Assistant Conservator

Yale Art Gallery - Conservation

78339BR

CLOSED TO FURTHER APPLICATIONS

Conservator 3

None - Not included in the union (Yale Union Group)

Full time

Fixed

2 years from date of hire

Yes

01-Jan-2025

Galleries & Museums

Conservator 3 (23)

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Central Campus

1111 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06510

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

Museum/Curatorial

37.5

To survey, examine, research, stabilize, and treat approximately 5000 collections objects of a variety of media, in preparation for a move of collections from current storage at the Library Storage Facility in Hamden, to a purpose-built facility within the Collection Studies Center at Yale West Campus. To care for objects in the collection through a combination of preventive and interventive measures in support of the museum’s operating plan. This role requires the post holder to have specialist knowledge and experience in safely handling, assessing, documenting, and packing museum objects to prepare them for transport and in conservation treatments of the highest order on museum quality objects fabricated from a wide variety of inorganic and organic materials.

Essential Duties call for incumbent to: under departmental supervision and in collaboration with curators, conduct research and conservation treatment of three-dimensional objects in a variety of materials; contribute to the preparation of objects for loan, exhibition and permanent display; attend meetings to advise and assist in coordinating the large-scale move project; provide recommendations and guidance to museum technicians and registrars to safely handle, pack, and transport objects; contribute to the conservation of materials/object types outside of own specialty as necessary; promote knowledge of the collection and assist in the department’s outreach activities through public speaking, publishing and teaching; work collaboratively with colleagues on conservation and interpretive projects; contribute to and assist in the maintenance of the collection database; use examination and analytical techniques in collaboration with IPCH conservation scientists and scientists in other departments; work with all departments within the museum to ensure the highest standards of care for the collections; advise Gallery staff concerning conservation principles and practices; provide recommendations to Curators/Registrars on whether or not objects should be acquired, loaned and/or exhibited; travel to undertake relevant research and comparative study and inform one’s treatments; courier objects; attend relevant conferences and symposia and contribute to the field through professional publications and papers; maintain awareness of developments in the field and work to develop the Yale University Art Gallery’s stature in the museum world; mentor students, interns and fellows.

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.

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 experience.

Self-directed with the ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed. Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to conduct original research, write, and communicate verbally for diverse audiences.

Demonstrated accuracy and strong attention to detail. Superior organizational skills. Ability to work well under pressure.

Ability to juggle multiple tasks and meet demanding deadlines among conflicting priorities. Positive attitude that supports department’s goals.

Ability to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment and to be a team player inactive 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.

No

No

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