Position at Artex Fine Art Services

Conservator of Objects
Artex

Part-Time

Open Until Filled

Artex is the nation's largest and most comprehensive fine art
service provider to museums, galleries, auction houses and private
collectors.  We specialize in the safe handling of fine art,
antiques and museum objects of all kinds.  We provide
transportation, crating and packing, storage, installation, rigging,
and conservation services to museums, galleries, and auction houses,
as well as private and corporate collections.  No matter the size or
scope of the job, we provide solutions that meet or exceed the
expectations of our clients, while ensuring them the most cost
effective service possible.  For this reason, ARTEX routinely
chooses to handle the most complex and demanding of projects,
ranging from entire museum relocations to the shipment of an
individual piece.

The role: Reporting to the Director of Conservation, the part-time
Conservator of Objects will be responsible for carrying out the
examination, documentation and treatment of sculpture and historic
artifacts of stone, metal, ceramic, glass or organic material.

Key Responsibilities

    Carry out physical examination and documentation of artworks on
    behalf of ARTEX Fine Art Services by:

        Surveying the physical condition of artwork to develop
        treatment plan

        Performing detailed examination of three-dimensional works
        of art and cultural heritage

        Operating specialized equipment, such as microscopes,
        ultraviolet and infrared imaging and analytical
        instrumentation in the course of artwork examination and
        analysis

        Preparing written reports on the materials, structure, and
        condition of artworks, and on treatments for permanent
        records

        Performing digital photography as well as image processing

        Adhering to accepted professional standards and to the AIC
        Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice in all aspects of
        examination and documentation

        Carry out complete conservation and restoration procedures
        of minor to major complexity on works three-dimensional
        works of art and cultural heritage, by:

        Carrying out preventive and remedial conservation treatments
        including structural repairs, cleaning, coatings removal and
        replacement, protective mounts and frames, and climate
        control recommendations

        Preparing artworks for safe display, exhibition, loan,
        photography, or storage, including knowledge of housing
        materials, hardware, and museum storage and display
        standards

        Operating specialized conservation equipment such as
        compressed air tools such as airbrushes sprayers, and hand
        tools, heated suction tables, spatulas and pens, aerosol
        generator, etc. used in the course of specialized
        conservation work

        Enforcing and maintaining the highest standards of health
        and safety when working with hazardous materials, chemicals,
        and while carrying out all duties

        Perform other related duties, as required, including but not
        restricted to:

        Providing consultation and advice on conservation needs

        Providing conservation estimates

        Scheduling conservation examinations, site visits, and
        projects

        Coordinating with ARTEX transport, storage, and other
        services

Candidate Profile: The ideal candidate will possess the following
education, experience and competencies and attributes as minimum
qualifications:

    Education: Master's degree in Art Conservation, or equivalent
    combination of conservation training and experience

    Experience: 5+ years of extensive experience in the examination
    and treatment of three-dimensional art and cultural heritage
    artifacts

Competencies and Attributes:

    Demonstrated working knowledge of materials, techniques, and
    ethics of artwork conservation

    Extremely fine manual skills, coordination, and precision

    High degree of patience, concentration, and attention to detail

    Ability to carry out routine procedures that have a low degree
    of tolerance of error due to interruption, distraction, or
    effect of fatigue

    Perception of subtle differences in materials and in changes as
    treatment proceeds

    Sound / critical judgment in a work situation that has attendant
    and constant risks of damage to works of art

    Demonstrated judgment regarding when to seek assistance or
    advice

    Ability to work effectively under pressure of deadlines and
    departmental objectives relating to efficiency and productive
    use of work time

    Ability to interact and work effectively with colleagues and
    clients as a positive and productive team member

    Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the materials and
    techniques of traditional easel paintings on canvas, wood, and
    related supports

    Thorough understanding of the mechanisms of physical, chemical,
    and biological deterioration of materials making up artworks

    Sound knowledge of the principles, processes, and practices
    involved in the preservation and treatment of artworks, both
    traditional and the most recent developments

    Understanding of safe handling, framing, crating, shipping and
    exhibition practices

    Administrative skills including processing of written and
    photographic documentation, ordering or purchasing of materials
    and equipment, and many aspects of project assistance or
    coordination as required.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience (strongly preferred):

    Advanced skills in:  examining artworks to establish their
    physical condition; distinguishing between original materials
    and later additions, recommending conservation measures and
    carrying through to completion restoration operations of minor
    to major complexity

    Knowledge of the materials and techniques of modern artworks in
    addition to traditional artworks

    Experience in a major fine art gallery or museum

Compensation: The compensation package will be commensurate with
education and experience.

How to Apply: If you feel that you possess the experience and
qualifications outlined, please submit your cover letter, resume and
salary requirements to our HR department at jobs_dc<-at->artexfas<.>com for
immediate review/consideration.

Please put "Conservator of Objects PT" in subject line.

Consideration will be granted *only* to those who possess the
minimum requirements as stipulated.  Protected Veterans are
encouraged to apply.  Artex, Inc. is a federal contractor and an EOE
AA M/F/VET/DISABLED employer.  All qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, gender, national origin, medical condition or disability
or protected veteran status.  If you need reasonable accommodation
for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact
the Human Resources Department at 301-350-5500.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 29:8
                 Distributed: Wednesday, July 15, 2015
                        Message Id: cdl-29-8-023
                                  ***