Position at Dallas Museum of Art

Painting Conservator
Dallas Museum of Art

The Dallas Museum of Art is establishing a painting conservation
program and is seeking a Painting Conservator.  The position will
have a lead role in the establishment of a new conservation lab,
researching materials and equipment and advising on the lab's
configuration. The Painting Conservator will work independently
conserving works, but will also collaborate extensively with the
Curatorial, Collections, and Exhibition divisions.  Responsibilities
will also include all aspects of the care and treatment of
approximately 2,500 paintings as well as other painted works in the
collection.

Essential Functions:

    Painting Conservation Program

    Integrate painting conservation into the culture of the Museum
    by working with the American, European, and Contemporary
    curatorial departments, and the Collections and Exhibitions
    division.

    Research the design and selection of equipment for the facility
    in collaboration with the Chair of Curatorial Affairs, Objects
    Conservator, the Chair of Collections and Exhibitions and
    Director of Collections Management.

    Assist in all aspects of laboratory upkeep, including
    researching, ordering, and maintaining supplies and equipment.

    Remain knowledgeable of treatments, methodologies and underlying
    different conservation approaches.

    Survey, consult, examine, investigate, analyze, treat, and
    document all paintings including collections and exhibitions
    works that travel.

    Advise and collaborate with the Chair of Curatorial Affairs,
    Chair of Collections and Exhibitions and Director of Collections
    Management to plan collections environment and storage
    improvements.

    Serve on committee with the Chair of Curatorial Affairs, Chair
    of Collection and Exhibitions, and the Director of Collections
    Management to review treatments and allocate fiscal year budget
    for outside conservation services (both emergency and ongoing).

    Conduct on-site visits to examine, document, and treat of works
    of art (occasional travel).

    Advise on safe handling, packing, and installation of paintings
    and painted objects when contacted by Museum staff, other museum
    professionals, artists, collectors, and the public.

    Collaborate and contribute to research, publications,
    educational research, and public programs of Collections and
    Exhibitions department.

    Administrative

Track, report, and handle inquiries regarding conditions of art
being examined or treated.

    Research, and manage budget for studio equipment, tools,
    supplies, general operations, and contract services.

    Collaborate with the Development Department in identifying
    foundation, governments, and individual grant opportunities for
    conservation.

    Contribute efforts to successfully win grant applications and
    cultivate patrons.

    Assist in the instruction and supervision of staff, interns,
    students, and volunteers.

    Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

    Master's degree or equivalent experience from a recognized
    conservation training program or the equivalent is required.

    Five (5) additional years of experience including planning and
    managing budgets.

    Experience with diverse materials and historical periods highly
    preferred.

    Experience with both collections and exhibition programs.

    Ability to understand properties of art and conservation
    materials and instrumentation.

    Ability to perform variety of conservation procedures with
    manual dexterity and sensitivity to materials.

    Ability to match colors and surface configuration with accurate
    color perception.

    Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing using
    standard conservation terminology.

    Ability to work under pressure.

    Ability to work cooperatively /collaboratively with supervisor
    and fellow staff members.

    Ability to work and collaborate effectively with donors,
    lenders, trustees, clients, artists, students, volunteers, and
    the general public.

    Ability to learn and utilize the Museum's Content Management
    Systems (CMS), TMS, and the electronic archival systems to
    record progress and updates.

    Ability to work with diverse collections and materials.

Physical Demands:  Conservators regularly perform repetitive
movements to move objects for treatments and work for extended
periods at computer stations.

Special Environmental Factors:  Conservators should be aware of the
dangers inherent in the use of Conservation lab solvents, acids and
bases, materials such as powdered chromium and cadmium pigments
(considered to be carcinogenic) and other tools and equipment. They
are required to wear the protective masks and gloves provided.

The Dallas Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified Minority Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, please go to the Dallas Museum of Art Website.

John R. Dennis
Conservator
Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N. Harwood
Dallas TX  75201
214-922-1287


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 25:33
                 Distributed: Sunday, January 15, 2012
                       Message Id: cdl-25-33-031
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