’s Camera Work; masterworks on paper include works by James M. Whistler, Arthur Dove, Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Charles Russell, Winslow Homer, John James Audubon and Jose Posada. The state-of-the-art conservation and preservation facilities, coupled with the extraordinary work of the other departments in the Museum provide a unique place to grow professionally.  

Position Description

Working under the director of the Head of Conservation, the Assistant Conservator will be part of a conservation department.

The Assistant Conservator will assist the conservation department in caring for the collection of photographs and works on paper; primary responsibilities will include the examination, documentation, material analysis, technical research, conservation treatment, housing and storage of the Museum’s works of art on paper and photography collections. In addition, the Assistant Conservator will be a key member of the Collections and Exhibitions Department, working closely with registrars, curators, preparators, and others. The Assistant Conservator will participate in the evaluation of the Museum’s environmental data and oversee the Integrated Pest Management program, as well as contribute to the Museum’s emergency response planning. Finally, the Assistant Conservator will maintain an active research portfolio and be expected to present at conferences and publish in peer reviewed journals. 

Responsibilities

• Prepare condition and treatment reports for photographs and works on paper
• Carry out conservation treatments
• Conduct technical examination and material analysis
• Conduct original research to support the preservation of the museum collection and contribute to professional publications
• Attend professional conferences to remain informed of advances in the field
• Assist with the preparation of the monthly environmental reports and oversee the Integrated Pest Management program
• Collaborate with curatorial and educational departments in outreach activities
• Assist with the supervision of fellows, students, and interns of various skill levels
• Perform courier trips as required
• Contribute to the maintenance of vendor files, inventories of supplies and equipment, and selection of materials for the conservation resource library 
• Respond to public inquiries
• Adhere to the Code of Ethics of the American Institute for Conservation and maintains confidentiality
• Other duties as requested

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assists with supervision of conservation fellows, interns, and students

Skills and Requirements

• Proven ability to work effectively and positively with other professional staff in a highly collaborative environment
• Excellent hand skills and knowledge of current conservation treatment practices
• Familiarity with analytical techniques and equipment 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

• Collaborative
• Critical thinker and creative problem solver
• Highly motivated and creative
• Emotionally mature
• Good project management skills
• Flexible approach to work
• Tactful, assertive, and thoughtful, with an ability to listen to and consider differing approaches
• Excellent time management skills
• Attention to detail

Qualifications

Qualifications/Education

• Master's degree in art conservation, or equivalent with a focus on photograph or paper conservation and post-graduate experience in photograph or paper conservation
• One to three years post graduate experience in photograph and or paper conservation
• Experience with collections management databases; knowledge of Emu is highly desirable
• Working knowledge of Office 365

Other Job Requirements

• Successful completion of post-offer drug and background screening
• Must successfully complete MVR, pre-employment and background screenings. 
• Physically able to stand for long periods, able to bend and/or stoop, climb, and lift to 25 lbs. to perform tasks that may be required in the course of museum operations. 

Benefit Offerings

• Relocation assistance
• The Museum provides competitive compensation, and generous benefits
• Research travel, attendance at professional meetings, seminars, and training programs

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.