1. Designs and manages conservation laboratory; establishes and schedules priorities for the treatment and preservation of objects; plans, researches and implements conservation treatments including very complex treatments on cultural property in museum, library, archives, and study collections. 2. Examines the material composition and deterioration of objects in order to develop and execute appropriate conservation treatments. 3. Identifies and diagnoses problems, devises and approves conservation methods which ensure the safety of the objects. Assesses and devises alternative and/or modify conservation methods to achieve desired results. 4. Creates accurate written and photographic documentation for conservation examinations, treatments and other activities. 5. Performs research necessary to preserve the authenticity of collections and ensure deterioration of collections is monitored and controlled. 6. Reports research and significant treatments through publications, conference papers and posters. 7. Assesses conservation needs of object, proper housing, physical storage, and display areas for collections and ascertains correct environmental control for preservation. 8. Assists in determining conservation priorities for collections and/or individual projects and planning strategies for collection care. 9. Advises on the acquisition, loan, and exhibition of collections or individual objects. 10. Oversees safe use and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with current federal, state, and local regulations and policies. 11. Assists in teaching courses to undergraduate and graduate students. 12. Assists in the supervision of conservation interns and fellows. 13. Supervises a small staff of non-exempt employees and/or student assistants. 14. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skill/ability 1:  Self-directed with the ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed. Ability to conceive, implement, and document conservation treatment of the highest professional standard using fine hand skills and accuracy. Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to conduct original research, write, and communicate verbally for diverse audiences.

Required Skill/ability 2:  Knowledge of conservation chemistry, art and material history, contemporary conservation practice, preventative conservation principles, and documentation procedures.

Required Skill/ability 3:  Two years (assistant level) to five years (associate level) of conservation experience in East Asian paintings formats or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of Chinese and/or Japanese languages is preferred. Fundamental is the knowledge of both traditional and modern techniques for conserving Asian paintings.

Required Skill/ability 4:  Ability to juggle multiple tasks and meet demanding deadlines among conflicting priorities. Positive attitude that supports department's goals. Demonstrated accuracy and strong attention to detail. Superior organizational skills. Ability to work well under pressure.

Required Skill/ability 5:  Ability to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment and to be a team player in active office and laboratory environments. Superior hand skills. Ability to independently evaluate a wide variety of conservation problems and develop solutions. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Photoshop.

Preferred Education:  Master's or postgraduate degree with a concentration on the conservation of East Asian paintings. Proven experience working in a museum environment and knowledge of museum conservation practice. Familiarity with preventive conservation methods and practices and with analytical equipment, such as spectrometers and X-ray fluorescence.

Work Week:  Standard (M-F equal number of hours per day)

Posting Position Title:  Conservator 3

University Job Title:  Assist./Assoc. Conservator of East Asian Paintings

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:  Master's or postgraduate degree with a concentration on the conservation of East Asian paintings. Proven experience working in a museum environment and knowledge of museum conservation practice. Familiarity with preventive conservation methods and practices and with analytical equipment, such as spectrometers and X-ray fluorescence.

Master's Degree in Art, Museum and/or Library/Archives Conservation, Materials Science, or related field and four years of conservation experience or an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated experience.

Return to Search Results