General Information for the CONSERVATOR position at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Deputy Director, Collections and Curatorial Affairs
Date: Job description updated October 15, 2019
Summary/Objective
The Vizcaya Conservator is the primary person responsible for the care,
preservation, and conservation of the site's collections which include
furnishings, decorative arts, textiles, paintings, outdoor sculpture, and
architectural features and historic finishes both interior and exterior.
Supervisory Responsibility
The Conservator supervises a team of collections care professionals, interns,
and volunteers, including the Collections Care Specialist (one FT employee),
Collections Care Technician (one FT employee), and interns (two FT for 8
weeks/year anticipated and/or one FT or PT for up to a year).
Essential Functions
Considering the unique needs and challenges of Vizcaya, whose collections are
housed in historic buildings with features and finishes that are part of the
historic fabric of the estate, the conservator will be involved in the
conservation of the collection as well as historic preservation of the estate.
Duties will primarily focus on the following:
1. As member of the Collections and Curatorial Division, provide
support to the Capital Projects team in the planning and execution of all
phases of capital projects (most immediately including Main House roof
replacement, Main House window and door restoration, HVAC and MEP upgrades in
Main House, post-hurricane damage to waterfront features)
2. Advance the conservation of the Robert Winthrop Chanler ceiling
mural in the Swimming Pool Grotto
3. Advance the conservation of other objects and finishes within the
Grotto
4. Advance maintenance and conservation of various stone objects
(sculpture and statuary) and masonry surfaces throughout the property
Additional duties include but are not limited to:
1. Manage all aspects of Vizcaya's preventive conservation program
including implementing cyclic maintenance program for collections, monitoring
environmental conditions, overseeing the Integrated Preventive Pest Management
program
2. Solicit proposals for conservation treatment by contractors
3. Coordinate and supervise conservation projects by outside contractors
4. Participate in disaster preparedness and recovery efforts;
participate in the Alliance for Response Miami
5. Examine and treat objects and finishes
6. Maintain all conservation and maintenance related documentation
7. Review and manage the long-range conservation plan
8. Coordinate and oversee the conservation internship program
9. Conduct object handling and collections-related safety training for
allied staff
10. Participate in the Preservation and Maintenance Committee
11. Collaborate with colleagues to develop funding requests and grant
applications
12. Maintain supply inventory for the conservation studio and collections
care staff
13. Report on past and future conservation projects to internal as well as
external stakeholders
14. (Re)present Vizcaya at professional conferences and meetings
Competency or position requirements
Considerable knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of
conservation.
Considerable knowledge of the techniques, tools, and equipment used in
practical conservation of objects and historic finishes.
Considerable knowledge of materials and current scientific processes used
in conservation and restoration.
Ability to identify and assess preservation needs for a variety of objects,
architectural features, and historic finishes.
Ability to plan future conservation and maintenance projects, and manage
projects.
Ability to clearly communicate with colleagues in Capital Projects and
other departments, contractors, and stakeholders.
Ability to write accurate, clear, and concise proposals and reports
detailing activities of said projects.
Ability to train and supervise subordinate personnel engaged in
preservation activities.
Ability to work in a variety of mediums.
Work Environment/Physical Demands
The Conservator conducts both managerial and administrative in-office tasks as
well as hands-on work both inside and outdoors. The job requires certain
physical demands. Employee should possess the ability to lift 50 lbs., safely
bend/crouch to lift and handle collection objects, and stand for potentially
long periods of time.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Full-time 40-hour per week (M-F) position. Occasional evening and weekend work
required as job duties demand.
Travel
Occasional travel required.
JOB REQUIREMENTS (Education, Experience, Certification)
Education and Experience
Required Master's degree in Conservation, Historic Preservation, or related
field. Two years of experience in the conservation of decorative or fine arts
objects or historic preservation.
Certifications
Preferred Professional Associate status with the American Institute for
Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.
TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter and resume to: [email protected]
<[email protected]>.
Position open until filled.
No telephone calls please. Thanks
EOE
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment
decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin,
pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual
orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a victim of domestic
violence, dating violence or stalking, protected veteran status or other
characteristics protected by law.
Reply to Sender :
https://community.culturalheritage.org/eGroups/PostReply/?GroupId=481&SenderKey=e218d81b-a533-4cee-a268-5760dd72feaf&MID=9281&MDATE=756%253e465477&UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e
Reply to Discussion :
https://community.culturalheritage.org/eGroups/PostReply/?GroupId=481&MID=9281&MDATE=756%253e465477&UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e
You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as
[email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to
http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions&MDATE=756%253e465477&UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e.
To unsubscribe from this community discussion, go to
http://community.culturalheritage.org/HigherLogic/eGroups/Unsubscribe.aspx?UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e&GroupKey=757a8f16-505f-4323-8e74-e376757aa9f7.
