Position at Canadian Centre for Architecture

Conservator
Collections Services
Head, Conservation/Preservation Department
Canadian Centre for Architecture
Permanent, full time

The Canadian Centre for Architecture seeks an experienced
conservator to fill a permanent position in the
conservation/preservation department.

As an integral member of the conservation/preservation team, the
Conservator is involved in the day-to-day operations of the
conservation/preservation department.  Responsibilities include the
examination, documentation, conservation treatment and preventive
conservation of a wide range of works of collections materials that
include prints and drawings, architectural plans, photographs,
architectural models and miniatures, archives and oral histories of
individual architects, artefacts and ephemera, film, video, audio
tape and digital records.  The Conservator works in cooperation with
CCA conservators and preservation technicians, with curatorial,
exhibitions and registration department personnel and with other CCA
staff in the planning, scheduling, and execution of projects in the
conservation/preservation area.

Principal tasks:

    *   Works in cooperation with other members of the
        conservation/preservation department to ensure the
        conservation and preservation of the CCA collection and the
        preservation of collections while they are in the possession
        of the CCA.

    *   Participates in setting and ensuring the maintenance of
        appropriate standards of storage, travel, display and
        consultation of collections.

    *   Examines collections objects and their environments on an
        item-by-item or collection level to assess condition, to
        identify media and technique and to determine preventive
        conservation measures.

    *   Writes treatment proposals for collections objects, working
        closely with curatorial staff to make decisions concerning
        appropriate treatments.

    *   Carries out treatment procedures according to recognised
        conservation standards.

    *   Takes primary responsibility for the conservation component
        of specific exhibitions, loans and other projects.  In so
        doing, acts as a consultant to curatorial, exhibitions and
        registration department staff and to others involved in
        these projects.  As appropriate, delegates and  works within
        these project areas with conservation/preservation
        technicians, assistants, contract conservators and interns
        and supervises their work.

    *   Participates in the installation and de-installation of
        vulnerable collections objects in exhibitions.

    *   Cooperates with other conservation/preservation and
        curatorial staff, information technologies personnel and
        others in establishing standards, procedures, priorities,
        plans and schedules for the long-term preservation of
        magnetic and digital media.

    *   Participates in the training and supervision of
        conservation/preservation assistants, technicians, and
        interns. Also participates in training other CCA staff in
        basic principles of the care and handling of collections
        materials.

    *   Acts as a courier to accompany objects which travel for the
        purposes of exhibition or loan and ensures safety and
        security of these objects during travel and display.

    *   Conducts and disseminates research on specific conservation
        problems as required by the nature of the activities and
        collections of the CCA.

    *   Maintains an active role in the field of conservation. Keeps
        abreast of the literature and participates in seminars and
        lectures and professional meetings.

Training and experience required:

    *   A graduate degree from a recognized conservation training
        program in paper and/or photo conservation or the equivalent
        in training and experience.

    *   Strong interest in and knowledge of issues surrounding the
        preservation of magnetic and digital media.

    *   Several years of experience as a conservator of paper,
        photographs, contemporary art or magnetic and digital media,
        preferably in a museum, archive or library with an active
        exhibition, loan and acquisition programme.

    *   Additional experience in a related conservation discipline
        (paper, photographs, contemporary art, magnetic and digital
        media, books, objects) that complements the candidate's
        primary conservation focus.

    *   Strong conservation treatment skills.

    *   Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

    *   Excellent organizational and communication skills.

    *   Ability to work in both French and English will be
        considered an asset.

If you wish to submit an application, please send your letter of
interest, resume and the names of three professional references
before July 14, 2006 to

    Karen Potje
    Head of Conservation/Preservation Department
    Canadian Centre for Architecture
    1920 rue Baile
    Montreal, Quebec H3H 2S6
    Fax: 418 939-7012


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 20:1
                  Distributed: Saturday, June 24, 2006
                        Message Id: cdl-20-1-037
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