Assistant, Associate, or Conservator of Objects

Opportunity Title: Conservator of Objects (position title/level awarded, either Assistant, Associate or Conservator, will be commensurate with experience)

Reports To: Chief Conservator

Salary: $55,000 - $70,000 per year (amount offered will be commensurate with experience and position level awarded)

Year Created: 2025

OVERVIEW

The Conservator of Objects position is a regular, full-time appointment responsible for the care and preservation of a wide range of objects in the IMA permanent collection or otherwise under the care of the Museum. This includes various kinds of sculpture, decorative arts, furniture, and other three-dimensional objects, among the renowned IMA collections of African, Asian, European, and American artwork dating from throughout history to the current era.

The purview of this position includes outdoor sculpture displayed in the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park and other areas of Newfield's grounds, the conservation of which is supported by funds from special endowments. The Conservator of Objects also assists with the care of items within the Lilly House, a National Historic Landmark estate on the Newfields campus, and the Miller House, a superlative example of a mid-century Modernist residence, located in Columbus, Indiana.

The Conservator of Objects will join the Museum to work in tandem with the Associate Conservator of Objects, who is already on staff. These two staff persons will share the responsibilities for the care and treatment of art and artifacts held by Newfields both inside and outdoors. The Objects Conservation specialty is assisted by a full-time Conservation Technician, who also is assigned to support the Textile Conservation specialty. All Conservators on staff report to the Chief Conservator.

Regular duties of the position include preventive care, examination, technical analysis, documentation, treatment, research, and outreach. The Conservator of Objects also assists with the preparation, installation, and documentation of exhibitions and loans, working closely with other museum collections staff. Participation in the monitoring and assessment of the museum environment is another ongoing duty. In service to the treatment and technical study of collection material, the Conservator of Objects can utilize the IMA state-of-the-art Conservation Science Laboratory and collaborate with the staff Conservation Scientist to perform instrumental analysis and conduct research at a level unmatched by most art museums.

An excellent proficiency in project management, working independently and together with other museum staff and outside contractors on multiple endeavors is essential. The person in this position should be capably experienced in the instruction and mentoring of conservation technicians, interns, and fellows of various levels.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Examine and assess the condition of work in the Museum’s permanent collection and on loan, and complete conservation treatment as necessary and appropriate.
• Provide written and photographic documentation to record the condition of objects, treatments proposed, and treatments performed according to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Work with museum staff and contractors for maintenance of outdoor sculptures in the Gardens and the Fairbanks Art & Nature Park.
• Design and carry out conservation treatment of modern materials, mixed-media installations, electronic, video, and time-based media works of art, in collaboration with curators and special consultants.
• Advise the Historic Property Manager on the care of collections maintained in both the Lilly House, on the Newfields campus, and the Miller House, in Columbus, Indiana. Complete conservation treatment of Miller House collection objects as needed.
• Collaborate with the Conservation Scientist to conduct technical study and analysis of works in the collection in support of treatment, curatorial, or research projects.
• Examine artworks prior to acquisition to aid the Curatorial staff in determining their structural and aesthetic condition, as well as their authenticity.
• Examine works requested for loan to determine suitability for travel, document their condition, and advise on special packing and shipping considerations.
• Supervise and mentor conservation technicians and interns of various levels.
• Advise on preventative care of the museum collection regarding the environment, pest management, and procedures for display, handling, packing, storage, and installation.
• Work collaboratively with other museum staff on the design and creation of mounts for display or storage of collection items.
• Act as a courier for works of art, particularly three-dimensional objects, virtually or in person.
• Monitor stock and order conservation supplies for the Objects lab and specific projects.
• Participate in departmental promotional activities.
• Perform other duties as needed and assigned by management to support institutional operations.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Proven expertise in the treatment of a wide range of inorganic and organic materials, including but not limited to, stone, metal, ceramic, glass, wood, plastic, ivory, painted surfaces, and composite materials.
• Clear verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• High proficiency in project management.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with other museum staff and outside contractors to meet deadlines on multiple endeavors.
• The ability and willingness to wear a respirator.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree from a recognized graduate conservation training program.
• Experience with modern materials, electronic, video, and time-based artworks is a plus.
• Must be a resident or citizen of the USA or Canada.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the USA.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the position. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee will be required to work with chemicals and radiation in a safe manner on a regular basis.

Salary : $55,000 - $70,000