Conservator of Paper
Fraser Spafford Ricci Art & Archival Conservation Inc.
Position Summary
Fraser Spafford Ricci Art & Archival Conservation Inc. is seeking a
Conservator of Paper for the conservation of fine art on paper and archival
materials. The conservator will work independently with the opportunity for
occasional advice and mentorship from the Senior Conservator of Paper
(part-time). Working in this dynamic private lab is an excellent
opportunity to gain experience, develop skills, and acquire knowledge in
paper conservation and private conservation.
About Us
Fraser Spafford Ricci Art & Archival Conservation Inc. is located in
beautiful South Surrey/White Rock, 45 minutes south of Vancouver near the US
border. Incorporated in 1997, FSR is a multidisciplinary, well-equipped,
and very active lab that provides both treatment and consulting services.
Clients include private collectors, corporations, public museums, galleries
and archives, and other public cultural facilities. The lab is equipped
with the necessary materials, supplies, and equipment for paper
conservation, including a suction table, suction platen, operating
microscope, RO water, immersion washing sink, fume extraction, Preservation
Pencil, Connolux lighting, and UV and IR equipment. The lab acquires new
materials, tools, and equipment willingly and as space allows.
Responsibilities
The Conservator of Paper is responsible for conservation treatment of fine
art on paper and archival materials, examination and documentation for
condition and treatment. Paper treatments include, but are not be limited
to: dry surface cleaning, adhesive removal, stain reduction (bleaching -
spot, immersion, light, gellan gum), washing by immersion, float, etc.),
humidification/pressing, alkalization, infill and inpaint, hinging/mounting,
matting/framing and construction of protective enclosures or storage
housings. Documentation includes examination and treatment proposals,
photography, and treatment reports. Occasionally, consulting projects arise
involving condition surveys and conservation assessments which can be
completed with the aid of the Principal Conservator of Fine Art.
Occasionally, the paper conservator is given the opportunity to assist with
in and out of lab treatments in other media, if an extra pair of hands is
needed. Other duties include responding to telephone inquiries, customer
service, adding materials to social media, and packing for transit.
Currently, there are two large archival treatment projects planned for 2019,
but a wide range of fine art and archival paper conservation treatments will
likely enter the lab for examination and treatment during the year term.
Qualifications
* Graduation from a recognized post-secondary art conservation
program, with a specialty in paper
* A minimum of 2 years' experience working as a conservator.
Experience working in a private lab or a treatment-heavy conservation
position is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
* The position requires excellent technical and hands-on skills, and
confidence in conservation treatment. The ideal candidate will have the
ability to work in a demanding and fast-paced environment, while ethically
utilizing accepted conservation materials and procedures to complete work
that meets the needs of the artwork owner or custodian.
* Being client and service oriented, a conservator at our private lab
requires superior oral and written communication abilities. With the lab
located on private property, the conservator must be comfortable in a casual
and relaxed workspace. Excellent interpersonal skills, an easygoing
personality, and a positive outlook are necessary and will impact customer
service and cooperation with coworkers in a close-knit lab environment.
* Basic office skills are required, including use of MS Office
programs and Adobe Photoshop, Bridge, and Writer.
Salary is commensurate with experience and is based on full-time work. The
work term is contractual on an annual basis. Our lab has a health benefit
plan and will provide reimbursement for some moving expenses. Occasional
extended or non-standard hours, weekends, and holiday hours may be required
based on business needs. As a private lab, there is opportunity for
flexibility such as taking unpaid days and using banked time for paid leave
for a few days, provided deadlines for work are still met.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and
permanent Canadian residents will be given priority. We thank all
applicants for their interest; but, only those selected for an interview
will be contacted. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 17, 2019.
Please contact us with a letter of interest and a CV by email:
Sarah Spafford-Ricci, Principal Conservator of Fine Art
Fraser Spafford Ricci Art & Archival Conservation Inc.
2276 134 Street. South Surrey, British Columbia, Canada V4A 9T9
ph (604) 536-3595; fax (604) 536-2937
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
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