Description

We are expanding! Join our team as we grow to meet the increased needs of our New England regional center in Williamstown, Massachusetts. 

The Williamstown + Atlanta ArtConservationCenter(W+AACC) seeks an objects/furniture conservator at the Assistant level to join our team at our Williamstown Center. We accept applicants regardless of their race, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, or protected class.  

The Williamstown + Atlanta Centers are nonprofit regional conservation centers whose mission statement is to protect, conserve and maintain heritage objects from all cultures; to provide examination, treatment, consultation, and related conservation services for member institutions and other non-profit organizations, corporations, and individuals in the South and Northeastern states.  

The successful candidate will be centered in the Elizabeth H. Burrows Furniture and Frame lab.  In addition to picture frames and other wooden and gilded objects, they would also be responsible for the evaluation and treatment of a variety of objects from historical collections, modern, and contemporary works.  Potential objects also encompass decorative arts as well as large-scale sculptures/assemblages.

The Assistant Conservator will work with clients across the northeastern states. The selected candidate will also work with Williamstown’s nine paper, paintings, and objects conservators in developing a cross-disciplinary, collaborative approach to treatment and care of art and material culture.  

Technical analysis is supported by an analytical lab at the Center and close relationships with neighboring colleges. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with museums, academic institutions, private collectors, and the public.  The candidate for this position would regularly complete treatments ranging from preventive conservation and onsite condition surveys to extensive, in-depth conservation treatments.

Outreach and professional development are also integral to our mission as a regional center. The successful candidate will demonstrate an interest and experience in education and preservation outreach. Our conservators teach in the graduate art history department at Williams College, provide mentorship to our graduates and pre-program conservation interns, and host a variety of conservation workshops. Please see past issues of ou rArt Conservator publication to see what our community of conservators has been working on and the scope of projects that come through W+AACC.  

Duties of this position: 

• Design and carry out examination and conservation treatment on three-dimensional objects, specifically wooden artifacts, picture frames, and furniture.   
• Travel across the Northeast to design and perform collection surveys, institutional assessments, consultations, and treatments. 
• Conduct research to understand objects and support recommended treatment protocols, including interdepartmental projects. This includes remaining current with theoretical discourse, best practices, and innovation in the field.  
  Manage and oversee subcontractors as needed. 
• Oversee and mentor interns and volunteers as needed. 
• Represent W+AACC in meetings with other professionals, potential clients, and donors.

Applicant Requirements: 

• A Master’s degree in Objects conservation is required and 1-3 years of post-graduate conservation experience, preferably focused on furniture and frames, or other wooden and gilded Objects. 
• Follows the Code of Ethics established by the American Institute for Conservation. 
• Experience with integrating technical analysis to form treatment methodology. 
• Excellent communication, time management, an ability to balance multiple projects, and communicate professionally with colleagues and clients.  
• Orientation toward a positive team-based environment. 
• Ability to work off-site on scaffolding indoors and out, stand for prolonged periods, and lift 40lbs. 
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Strong woodworking or furniture making background a plus.

Compensation + Benefits: 

• The starting salary for the assistant level is $56,000+, commensurate with experience.  
• An excellent benefits package is offered including health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 403b with 5% employer match, holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time off. 
• A professional development allowance of $1,500 and five research days are provided for workshops and conferences. Half of the cost of membership in the American Institute for Conservation is also provided. 

To Apply send a letter of interest,a portfolio demonstrating three treatments that address the requirements of the position, and aCV to Christine Puza, Senior Furniture + Frames Conservator and Department Head, at [email protected] and Lindsay Ryder, Objects Conservator and Department Head, at [email protected]. 

Applications are requested as soon as possible. Interviews will begin as qualified applications are received. The position will remain open until filled.Applications will only be considered by candidates possessing legal documentation to work in the United States (i.e. visa). Inquiries should be directed to Christine Puza, [email protected].