"Associate Conservator of Paintings"

Overview

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 seeks a full-time, permanent Associate Conservator of Paintings with expertise in modern and contemporary art. The museum’s Departments of American Paintings and Sculpture and Modern and Contemporary Art holds one of the most renowned such collections in the United States, with exceptional holdings from the Société Anonyme Collection of European and American art of the early 20th century. Reporting to the Susan Morse Hilles Chief Conservator, the associate conservator will be responsible for the examination and treatment of paintings. They will care for paintings in the collection through a combination of preventive and interventive measures in support of the museum’s mission and will contribute to the department's public-outreach activities. The Associate Conservator of Paintings will conduct research and conservation treatment on paintings, managing their workflow to meet deadlines while collaborating with conservation colleagues and curatorial staff. They will participate in planning and preparing budgets for lab activities, exhibitions, and other projects. Additionally, they will help maintain the Shared Conservation Lab at the Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (IPCH), Yale West Campus, by selecting appropriate supplies and ensuring adherence to health and safety protocols in alignment with professional standards. The associate conservator will manage the loan program for paintings in collaboration with curators, conservators, registrars, and museum technicians and will advise on paintings in other campus collections. They will support all Gallery departments by ensuring best practices for the care, handling, display, storage, packing, and transport of paintings, in addition to couriering objects and conducting research-related travel. They will maintain relationships with affiliated organizations and institutions nationally and internationally and assist in managing the collections-management database (TMS). The associate conservator will also work closely with the Department of Prints and Drawing in helping advise on the care of Sol LeWitt wall paintings present on campus. In partnership with conservation scientists at IPCH, the incumbent will conduct analytical studies to inform treatments and research. Staying up to date with conservation practices, they will contribute to the department’s intellectual and technical growth. Additionally, they will promote knowledge of the collection through public speaking, publishing, and outreach. The role includes mentoring students, interns, and fellows, with opportunities to lead undergraduate and graduate courses on materials and techniques and the technical examination of art and to help plan workshops that support departmental growth.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Self-directed, with the ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed; ability to conceive, implement, and document conservation treatment of the highest professional standard using fine hand skills and accuracy; ability to conduct original research, to write clearly, and to communicate verbally with diverse audiences.
2. Demonstrated accuracy and strong attention to detail; superior organizational skills; ability to work well under pressure. Ability to juggle multiple tasks and meet demanding deadlines among conflicting priorities.
3. Ability to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment and to operate as a team player in active office and laboratory environments; excellent interpersonal skills; a positive attitude that supports departmental goals.
4. Ability to independently evaluate a wide variety of conservation problems and develop solutions.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Adobe Photoshop.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills

Master’s or postgraduate degree in Paintings Conservation with at least 5 to 7 years of conservation experience in a museum.

Principal Responsibilities

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.

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.

Salary Range

$66,000.00 - $101,325.00

Location

New Haven, Connecticut