Conservation Fellowship: Decorative Arts at The Preservation Society of Newport County/Newport Mansions

Newport, Rhode Island, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

25 Jul, 26

Salary

40000.0

Posted On

26 Apr, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Conservation treatment, Condition assessment, Furniture conservation, Wooden objects conservation, Technical documentation, Research skills, Public speaking, Project management, Microscopy, Digital photography, Analytical reporting, Treatment reporting

Industry

Museums;Historical Sites;and Zoos

Description

Description Job Summary The Preservation Society of Newport County offers a Residential Fellowship to emerging conservation professionals, designed to provide dedicated time and resources for comprehensive study, assessment of condition and conservation of objects relevant to the organization’s current projects. The fellowship is an opportunity to advance the understanding of manufacturing techniques, degradation processes of organic and inorganic materials and to hone conservation treatment skills. Our Collections: The Preservation Society of Newport County protects, preserves, and presents a remarkable collection of eleven historic house museums spanning the history of Newport from the Colonial period through the Gilded Age. Our properties include Hunter House (c.1748), Kingscote (1841), Chateau-sur-Mer (1852), Green Animals Topiary Garden (c.1860), Chepstow (1861), Isaac Bell House (1883), Marble House (1892), The Breakers (1895), The Breakers Stable and Carriage House (1895), The Elms (1901), and Rosecliff (1902). Housed within these architectural masterpieces are more than 60,000 artworks from all around the globe, dating from ancient times to the modern era. Position Description The 2026-2027 Conservation Fellow will work closely with both the Chief Curator and the Objects Conservator processing a large collection of original 19th century gilded and upholstered furniture recently acquired from the estate of a prominent family and original to Preservation Society properties. The Fellow will conduct a comprehensive assessment, condition survey, propose conservation treatment options, and complete conservation on exemplary pieces. The Fellow will be responsible for producing written documentation relating to the assessment, survey, and treatment in a concise and transparent manner, including supportive digital photography. The work will be undertaken with and without supervision. The Fellow will have access to the conservation studio’s conservation materials, tools, stereo- and polarized light microscopes and reference library. The Fellow will also have the chance to take part in other activities within the Conservation Department. The Fellow must have the ability to complete documentation with regular deliverables on a given timeline. Additionally, the Fellows must present a public lecture and write a 2,500-3,000-word essay based on their progress and findings. Proven ability to work independently, organize and manage their projects, and meet rigorous deadlines is necessary. The Fellow must contribute to the overall dynamics of the Fellowship Program through engagement with other fellows, Preservation Society staff, and peer institutions in and around Newport. As such, in addition to the formal fellowship project, the Fellow will be assigned participatory assignments that fall outside the project or project scope. Thereby, a deep understanding will be gained that produces a holistic overview of the complex, yet essential, structure that allows non-profit institutions to offer truly compelling opportunities to diverse audiences. Requirements Basic Qualifications Graduated from a recognized master’s program in conservation with a focus on furniture and wooden objects or have equivalent training and expertise Degree should have been conferred within five years from the start of the fellowship Visual and manual skills Demonstrated success authoring condition, treatment and analytical reports Proven ability to work independently, organize and manage projects, and meet rigorous deadlines Experience with public speaking Additional Qualifications and Skills Demonstrate exceptional visual and manual aptitudes and research skills Demonstrated success authoring technical documentation such as condition, treatment and analytical reports Dedication to exploring and promoting paths to understanding the social histories, individual works, and collections of the PSNC. Proven ability to work independently, organize and manage multiple projects, and meet rigorous deadlines is necessary, as are strong research, writing, and public speaking skills. Application Procedures Please apply online with a cover letter indicating interest and suitability and a résumé or curriculum vitae. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting May 1, 2026. Zoom interviews with selected candidates will be conducted on a rolling basis beginning May 15, 2026. Successful interview candidates will be asked to provide two academic or professional references, conservation documentation, analytical or technical report or portfolio and one personal reference. Selected candidates will be notified by August 1, 2026 Additional Information The fellowship term is September 14, 2026, to August 15, 2027. Residential Fellows receive $40,000 in annual compensation, access to research and travel budget, and housing at no cost in the Berwind-Stautberg Scholars Center. Additional Benefits Include: 13 paid holidays Sick Time: Fellows begin accruing paid sick leave on the first day of employment and will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 35 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per year. Bereavement Days: Fellows are provided 2-3 days in the event of the loss of a family member. Vacation Time: Fellows are eligible for 80 hours (10 days) of vacation time to ensure a balance of work and relaxation. Personal Time: Fellows are eligible for 16 hours (2 days) of personal time. Insurance: Fellows are offered participation in a high-deductible health plan paired with a health savings account and participation in basic dental and vision coverage. Retirement: Fellows are eligible to participate in PSNC’s 403(b) retirement plan with the opportunity for a 3% core contribution and we will match ½ of what you personally contribute, up to 6%. Discounts: Fellows receive a free family membership to the Newport Mansions (20% off retail purchases), free access to several local and over 60 New England museums and more.

Responsibilities

The Conservation Fellow will conduct comprehensive condition assessments and conservation treatments on 19th-century gilded and upholstered furniture. Additionally, the fellow will produce detailed technical documentation and present a public lecture based on their research and findings.