Job Listing: Conservator of Paintings

Name of Organization – Colonial Williamsburg

Job Title – Conservator of Paintings

Type – Full-time

Apply –  Conservator of Paintings | MUSEUM, PRESERVATION, CONSERVATION, EDUCATION & RESEARCH

Summary –  The Conservator of Paintings is responsible for enhancing the protection and preservation of Colonial Williamsburg’s cultural assets by supervising the operation of the paintings conservation laboratory. Primary functions include proposing and carrying out conservation treatments and researching and developing new approaches to conservation treatment. Condition assessments and treatments are carried out in accordance with exhibition objectives and research priorities. Additionally, the Conservator of Paintings oversees the conservation treatments and career development of laboratory staff as well as conservation technicians, interns, and volunteers.

Responsibilities –

1. Examines paintings and other painted media from the collections and, in consultation with curatorial staff, prepares written treatment proposals, performs treatments, and prepares treatment reports complete with photo-documentation. Performs, requests, and/or interprets instrumental analysis as needed to facilitate understanding of technology of the object, its conservation history, and current condition. All using recognized techniques in compliance with the Code of Ethics of the American Institute for Conservation.
2. Works with curatorial, archive, and library staff to determine examination and treatment priorities based on object needs, exhibition schedules, and loan requirements; and to ensure ability to meet established deadlines.
3. Provides conservation training for other Foundation staff as needed.
4. Conducts and documents conservation assessments of objects as requested; includes paintings being considered for accession and deaccession. Works to prepare streamlined survey reports for exhibition and treatment prioritization.
5. Manages day-to-day operation of paintings lab including treatment time management, ordering supplies and materials, handling documentation and other paperwork, and maintaining lab space and equipment.
6. Researches and develops new approaches to treatment as needed and appropriate.
7. Maintains awareness of state-of-the-art techniques in the conservation field and carries out research and related projects to test new materials, applications or methodologies as other responsibilities allow.
8. Supervises and instructs laboratory staff, interns and volunteers as circumstances require. Specific responsibilities include training, observing and inspecting work, offering feedback and conducting performance appraisals.
9. Works collaboratively with Museums, Preservation and Historic Resources division staff and, upon request, assists other conservators on assigned projects; offers suggestions when appropriate.
10. Prepares and delivers public and professional lectures, demonstrations, and training sessions on conservation theory and techniques. Publishes new research as other responsibilities allow.
11. Gives public tours in labs, exhibition buildings, and museum galleries.
12. Provides information to and responds to inquiries from the public, Foundation staff and staff of other institutions.

Required and Preferred Education and Experience

1. Graduate degree in conservation plus seven years conservation experience in recognized institutions – or the equivalent technical education and experience.
2. Demonstrable history of proposed, completed and documented conservation treatments.

Qualifications:

1. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including professional presentations.
2. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
3. Detailed knowledge of traditional decorative, fine, and folk arts.
4. Ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines and work under pressure.
5. Detailed knowledge of conservation materials and experience in applying state-of-the-art conservation methodologies.
6. Highly developed hand skills.
7. Scientific knowledge to enable undertaking in-depth examination and analysis of objects, performing treatments and producing and following necessary literature and reports.

Preferred Qualifications: 

1. Supervisory and administrative experience.
2. Membership in a professional conservation organization.
3. History of publication pertinent to the area of specialization.