Position at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Assistant Sculpture and Decorative Arts Conservator
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

3-year, full-time position

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is excited to offer an Assistant
Conservator position in the Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Conservation Department.  This three-year position is generously
funded by the Andrew W. Mellon foundation.  The primary focus of
this position will be the research and technical analysis of the
VMFA African Art Collection.  The successful applicant will report
directly to the Head of Sculpture and Decorative Arts conservation
(S&DAC) and will participate in all operations and responsibilities
associated with S&DAC.  These duties include maintenance and
preventive care for three-dimensional objects in the museum's
permanent collection through examination, technical analysis,
conservation research, documentation and treatment of objects.  The
successful candidate must demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to
the highest conservation standards in order to preserve the
integrity and historic significance of each work of art.  Also,
he/she must demonstrate proficiency in high quality and
aesthetically appropriate conservation treatments in accordance with
the American Institute for Conservation's Code of Ethics and
Guidelines for Practice.  The Assistant Conservator duties will
include public relations and educational responsibilities such as
conservation studio tours; speaking to visiting groups; assisting
with workshops, seminars and lectures related to conservation;
responding to public inquiries; and training museum staff in
collections care.  He/she will also assist with the maintenance of
departmental records through accurate written and photographic
documentation.  The Andrew Mellon Foundation grant is committed to
encouraging diversity in the museum profession.  For more
information about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, please go to

    <URL:http://www.vmfa.museum>

Qualifications: Applicants must have a graduate degree from a
recognized art conservation training program, specializing in
objects plus considerable postgraduate experience or equivalent
experience, education, and training.  The successful candidate must
have a thorough knowledge of conservation principles and practices;
knowledge of analytical techniques frequently used in conservation
experience; and knowledge of safe methods of handling chemicals and
hazardous materials based on OSHA standards.    He/she must
demonstrate the ability to propose and perform treatments based on
an evaluation of the aesthetic, historic, and scientific
characteristics of a wide range of objects; the ability to document
treatments in written and photographic form; and skill in writing
clear, succinct and accurate condition and treatment reports and
proposals.  He/she must be proficient in operating photographic and
scientific equipment and conducting materials testing.  Frequent
domestic and/or international travel is likely required during the
tenure of the successful candidate.  Experience with word
processing, spreadsheets and database software is also required.
Familiarity with TMS (The Museum System) is desirable.  The selected
candidate will have the ability to work independently and in concert
with other museum co-workers and outside contractors.  The
successful candidate must be able to wear a respirator equipped with
organic vapor cartridges.  A security background check will be
required.

Hiring Range: The position is full-time and includes full state
benefits.  Salary will be determined based on qualifications and
experience.

To apply, log onto the Commonwealth of Virginia Online Employment
System at

    <URL:https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com>

and submit your application, letter of intent and resume.  The
position is open until filled.  Please contact the HR office at
804-340-1485 if you need assistance.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is accredited by the American
Association of Museums.  EOE/AA

The job posting can be found at:

    <URL:http://vmfa.museum/about/job-posting/assistant-sculpture-decorative-arts-conservator-african-art/>

Ainslie Harrison
Assistant Conservator
Sculpture and Decorative Arts Conservation
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
200 N. Boulevard
Richmond VA 23220-4007


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 30:5
                  Distributed: Saturday, June 18, 2016
                        Message Id: cdl-30-5-018
                                  ***