CONSERVATOR UAP PRESERVATION

UAP | Urban Art Projects believes incredible things don"t just happen; they"re created, nurtured, believed in. Spanning art, architecture, design, environments, and everything in between – UAP works with artists and creatives to make incredible things all over the world. Visit uapcompany.com for more information.

UAP collaborates with emerging and renowned artists, architects, developers, and designers; to deliver creative outcomes for the public realm. We engage in all aspects of the delivery process from curatorial services and design development, through to fabrication and installation. Visit uapcompany.com for more information.

Department Description

The UAP Preservation department is a rapidly growing service offering within the multinational fabrication company UAP. The department offers conservation and preservation services to a broad range of clients, not limited to but including artists, commercial galleries, private and public institutions, private collections, municipalities and developers. The department also supports the broader UAP company internally across the business development, project management and production teams, to provide ongoing Preservation knowledge that can inform best practices for the company.

Role Description

The Conservator is a key part of the growing UAP Preservation team. The role will be an active participant and collaborator in the ongoing growth and strategic development of the Preservation department, working closely with the Director to develop and grow the client base and sales pipeline through the examination, assessment and treatment of object-based modern and contemporary artworks. The ideal candidate will specialize in metals conservation and hold an extensive knowledge of modern and contemporary outdoor sculpture, public and/or fabricated art.

In conversation with the Director and Studio Manager, the Conservator will develop ongoing frameworks for best-practice treatment and project delivery strategies for the department. The Conservator will oversee and guide junior conservators, technicians, and interns within the department. Priorities for the Conservator will be to conduct onsite visits and examinations of artworks, prepare treatment proposals and estimates in collaboration with the other department team members and UAP Estimators, receive and prepare works for treatment and/or post-treatment transport at the Studio and/or Foundry, oversee and/or carry out in-house documentation, examination and treatment of artworks, prepare condition and treatment reports. In addition, the Conservator will assist with steps to open a new conservation studio, conduct research, collaborate with team members in other UAP departments to provide preservation knowledge and support, cultivate internal and external supporters, and initiate scholarly and public programs. Working within the Preservation department and UAP fabrication environment, the Conservator will promote, facilitate and embrace engagement and collaboration across the department, foundry and broader company.

The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years' conservation experience (beyond the internship level) with additional experience within a fabrication or foundry setting a plus. The position requires a track record working on numerous treatments concurrently; knowledge of current preventive conservation standards for outdoor and/or metal and fabricated sculpture, proven leadership, time-management and administrative abilities; and a strong orientation toward collaborative work in a fast-paced environment. A record of scholarly research is not required but would be a plus. Participation in mentoring junior department staff and interns is expected, along with contributing to broader efforts to foster external engagement within the conservation industry for the UAP Preservation department and its public-facing profile.

Conservation Assessment, Examination and Treatment (~70%)

• Calmy and efficiently manage and carry out complex in-foundry and onsite conservation examinations,
  
  

assessments and treatments to the highest level of excellence with minimal oversight

• Create, manage and maintain accurate internal project documentation and reporting, including condition assessments, treatment proposals and reports, and maintenance manuals
• Facilitate and carry out consistent and standardized before, during and after treatment documentation Archive project-related information in an organized manner and ensure access for other team members and stakeholders
• Discuss and supervise conservation treatments at all stages and levels of complexity
• Ready and/or receive works for treatment and/or shipping through safe handling, crating and packing solely or with other members of the team as appropriate
• Advise on and oversee appropriate handling of artworks to ensure safe movement, treatment, installation and/or installation
• Oversee junior department staff to ensure treatments meet UAP Preservation quality standards and project specific requirements from start to finish.
• Ensures that the preservation team is maintaining a clean and safe work environment, upholding OSHEM standards for workplace safety.
• Remain current with conservation practice and devise conservation methods and techniques to solve new problems
• Expert knowledge of chemical and physical properties of art materials and conservation materials within area of specialization
• Advise on appropriate and safe display conditions for artworks, including determining appropriate environmental conditions
• Work closely and collaboratively with other UAP departments and staff to provide ongoing conservation and preservation support for fabrication, project management and business development teams
• Encourage and demonstrate effective team leadership and communication for problem solving and overcoming challenges in a growing department
• Work with and mentor Preservation team members to identify ongoing relevant professional development advancement activities for department staff to encourage continuing skills development
• Share expertise and work closely with colleagues to promote collaboration, training, and the advancement of conservation procedures and techniques
• Attend seminars and conferences, and visit other conservation facilities to keep abreast of the latest conservation developments
• Maintain professional affiliations in appropriate organizations
• Encourage community engagement by giving talks and tours to a broad range of stakeholder audiences, including other UAP staff, clients, collectors, colleagues, school/university groups, and the general public
• Work with artists, artist studios, fabrication studios, including carrying out artist interviews
  
  

Project Management (~20%)

• In consultation with Director and Studio Manager set budgets and manage projects effectively
• Attend internal UAP project delivery meetings to ensure smooth implementation of projects and integration with overall workshop workflow. Work closely and collaboratively with other UAP departments and staff to plan and execute conservation treatments projects
• Collaborate with the UAP Preservation team and other internal stakeholders to define project objectives, timelines, and deliverables
• Coordinate project logistics (booking of hotels, car rentals, third parties, sub-contractors) and departmental supplies as needed to ensure successful delivery of Preservation projects if Studio Manager is unavailable
• Source and supervise contractors of allied professions as needed
• Work closely with the Shipping Department to ensure works are prepared appropriately for transit
  
  

Business Development Assistance (~10%)

• Provide support for Commercial Review meetings on an as needed basis
• Participate in post-project evaluations with Director and Studio Manager to assess project success and identify opportunities for improvement
• Participate in and contribute to ongoing strategic planning for department growth
• Work with Director and Preservation team to prepare client outreach and/or gifts during holidays and/or special events
  
  

Qualifications

• Applicants should have a master"s degree (M.A. or M.S.) from a recognized conservation training program, or equivalent experience.
• Applicants must have at least 7 years of practical experience beyond training, within a museum environment, with a focus on the conservation of contemporary art objects.
• Applicants must have experience working with a diverse array of metal alloys along with other typical sculpture fabrication materials and associated techniques of repair (welding, casting, fabrication, finishing). Must possess a strong knowledge of art materials, methods, and degradation, and have a significant conservation treatment record for three-dimensional and mixed media contemporary artwork that demonstrates excellence in the field.
• Previous experience in and comfortability with outdoor sculpture maintenance such as routine cleanings, removal of organic materials and/or graffiti, and application of waxes or other coatings.
• Previous experience in art handling, installation, and rigging
• Experience in packing artworks, crate design, and pallet construction. Knowledge of archival art packing materials and their applications.
• Clear commitment to respectful collaboration, listening to other points of view, and finding workable solutions to problems.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities in training and mentoring staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and interpersonal skills across a diverse range of stakeholders and communities
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Experience in developing project budgets and effectively managing workflows.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment with high net-worth clientele
• Proficiency in Google and Microsoft Suites (e.g., Google Drive, Google Slides, Excel, etc.), and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
• Interest in and comfortability in fine art foundry and fabrication environments, culture and practices are essential
• The applicant should have membership in the American Institute of Conservation (AIC)
  
  

Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. of weight.
• Ability to work from a ladder and scaffolding.
• Experience with fork lift and sculpture lift and/or willingness to learn
• Willingness to and work outdoor as needed
  
  

What We Offer

• Main Benefits: Health insurance (medical, dental, vision), 401K match, FSA, PTO (including holidays and bereavement), paid maternity leave, Summers Fridays, commuter benefits, and more
• A vibrant, creative studio environment with great teammates
• Opportunity to work on exciting, high-profile projects
• Ongoing professional coaching and development with potential for upward growth
  
  

Salary Range: Appointment level dependant.

Assistant: $70,000.00 – $90,000.00

Associate: $80,000.00 – $100,000.00

Senior: $100,000.00 – $120,000.00

The pay range for this role is:70,000 - 120,000,000 USD per year(USA)

PI265909017