Position at LACMA

Associate Conservator
Conservation Center
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

The Conservation Center of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is
seeking a temporary, full-time, associate conservator who will be
responsible for the day-to-day care and maintenance of the Watts
Towers of Simon Rodia (Watts Towers State Historic Park, Los
Angeles, CA). The Watts Towers is a collection of 17 interconnected
structures, two of which reach heights of over 99 feet. The Towers
were built by Italian immigrant construction worker Sabato ("Sam" or
"Simon") Rodia in his spare time over a period of 33 years, from
1921 to 1954. The armatures of the structures are constructed from
steel pipes and rods, wrapped with wire mesh, coated with mortar
that is embedded with pieces of glass, tile, porcelain, and sea
shells. Working alone, Rodia built the structures entirely by hand
using no special equipment or predetermined design.

The incumbent will be responsible for the implementation of minor
repairs and restorations under the direction of the Conservation
Center as well as the training and supervision of volunteers and
hourly workers.  The conservator will also review current repair and
maintenance procedures and assist in the development of new and/or
improved approaches to the preservation of the Towers. The incumbent
will report to the Senior Conservation Scientist at the Conservation
Center at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Minimum requirements:  Master's degree in art conservation or
architectural conservation as well as three to five years related
experience and/or training. The successful candidate must be
conversant in the software used for writing reports and processing
images. Clear oral communication skills and a desire to work
cooperatively with curatorial, conservation and scientific staff are
essential. Experience with the conservation of concrete sculptures
and/or structures is desirable.

Applications:  This position will be available beginning April 1,
2011. Title and salary will be commensurate with experience.  A
competitive benefits package is provided. Position is open until
filled.

To apply:  Submit letter of intent, resume and the names and contact
information for three professional references to:

    Gerrie Maloof
    Director of Human Resources
    The Los Angeles County Museum of Art
    Human Resources Department
    5905 Wilshire Boulevard
    Los Angeles, CA 90036
    323-857-6067
    Fax: 323-857-4720
    jobs<-a t->lacma< . >org

with copies to

    Dr. Mark Gilberg
    Director, Conservation Center, LACMA
    mgilberg<-a t->lacma< . >org

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 24:36
                Distributed: Saturday, January 29, 2011
                       Message Id: cdl-24-36-027
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