Position at Asian Art Museum

Assistant Conservator - Works on Paper
Asian Art Museum
San Francisco

Under general supervision by Head of Conservation, the Assistant
Conservator, Works on Paper will assist the conservation staff in
the conservation duties related to the examination, preservation,
conservation treatment, exhibition, and storage of the Asian Art
Museum's collection as well as art objects on loan.  The works of
art on paper and silk include, but are not limited to, East Asian
screens and scrolls, South and Southeast Asian paintings, prints,
drawings, albums, books, photographs, and contemporary artworks from
over 40 countries in Asia.  The incumbent prepares a variety of
reports to document conservation activities; performs research;
publishes articles and gives oral presentations related to
conservation needs of the museum.

The nature of this highly skilled work requires manual dexterity,
intense concentration, and aesthetic sensibility in addition to
excellent organizational skills.  The incumbent must have the
ability to prioritize work, coordinate and consult with exhibition
team members, and sequence projects in order to meet agreed upon
deadlines.

Examples of Duties:

Under the direction of the Head of Conservation, the Conservator:

    Writes condition reports on new acquisitions, art installed in
    in-house exhibitions, outgoing loans, and traveling exhibitions;
    conducts surveys of art works in storage and on exhibit to
    determine stability as needed; insures that completed
    documentation complies with the American Institute for
    Conservation Code of Ethics

    Determines the materials of fabrication and assesses the
    stability of the art object; prepares treatment proposals;
    performs conservation treatments including consolidating,
    cleaning, and repairing; writes treatment reports and provides
    photographic documentation

    Conducts scientific tests when applicable that aid in the
    authentication and treatment of art; arranges consultancy
    resources for additional scientific analysis or treatment as
    needed.

    Prepares works of art for exhibition; consults with curators,
    designers, preparation staff, and external contractors (i.e.
    framers) to insure that art is appropriately matted, framed, and
    otherwise prepared for exhibition; assists in designing
    installation methods in consultation with mountmakers and
    exhibition designers for the proper display, storage, and
    treatment of works of art on paper and silk

    Improves storage and installation methods; investigates and
    researches materials used in contact with works of art on paper
    and silk such as packing materials, display mounts and storage
    cases; recommends environmental control conditions for storage
    and display; advises the building engineers on the physical
    requirements of the collection; monitors environmental
    conditions to ensure appropriate conditions are maintained

    Assists with purchasing and maintaining supplies for treatment
    and display

    Advises on conservation issues related to preventative
    conservation, including but not limited to storage fixtures,
    conservation studio designs and equipment, and gallery
    installation methods.

    Advises non-conservation staff on the preservation of the
    collections; acts as resource person concerning works of art on
    paper and silk to the museum, collectors, and the public

    Publishes articles describing conservation research and
    techniques; prepares written and oral presentations for general
    public, connoisseurs, museum staff, and other conservators

    May be assigned to act as agent for the museum by couriering
    works of art, including: traveling with the art; unpacking at
    destination; writing condition reports and performing emergency
    treatments as necessary and as approved; repacking and condition
    reporting at the close of the exhibition

Minimum Qualifications

    Masters Degree in Art Conservation specializing in Paper
    Conservation from a recognized college or university

    Verifiable minimum 3 years of conservation experience with the
    techniques, materials and equipment used in the conservation of
    Asian works on paper and silk, prints and drawings, in museum
    environments.

    Knowledge of the technology and materials of Asian works on
    paper and silk, prints and drawings, and of the chemical and
    physical processes of their deterioration

    Knowledge of the procedures relating to the examination and the
    preventative and corrective treatment of Asian works on paper
    and silk, prints and drawings.

    Knowledge of the environmental requirements and of controls for
    handling, storage, exhibition, and travel of Asian works on
    paper and silk, prints and drawings

    Ability to write technical reports in an understandable, clear,
    and concise manner, utilizing appropriate punctuation and
    grammar

    Ability to provide sound advice and recommendations regarding
    the design of facilities to ensure the proper display, storage
    and treatment of Asian works on paper and silk, prints and
    drawings

    Ability to make clear oral presentations to the general public
    as well as to technical specialists

    Ability to maintain ongoing effective working relationships with
    museum staff, colleagues in the field, and the public;
    demonstrate good judgment, flexibility and resourcefulness

    Ability to use various computer software including Microsoft
    Office, Photoshop, Lightroom, and The Museum System

Compensation: $25.27- $30.35 per hour with benefits package

Please note: This position is represented by SEIU 1021.

Application Procedure

Apply online at

    <URL:http://www.asianart.org>

The Asian Art Museum is one of the largest museums in the Western
world devoted exclusively to Asian art and culture.  Home to more
than 16,000 works of art from over 40 Asian countries, we strive to
be a catalyst for discovery, dialogue, and inspiration.  With Asia
as our lens and art as our cornerstone, we spark connections across
cultures and through time, igniting curiosity, conversation, and
creativity.

The Asian Art Museum embraces diversity in its mission, programs,
and staff.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 29:27
               Distributed: Wednesday, November 25, 2015
                       Message Id: cdl-29-27-024
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