Associate Objects Conservator - Advanced
This position is in the Conservation Unit, of the Museum Resources Division, Department of Cultural Affairs. It is a full time, permanent position with benefits. Position Summary Museum Objects Conservator - Advanced (DCA #23999) Under the direction of the Chief Conservator, the Associate Conservator (Objects) assists in the activities of the laboratories that will help to ensure appropriate conservation and restoration of objects and other collections at the museums, historic sites and Office of Archaeological Services, which are all part of the Museum of New Mexico System. URL for position posting: https://careers.share.state.nm.us/psc/hprdcg/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&FOCUS=Applicant&; (Please note: If the url only takes you to the main job postings page, search for objects conservator) Responsibilities will include: * Conducts detailed examination of sculpture, ethnographic, archaeological, and decorative arts objects, including wood, metal, stone, ceramic, plaster, terracotta, glass, leather, gilded objects, and modern materials. Identifies the materials and construction, assesses condition and causes of deterioration or damage, and documents condition and observations for sculpture and objects in the permanent collection and on loan to the museum. * Under the direction of the Chief Conservator, assists with the activities relating to the conservation of sculpture and objects in the Conservation Unit in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. Recommends appropriate care and/or conservation treatment for sculpture and objects in the permanent collections and on loan to the museums as appropriate. Executes a full range of conservation treatments from minor to major, as appropriate, on a variety of sculpture and art objects. Establishes and promotes preventive care measures. Conducts research into the materials, deterioration, and/or conservation of sculpture and decorative arts. Creates work plans, coordinates the conservation and restoration treatment of sculpture; ethnographic, historic, archaeological, and decorative arts. * Consults and participates in consultations with Native American and Indigenous communities to determine appropriate treatment if appropriate, storage, handling, and condition assessment. * Recommends appropriate environmental conditions, handling, mounting, display, packing and crating, transportation, and storage practices for sculpture and objects in relation to the permanent collections, acquisitions, exhibitions, or loans. Assists with administrative functions of the Conservation Laboratory including the development and writing of conservation policies, procedures, and grant applications as needed. Makes presentations and gives lectures on conservation subjects. * Undertakes scientific analysis of materials in support of conservation unit activities and project treatments. Knowledge of FT-IR, pXRF, digital and optical microscopy, digital radiography, microchemical tests, multi-spectral imaging, etc. * Makes extensive use of computers and digital photography in day to day operations * Other duties as may be assigned. Preferred * At least five years full time conservation experience with a focus on sculpture and objects. * Prior museum conservation experience. * Experience in conducting research or analysis of works of art. * Ability to prepare documentation for grant proposals. Qualifications * Master's degree in Art Conservation or equivalent level of education and experience with a specialization in objects conservation. At least three to five years of full-time relevant conservation experience. * Experience applying the principles, processes, and practices involved in the preservation and treatment of a variety of materials making up a range of sculpture and decorative arts objects. * Experience preparing detailed written reports and using digital photography to document object condition and treatment. * Experience in independent completion of conservation and restoration procedures from minor to major in complexity, while adhering to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice in all aspects of examination, documentation, analysis, and treatment. Further, the state job classification is overly broad and includes everyone from museum technicians, registrars, collection managers and conservators. The minimum application qualifications are by state law those that are the minimum for this classification which are far below what are required for a well trained professional conservator. The preferred qualifications reflect this difference. Further information can be had by contacting me. Preferred contacts are email and the MSI Lab/Office telephone number (no messaging). Cell phone reception her is next to nothing. Mark MacKenzie, Chief Conservator Dir. Museums of New Mexico-Conservation Unit of Museum Resources Division, D.C.A. 725 Camino Lejo Santa Fe, NM 87505 MSI Lab/Office: 505-476-1297 Museum Hill Lab: 505-476-1242; Downtown Lab: 476-5022 Fax: 505-476-1227 [email protected] cell phone: 505-231-6263 ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
