Special Projects Conservator, PT

About the Role

The Special Projects Conservator is a project-based, on-call position that will assist with ongoing painting and frame loan treatment projects with an emphasis on the examination, documentation, and stabilization treatment of paintings and frames in the Barnes Foundation collection. The position reports to the Senior Director of Conservation and Chief Conservator of Paintings.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in art conservation, or equivalent, with a minimum of seven years’ experience in conservation
• Knowledge of, and willingness to abide by, the American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice
• Excellent hand skills and knowledge of current conservation treatment practices
• Experience with digital 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), highly desirable

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the examination and treatment of collection paintings and frames on a project basis in preparation for outgoing loans, in consultation with the Senior Director of Conservation
• Responsible for written and photographic documentation of treatments including condition reports, treatment proposals, and treatment documentation
• Responsible for digital images taken for treatment documentation and collaboration with the Senior Conservation Coordinator for attachment to the collections management database, TMS
• Maintains a safe and professional workspace
• Performs other duties as requested

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Must be able to perform work duties onsite in the conservation laboratory of the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia
• Moving: Approximately 25%+ of worked time is spent standing or moving around the work area; ability to occasionally transport up to 25 lbs. of files, equipment or supplies; ability to move to access files, equipment or supplies
• Vision: Requires the visual ability to see and ascertain the condition of collection objects; visual ability to use a computer, stereo-binocular microscope, and a digital camera
• Communication: Clearly communicate in person, by phone, and by video conference; communicate with others in conversational and written English
• Working Conditions: Position operates in the foundation’s buildings and on the foundation’s grounds at the Philadelphia campus; position will require limited chemical use and may encounter dust

Organizational 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 collaborates 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