Position at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Conservation Assistant, Decorative Arts
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Location: Rosine Building, Houston, TX, a non-smoking facility

Reports to Decorative Arts Conservator

Hourly, Non-Exempt, Full Time, 35 hours/week
Monday- Friday, 9am-5pm

Salary commensurate with Experience and Education

Benefits: Group Medical and Dental Insurance, Life and Long Term
Disability Insurance, Pension Plan, Credit Union, Flexible
Compensation Plan, Paid Time Off, Reserve Time Off, Holiday Pay,
Museum Membership and Discounts

Job Code: 12-127CON

Responsibilities: The Conservation Assistant, Decorative Arts works
with staff conservators on various projects involving care of the
museum's collections. The primary focus of the position is the
cleaning, stabilization, and coating of metal objects. Preventive
care, dusting collection areas at Bayou Bend and supporting
exhibition tasks at the Bayou Bend Collection and Rienzi are a
regular component of the job.

    Work with metal:

        Will assist the conservator in examination of objects
        towards the creation of detailed condition and treatment
        reports. This will involve generating condition photographs
        and written observations of markings and detailing surface
        and structural condition

        The cleaning of objects including stabilization of
        corrosion, removal of surface contaminants, and polishing

    Application of protective coatings Work with furniture:

        Will assist the conservator in examination and treatment of
        both furniture made with both traditional and modern
        materials. This will involve generating condition
        photographs and written observations of markings and
        detailing surface and structural condition

        The Conservation Assistant will be expected to develop hand
        skills in a variety of traditional fabrication techniques

        The Conservation Assistant will be expected to develop a
        basic understanding and competence in stabilization
        techniques

    Preventive care:

        Weekly dusting at Bayou Bend of collection objects and
        vacuuming near the objects that should not be handled by
        housekeeping staff

        Survey the house collections for damage or wear due to
        insects, visitor traffic, light, temperature or RH

        Assist Curatorial and Education Staff safely move collection
        objects for Yuletide exhibition, general study or special
        events

        Assist Preparations Staff box, crate, and transport
        collection objects when necessary

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

    Experience in structural repairs, gilding and upholstery for the
    decorative arts is desirable

    Knowledge of digital photography required

    Knowledge of common software programs (MS Word, Excel) required

Education and Experience:

    A bachelor's degree in Art Conservation, Fine Arts, Craft or an
    extended apprenticeship desirable

For further instructions in seeking the position see

    <URL:https://prv.mfah.org/employment.asp?par1=5&par2=Conservation&lgc=1>

Steven Pine
Decorative Arts Conservator
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
PO Box 6826
Houston TX 77265
713-639-7731

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 25:48
                  Distributed: Friday, April 27, 2012
                       Message Id: cdl-25-48-019
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