Assistant/Associate Paper Conservator

at  Yale University

POSITION FOCUS:

Founded in 1832, the Yale University Art Gallery is the oldest college art museum in America. Today, it serves Yale University, the wider community, and the public as a center of teaching, learning, and scholarship. The Conservation Department is an integral part of this mission, with specialists actively engaged in the treatment of paintings, objects, furniture, and works on paper, along with related research, teaching, and mentorship.
The Gallery is seeking applicants for the full-time, permanent position of Assistant or Associate Paper Conservator. Working closely with conservators, curators, scientists, and other professionals throughout Yale, the Assistant/Associate Paper Conservator will ensure that the collection of over 35,000 paper-based objects—spanning a broad range of cultures and time periods, from medieval to contemporary—is preserved and cared for to the highest standards.
Reporting to the Chief Conservator, the Assistant/Associate Paper Conservator is responsible for the survey, examination, treatment, and relevant research for a wide range of paper-based objects, including photographic material. They will conduct regular condition checks, maintain written and photographic records of treatment, promote, and advance the general care of the collection, and assist in monitoring climate and pest control. They will participate in the planning and preparation of budgets for lab activities, exhibitions, and other projects. The incumbent will help maintain the paper-conservation area in the shared laboratory at Yale West Campus, selecting and ordering appropriate supplies and observing health and safety standards for all. They will keep the studio’s practice aligned with current professional standards. In collaboration with curators, the Assistant/Associate Paper Conservator will establish priorities for the treatment and preservation of paper-based objects advising on condition of objects for loan and proposed acquisitions. The conservator will partner with all departments to ensure the highest standards of collections care; advise staff on best practices for the care, handling, display, storage, and packing and shipping of objects; travel for relevant research and comparative study to inform treatments; and assist in the maintenance of the collection database. Collaborating with conservation scientists at Yale’s Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, the Assistant/Associate Paper Conservator will conduct analytical study of collection objects to support treatments and related research They will stay updated on conservation practices, fostering the department’s intellectual and technical growth. The incumbent will promote knowledge of the collection and will assist in the department’s outreach activities through public speaking and publishing. In addition to mentoring students, interns, and fellows, the Assistant/Associate Paper Conservator will have the opportunity to lead undergraduate and graduate courses on materials and techniques and on the technical examination of art.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

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.

REQUIRED SKILL/ABILITY 1:

Self-directed with the ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed. Proven ability to conceive, implement, and document conservation treatment of the highest professional standard using fine hand skills and accuracy. Excellent interpersonal skills. Proven 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:

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

REQUIRED SKILL/ABILITY 4:

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

REQUIRED SKILL/ABILITY 5:

Proven ability to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment and to be a team player in active office and laboratory environments. Superior hand skills. Proven 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, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

Master’s or a Postgraduate Degree in Conservation of Paper. Proven experience working in a museum environment and knowledge of museum conservation practice. Two years of experience at the assistant level or five years of experience at the associate level. Knowledge of preventive conservation methods and practices and familiarity with analytical equipment.

BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit “Learn about background checks” under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It’s Your Yale website.

POSTING DISCLAIMER

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

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.