Assistant/Associate Project Conservator

JOB DESCRIPTION: Project Conservator 

                                    Grade J or K

REPORTS TO: Head of Conservation 

SUPERVISES: no one

SPECIFICATIONS:Degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent and a minimum of 2-6 years experience in object conservation is required.  Experience working independently on high volume treatments preferred. The position is full-time with benefits for a 2-year term. Compensation ranges from $40,000 - $55,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

JOB PURPOSE: The Saint Louis Art Museum seeks a collegial, collaborative, and energetic object conservator to join its dynamic conservation team. As part of its strategic plan, the Museum, is launching a collection storage improvement initiative that is planned for a two-year period, 2019-2020. The initiative will include treatment of collection works identified as both curatorially important and in immediate need of treatment during the collection survey conducted from 2016 to 2018. In addition to treatment, the initiative includes improvement of storage containers and housing of collection objects. Currently, there are approximately 300 collection objects that fit the project criteria, ranging in type from archeological to contemporary. Treatment of the identified objects is expected to encompass batch and individualized stabilization treatment methods with 85% having corrosion issues,14% having structural issues, and 1% having other more specific issues. While the treatment time for individual objects varies, the estimated treatment time for the objects is 2000 hours for an assistant or associate level conservator.

DUTIES, WORK PERFORMED:

Periodically examine and appraise physical condition of the Museum's permanent collections:

• Assess object deterioration and reconcile with collection survey documentation.
• Design and carry out conservation treatments in consultation with the Associate Object Conservator or Head of Conservation.
• Provide written and photographic documentation to record condition of objects, treatments proposed, and   treatments performed.
• Ensure all object condition, treatment, and handling documentation is entered into the Museum’s collection database (TMS).
• Advise and work collaboratively with the Project Preparator and Head Preparator on the design, fabrication, and fitting of storage containers for long term storage of stabilized collection objects.

SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: None

The above statements of this job description describe the general duties and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They do not claim to describe all of the functions of this position. Employees may be assigned other duties and the essential functions may change or be changed from time to time. 

Applicants should apply through the Museum’s website – www.slam.org. Additional questions regarding the position or the collection should be directed to the Head of Conservation – hugh.shockey@slam.org. Applications submitted on or before January 25^th will receive priority consideration.

The Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience, without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.