Subject: Position at Cincinnati Art Museum
Assistant/Associate Textiles Conservator Cincinnati Art Museum The Cincinnati Art Museum has an opening for the Assistant/Associate Textiles Conservator in the Conservation Department. Responsibilities: Working under the direction of the Chief Conservator, the Textile Conservator is responsible for the conservation and preservation of textile works of art and fashion in the Art Museum's collection in accordance with the AIC code of ethics. The Textile Conservator's focus is on textiles and fashion and assists with related collections such a tapestries and textile components in collages and paintings as well as furniture. The Textiles Conservator oversees all activities in the textile lab including the examination and documentation of textile and fashion and related collections to determine materials and methods of fabrication and assess condition. S/he is responsible for determining if treatment is required in consultation with the fashion arts and textile curator, and making treatment recommendations, carrying out and supervising conservation treatments. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Examines textiles, costumes and artifacts with textile components, assesses condition, prepares examination reports, arranges for and assists with photographic documentation, and proposes and performs treatment for the textile based collection. Prepares examination reports to provide, media and support descriptions; assessment of techniques; assessment of condition problems; requirements for handling, storage, exhibition and travel as well as recommendations for treatment. As necessary proposes and carries out additional analysis to identify materials and techniques of fabrication used in works of art already in the collection and for works being considered for acquisition. A variety of analyses and tests may be performed to determine media and support identification, age, structure and stability, and to help determine the outcome of various treatment options. Carries out treatments in order to stabilize and restore, as possible, the physical and/or visual integrity of the textile based collection. Treatment may include, but is not limited to, performing structural stabilization techniques, vacuuming, dry/wet cleaning, mounting costumes on period mannequins and/or building customized mounts, and determining appropriate mounts for textiles. Schedules and manages the workflow through the textile conservation lab in consultation with the fashion arts and textile curator and chief conservator. Includes, supervising conservation technicians and conservation interns and fellows. Arranges for purchase of lab supplies and equipment within departmental budget. Keeps lab organized and clean. Evaluates media, supports and conditions of all potential acquisitions of textiles, fashion, tapestries and textile based works of art and prepares a thorough written report documenting findings. For new acquisitions provide recommendations for future housing, storage, handling, display and travel. Confirms authenticity as necessary. Works closely with curators in these evaluations. Examines textiles, costumes, tapestries and textile based works of art to determine if they can be loaned safely to outside organizations; examines works of art upon their return to the museum. Advises the curator, conservation technicians, registrars/art handlers, and packer on loan requirements, including travel and display recommendations, which are passed on to the borrowing institution. As necessary confers with chief conservator about special requirements and colleagues from borrowing institutions to make sure Cincinnati Art Museum guidelines for loan can be met. Examines loan objects not belonging to the museum and documents the condition accordingly. Advises curators and other Art Museum personnel on the maintenance of a proper environment for the optimum preservation of the textile collection, museum-wide. Includes: monitoring environmental conditions in museum galleries and storage areas of costumes, textiles and similar materials. Makes recommendations for the safe display of textiles including recommendations for light levels, temperature, relative humidity and handling precautions. Makes appropriate storage mounts and/or supervises others. Makes period hair for exhibition. When problems are found, investigates the best course of action to correct the problem. Participates in updating art handling guidelines and teaching proper handling of textile based artwork to other museum employees who handle artwork. Conducts research relevant to the field of textile conservation, with a focus on the Cincinnati Art Museum collection and exhibitions including textile based collection materials. As appropriate and as possible publishes results and/or presents information in a lecture. Publications may include online publication features. Participates in exhibition preparations as needed. Includes attending planning meetings and contributing to public events. Courier works of art from the collection to outside institutions as approved by the chief conservator and as regular work schedule allows. Travels to assess condition of possible acquisitions of textile based collection. Assists with work in Art Museum galleries, including the installation of textiles, costumes, tapestries and other textile based materials and special exhibitions, and the handling of emergency situations as needed. Performs and/or participates in special projects for chief conservator and/or director such as participation in larger institutional projects such as: disaster planning, database review, and strategic planning. Communicates regularly with chief conservator to ensure workflow is manageable and on track and that the highest museum standards are being realized in the care of the textile based collections. Keeps chief conservator up-to date with activities in the textile lab with monthly reports and one-on-one meetings. Confers with chief conservator about any changes in textile lab staff and work requirements and informs chief conservator as soon as possible of any conflicts that interfere with work flow/schedule or which may affect proper procedures and preservation practices. Enters all findings and written documentation in museum database. Ensures the photographic documentation related to the conservation of the textile based collection is properly labeled and stored. Pursues professional development opportunities by attending conservation workshops and meetings. This ongoing education should be accomplished on an annual basis if work schedule permits, but is also contingent on the departmental budget. Assists in the maintenance and use of analytical equipment. Participates as possible in training related to the use and maintenance of this equipment, specifically the use and proper registration of the beta plate. Educates the public on the field of conservation. Conducts classes and tours and gives lectures as required. Answers questions and advises outside callers as needed. Requirements: Bachelor's degree and completion of a graduate-level course of study in Conservation, or equivalent education and training. The position requires at least three years of post fellowship experience in textile conservation. The successful candidate must have a broad knowledge of museum practices and collections management, a familiarity with the types and materials represented in the museum's collection of textiles and fashion, and a strong record of achievement in the field. S/he should have a demonstrated ability to work independently as well as successfully with others, e.g., Museum staff, volunteers, and diverse public constituencies to achieve institutional objectives and fulfill the mission of the museum. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, as is an ability to work with databases, word processing, and other computing tools that the staff is expected to use on a regular basis. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Manual dexterity is frequently required as duties call for the handling of artwork, and operation of tools and equipment. The employee must also be able to communicate effectively and work successfully with others. Job duties entail standing, walking, sitting, occasional climbing, bending and kneeling. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, color, and peripheral vision. A cover letter, resume, and professional references should be submitted to: Human Resources Department Cincinnati Art Museum 953 Eden Park Drive Cincinnati OH 45202-1596 Fax: 513-639-2932 humanResources<-a t->cincyart< . >org No phone calls please. Deadline to apply: July 31, 2011. The Cincinnati Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish. Jennifer Hart Director of Human Resources Cincinnati Art Museum 953 Eden Park Drive Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-639-2921 Fax: 513-639-2932 *** Conservation DistList Instance 25:7 Distributed: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Message Id: cdl-25-7-014 ***Received on Thursday, 14 July, 2011