Assistant/Associate Musical Instruments Conservator

About the role

The Morris Steinert Collection of Musical Instruments at Yale University is seeking an Assistant/Associate Conservator of Musical Instruments. This is a full-time, 2-year fixed-term position with the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities

• Condition assess and treat three-dimensional objects of a variety of materials in preparation for a comprehensive redevelopment of its galleries.
• Plan, document, and perform complex item-level conservation object treatments both preventive and interventive.
• Complete materials analysis as necessary, including the identification of materials, which may be included in the online catalogue.
• Assist the Collections team and contractors in safe handling, mounting, installation and de-installation of objects.
• Work closely with the Curator and other museum team members to manage and maintain the collection, assist with exhibition planning and research, catalog and document new acquisitions, contribute to and assist in the maintenance of the collection database, and draft and implement policies and procedures that relate to collections care, access, and risk management.
• Oversee proper storage and preservation of the collection, including environmental monitoring, integrated pest management (IPM), object movement tracking, loans, and conducting a general conditions assessment.
• Benefit from working in an active, shared conservation lab at Yale’s Collection Studies Center in dialogue with curators, conservators and conservation scientists from Yale’s other museums and collections and its Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, art handlers, exhibitions staff, registrars, educators, students, and the large conservation community at Yale.
• Work closely with the Conservation Department of the Yale University Art Gallery; though reporting to the Curator the incumbent will become an active partner of a dynamic and supportive conservation department at Yale West Campus that includes conservators working in different fields of specialization: paintings, objects, furniture, works on paper, and textiles.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Art, Museum and/or Library/Archives Conservation, Materials Science, or related field and four years of conservation experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in a museum environment and knowledge of museum conservation practice; a specialization in musical instruments and proficiency with regulation and maintenance of functional keyboards is highly desirable.
• Two years of experience for the assistant level or five to seven years of experience for associate level.
• Knowledge of preventive conservation methods and practices and familiarity with analytical equipment.

Qualifications

• Self-directed with the ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated accuracy and strong attention to detail and excellent observational skills and critical thinking.
• Superior organizational skills and time management.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple tasks and meet demanding deadlines among conflicting priorities.
• Positive attitude that supports the department's goals.
• Proven ability to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment and to be a team player in active project, office and laboratory environments.
• Superior technical skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and Adobe Photoshop.
• Ability and willingness to become proficient with The Museum System (TMS) database and TMS Conservation Studio.