Description

Paper Conservator Westlake Art Conservation Center | Owasco, NY Full-Time

About Westlake Art Conservation Center

Westlake Art Conservation Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding the cultural heritage of Central New York and beyond through expert conservation treatment, research, and education. Founded in 1975 and recently relocated to a new 13,500-square-foot facility overlooking Owasco Lake, Weslake partners with museums, historical societies, libraries, and private collectors across the Northeast to preserve artworks and for future generations.

At Westlake, conservation is understood as a practice of care — rooted in listening, cultural understanding, and long-term responsibility. We value collaborative treatment planning, the integration of traditional and modern methods, and a deep commitment to public education and transparency. All conservation work is carried out in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.

Position Summary

Westlake seeks an Assistant or Associate Paper Conservator to join our paper lab as we grow our capacity and service offerings from our new Owasco Lake facility. This full-time position is well-suited to an early-career conservator with a minimum of 2 years of post-graduate professional experience who is eager to contribute to a mission-driven team in a dynamic, evolving organization.

Working collaboratively with the paper and paintings conservation staff, the Paper Conservator will carry out examination, documentation, and treatment of works on paper for private and institutional clients, while contributing to lab operations, professional development, and Westlake’s growing public engagement programs. 

Primary Responsibilities

Treatment & Collection Care

• Examine, analyze, and perform conservation treatments on a broad range of paper-based materials including but not limited to drawings, prints, photographs, manuscripts, maps, and archival documents in accordance with AIC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
• Prepare thorough written condition reports, treatment proposals, and post-treatment reports including all necessary photographic documentation.
• Contribute to preventive care recommendations for clients and incoming collections

Client & Project Communication

• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients regarding condition findings, treatment options, timelines, and project updates, consistent with Westlake’s commitment to transparency and collaborative treatment planning
• Assist in preparing estimates and project documentation in coordination with operations staff

Lab & Team Collaboration

• Work closely with paintings and paper conservators on cross-lab projects
• Assist with intake, handling, storage, and tracking of objects in the lab
• Contribute to lab organization, supply management, and equipment maintenance
• Engage in Westlake’s public education initiatives including workshops, seminars, and outreach programming as opportunities arise

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's degree from a recognized conservation training program, or the minimum equivalent of 3 years of experience performing hands on conservation treatment, with a specialization in works on paper
• A minimum of 2 years of professional conservation experience (including post-graduate internships and fellowships)
• Demonstrated proficiency in core paper conservation treatments (aqueous and non-aqueous washing, lining, mending, deacidification, humidification, and custom housing)
• Strong condition examination and written documentation skills
• Thorough knowledge of AIC ethical standards and conservation theory as applied to paper-based materials
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High attention to detail 

Preferred:

• At least 2 years of professional conservation experience (including post-graduate internships and fellowships).
• Experience with photographic materials, parchment, or archival collections
• Experience in a private practice, studio, or client-facing conservation setting
• Membership in good standing to AIC or other equivalent conservation organizations.
• Interest in public education, community outreach, or conservation advocacy
    

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range 50,000-65,000, commensurate with experience

Westlake offers health insurance, PTO, paid holidays, etc. This is an in-person position based at Westlake’s new facility in Owasco, NY.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, cv, and a portfolio of relevant treatment reports and a list of three references with associate contact information to [email protected]

Westlake is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Only persons with the legal right to work in the United States are eligible to apply. This position will remain open until it is filled.

Requirements

Required:

• Master's degree from a recognized conservation training program, or the minimum equivalent of 3 years of experience performing hands on conservation treatment, with a specialization in works on paper
• A minimum of 2 years of professional conservation experience (including post-graduate internships and fellowships)
• Demonstrated proficiency in core paper conservation treatments (aqueous and non-aqueous washing, lining, mending, deacidification, humidification, and custom housing)
• Strong condition examination and written documentation skills
• Thorough knowledge of AIC ethical standards and conservation theory as applied to paper-based materials
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High attention to detail 

Preferred:

• At least 2 years of professional conservation experience (including post-graduate internships and fellowships).
• Experience with photographic materials, parchment, or archival collections
• Experience in a private practice, studio, or client-facing conservation setting
• Membership in good standing to AIC or other equivalent conservation organizations.
• Interest in public education, community outreach, or conservation advocacy