Conservator of Objects

Job Qualifications

A master’s degree in art conservation, or equivalent, is required with a minimum of ten years’ experience in object conservation.

Knowledge of, and willingness to abide by, the American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice is essential.

• Excellent hand skills and knowledge of current conservation treatment practices.
• Experience with digital and technical imaging for conservation documentation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others as well as to work independently on treatments.
• Capacity to manage deadlines.
• Experience with collections management databases, especially Gallery System’s, The Museum System (TMS), is highly desirable.

Must be able to perform work duties and have transportation to the three campuses of the Barnes Foundation including the conservation laboratory in Merion (site of former Barnes Foundation Gallery), and the Barnes Foundation and Calder Gardens both situated on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.

Clearances

Criminal Background - National

Physical Activities to Perform - Essential Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Moving - Approximately 50%+ of worked time is spent standing or moving around the work area.
• Transportation - Occasional transport of up to 25 lbs. of files, equipment or supplies.
• Accessibility - Access to files, equipment or supplies.

Job Responsibilities

Performs examination and treatment of collection materials within the specialty field of objects conservation.

Performs technical studies to evaluate the materials and techniques used by an artist, maker, or school as necessary and/or as requested in collaboration with the conservation, curatorial, and research staff as well as external constituents.

• Writes and photographs documentation of treatments including examination or condition reports, treatment proposals, and treatment documentation; writes digital images taken for treatment documentation and collaborates with the Senior Conservation Coordinator for attachment to the collections management database, TMS.
• Prepares incoming and outgoing condition reports for the transfer of the Barnes Foundation collection to offsite storage and/or between campuses for purposes of conservation, storage, or other scholarly activities.
• Participates in the loan and exhibition programs and prepares condition reports for loans of Barnes collection materials, temporary exhibition loan materials, makes recommendations for packing, and participates in courier responsibilities.
• Consults on display, installation, and mount making for borrowed objects with lending institutions and consults internally with conservation, preparation, and curatorial staff for Barnes Foundation materials.
• Maintains artwork installed at Calder Gardens, and collaborates across departments for its care with a focus on preventive conservation.
• Manages chemical hygiene and safety protocols for the Merion conservation laboratory.
• Assists in the ongoing training of Barnes Foundation collections staff, contract conservation staff, and interns on the basics of conservation and art handling; participates in presentations and conservation tours for staff, students, docents, donors, or other public constituents of the Barnes Foundation, as requested.
• Delivers research papers at professional meetings and/or publishes in professional journals as departmental funding and time permits.
• As a team member of the conservation department, assists in the research, maintenance, and ordering of supplies and equipment in the conservation department.
• Maintains a safe and professional workspace.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Organization-Wide Competencies

• Accountability: Prepares for work assignments and meetings, Conducts thorough fact-finding, decision-making and/or follow through, Admits mistakes and errors and informs others when one is not able to meet a commitment.
• Job Quality: Dependably demonstrates job knowledge necessary for the position, Produces timely, accurate, high quality work output, Prioritizes work responsibilities effectively and produces work quantity expected for the role.
• Service: Identifies problems and collaborate with others to devise and create effective solutions. Interacts and communicates with fellow employees in a manner that promotes a harmonious and cooperative working environment in accordance with our Core Values. Facilitates open communication and keeps an open mind about new ideas.
• Leadership: Sets a good example for others, Demonstrates ethical decision-making and communication, Makes decisions. Uses a solution-oriented, collaborative approach.
• Collaboration: Seeks win-win outcomes in decision-making, Shows a proactive, inclusive, helpful, and respectful attitude to colleagues, guests and others, Takes initiative to contribute to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives.