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 Conservator at the Assistant/Associate level to join the 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 is to protect, conserve and maintain heritage objects from all cultures. The Centers provide examination, treatment, consultation, and related conservation services for member institutions and other non-profit organizations, and individuals in the Southeast and Northeast states. 

You would be joining a team of two objects/furniture conservators who work on a variety of objects, from historical collections to modern and contemporary works, encompassing decorative arts as well as large-scale sculptures/assemblages. The Assistant/Associate Conservator will work with clients across the northeast states. The selected candidate will also work alongside Williamstown’s 10 paper, paintings, objects, and furniture conservators in developing a cross-disciplinary, collaborative approach to the treatment and care of art and material culture. Technical analysis is supported by a state-of-the-art analytical lab at the Center. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with a diverse array of clients, including museums, academic institutions, and private collectors. Objects conservators at the Center complete treatments ranging from preventive conservation to extensive, in-depth conservation treatments.  

Outreachand professional development are integral to our mission as a regional center. The successful candidate will demonstrate an interest and previous experience in education and preservation outreach. Our conservators teach at the Williams College Graduate Program in the History of Art, provide mentorship to graduates and pre-program conservation interns, and host a variety of conservation workshops. Please see past issues of ourArt Conservatorpublicationto see what our community of conservators has been working on and the scope of projects that come through W+AACC.  

Duties of thisposition: 

• Design and carry out examination and conservation treatment on three-dimensional objects, including stone, organics, ceramics, glass, and modern materials.
• 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.
• Oversee and mentor interns and volunteers as needed.
• Represent W+AACC in meetings with other professionals, potential clients, and donors.  
   

Compensation + Benefits: 

• The starting salary for the assistant level is $56,000 and the starting salary for the associate level is $65,000+, 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 $1,000 and five research days are provided for workshops and conferences. Half of the cost of membership in the American Institute forConservationis also provided. 
   

To Apply send a letter of interest,a portfolio demonstrating three treatments that address the requirements of the position, and aCV to Lindsay Ryder, Department Head of Objects, at lryder@williamstownart.org.

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 Lindsay Ryder (lryder@williamstownart.org).   

Requirements

Applicant Requirements: 

• A Master’s degree in conservation is required along with 1-3 years of post-graduateconservationexperience, with a strong background in Objects Conservation.
• Follows the Code of Ethics established by the American Institute forConservation.
• Experience with integrating technical analysis to form treatment methodology.  
• Excellent communication and time management skills, an ability to balance multiple projects, and interact professionally with clients.
• Ability to work off-site on scaffolding indoors and out, stand for prolonged periods, and lift 40lbs.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license is strongly preferred.