Description

The Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Center (W+AACC) seeks a paintings conservator at the Associate or Assistant level to join our team at our Atlanta Art Conservation Center in Atlanta, Georgia. 

The Williamstown + Atlanta Centers are nonprofit regional conservation centers that provide conservation expertise and treatment for collections belonging to 57 member institutions, nonprofit, corporate, and private stewards in the Southeast and Northeast regions. Our Atlanta Center is located in the facilities of the High Museum of Art in Chamblee. 

You would be joining a team with one other paintings conservator to work on paintings that vary widely in age, style, and size. Local collections prominently feature artwork by 20th century African American artists, but the Atlanta Center also regularly treats Old Master paintings, murals, and contemporary art. The selected candidate will also work with Atlanta’s paper and objects conservators and technicians and Williamstown’s nine paper, paintings, and objects conservators in developing a cross-disciplinary, collaborative approach to treatment and care of art and material culture. Work is supported by a conservation analytical lab in Williamstown and close relationships with key academic departments to integrate technical analysis into conservation methodology. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with museums, academic institutions, private collectors, and the public. Paintings conservators at the Atlanta Center regularly perform structural work (i.e., lining, relining, tear repair), surface cleaning, varnish removal, filling, and retouching. 

Outreach and professional development are integral to our mission as a regional center. The successful candidate will demonstrate an interest and experience in education and preservation outreach. Please see past issues of our Art 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 a wide range of paintings.
• Design and perform collection surveys, institutional assessments, and consultations.
• Complete work each day toward W+AACC projects. 
• Perform onsite work which may involve examinations, treatments, and consulting.
• Collaborate with other conservation and collections professionals in developing and performing treatments and preventive care activities.
• Conduct research to understand objects and support recommended treatment protocols.
• Communicate with stewards regarding projects, in concert with administrative staff.
• Manage and oversee subcontractors as needed.
• Participate in interdepartmental projects.
• Interact professionally with a broad range of people concerning conservation and preservation, both in person, over the phone, and via electronic communications.
• Actively participate in W+AACC’s education programs and tours; participate in planning and implementing a new regional collection care outreach program.
• Work with colleagues in other specializations and oversee interns and volunteers as needed.
• Represent W+AACC in meetings with other professionals, potential clients, and donors. 
•  Remain current with theoretical discourse, best practice, and innovation in the field.

Applicant Requirements:

• A Master’s degree in conservation is preferred but equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• 1-5+ years of post-graduate conservation experience. 
• Active membership in the American Institute for Conservation.
• Demonstrated versatility in performance of techniques and materials used in conservation.
• Experience with structural repair.
• Experience with the use of aqueous and solvent-based surface cleaning techniques.
• Experience with integrating technical analysis into treatment methodologies. 
• Excellent communication, time management, and interactive skills for frequent collaboration on projects with other departments and member professionals.
• Ability to travel to onsite projects in the surrounding region and beyond, as required. 
• Ability to work on scaffolding indoors and out, stand for prolonged periods, lift 40lbs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Possess existing credentials permitting legal work in the United States. 

Compensation + Benefits:

• The starting salary for the assistant level is $53,000. The starting salary for the associate level is $57,000. The salary offered will be based on 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 $1,000 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 a CV to Jamie Cassavoy at jcassavoy@williamstownart.org. 

Applications are requested as soon as possible. Interviews will begin as qualified applications are received. The position will remain open until filled.

Inquiries regarding the position can be directed to Amanda Kasman at akasman@willaimstownart.org.