Job Announcement: Metropolitan Museum of Art

[Mary Ballard <BallardM@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

CONSERVATOR-IN-CHARGE
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
Department of Textile Conservation

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world's finest museums, seeks an accomplished professional to act as the Conservator-in-Charge of the Department of Textile Conservation, one of four principal conservation departments (Object Conservation, Paintings Conservation, Paper Conservation, and Textile Conservation), and to be responsible for the preservation and technological examination of textiles from the following curatorial departments: American Art, Ancient Near Eastern Art; Arms and Armor, Asian Art, Egyptian Art; European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, Greek and Roman Art; Islamic Art, The Robert Lehman Collection, Medieval Art and The Cloisters, Nineteenth-Century, Modern and Contemporary Art and Musical Instruments.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:
The Conservator-in-Charge is expected to work closely with the curatorial departments to identify the conservation needs of their collections, to establish priorities for treatment, preservation, and technological study of the works of art. The department head will guide the work of 13 conservators, part-time staff members, fellows, interns, and volunteers. The department head is expected to work closely with the staff of the Antonio Ratti Textile Center and with the Department of Scientific Research. He or she will be involved in the establishment and review of policies relating to re-installations, new construction projects, exhibitions, storage and loans. He or she will be responsible for the management of the department, including staffing, project allocation, professional development, and the operating budgets. The applicant will participate in the entire range of departmental activities.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:
Masters degree in art history, archaeology, conservation or other related field with an emphasis on the examination and treatment of textiles. At least ten years experience in textile conservation with some museum experience, a demonstrated capacity for conservation treatment, and for independent research and publications relating to the preservation and technology of works of art. The successful candidate will have a broad understanding of modern conservation practice and its integration with the historical study of art objects. Proficiency in laboratory methods and familiarity with analytical instrumentation. A demonstrated ability to establish conservation standards, manage a staff of professional conservators, allocate staff time and resources, prepare and control budgets, and communicate with professionals within and outside the field.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1, 2004

Salary depends upon the applicant's background and experience. The position is full-time with full museum benefits. Send letter of application and curriculum vitae to:

E-mail: employoppty@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Human Resources Dept, Mailbox MW-CIC
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028
Fax: 212-396-5039
Equal Opportunity Employer