Associate Conservator of Photographic Materials

About the role

The Philadelphia Museum of Art seeks an Associate Conservator of Photographs to join the paper conservation lab. Reporting to the Senior Conservator of Works of Art on Paper, the Conservator will handle a vast collection of over 35,000 photographic works, including early daguerreotypes, salted paper prints, and digital prints.

Responsibilities

• Examine, document, conduct research, and perform conservation treatment on a broad range of photographic materials
• Evaluate and document the condition of photographs requested for loan, exhibition, and acquisition consideration
• Collaborate with and advise colleagues across the museum on a range of preservation activities
• Engage professionally with colleagues and the museum community by publishing and presenting technical and historical research
• Serve as an integral member on a team of museum colleagues dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of time-based media in the collection
• Mentor and train junior conservation staff, post-graduate fellows, interns, and technicians
• Participate as a member of the Conservation Division in a range of institutional initiatives and functions

Requirements

• Graduate degree from a recognized Art Conservation training program, with a specialization in photographic materials and general training in the care and conservation of works of art on paper
• A minimum of 5 years professional experience beyond the degree in the study, preservation, and treatment of photographic materials
• Proven ability to plan and execute a variety of conservation treatments on photographs and other works of art on paper
• Experience collaborating with aligned professionals on the conservation of time-based media
• Demonstrated visual, manual, and scholarly aptitudes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Qualifications

• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods of time
• To utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job
• To perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space
• To access most public and staff areas of the museum campus

Skills

• Microfadometry analysis of photographs

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance
• Health savings or flexible spending account program
• Roth 403(b) retirement savings program with museum match
• Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

Pay

$72,000

Schedule

Full-Time, Exempt, 35 hours per week

Position and Compensation Details

This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit. It reports to The Charles K. Williams, II, Senior Conservator of Works of Art on Paper. Physical requirements include remaining stationary for extended periods, using computers and other office equipment, performing physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, and accessing most public and staff areas of the museum campus. Background check required after a conditional job offer is made.

Institutional Requirements

• Upholds the professional standards of the field
• Acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums
• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest
• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences
• Maintains confidentiality
• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies

What We Offer

• Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
• Discounted guest tickets for admission
• Discounts on gift memberships
• Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
• Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores