Objects Conservator Position at the Detroit Institute of Arts The Detroit Institute of Arts seeks applicants for the position of Objects Conservator to care for the DIA's outstanding collection, among the top six in the United States, constituting a multicultural and multinational survey of human creativity from prehistory through the 21st century.
General Description: The Objects Conservator heads the Objects Conservation Laboratory and manages the planning and implementation of all activities associated with the care and preservation of the DIA's encyclopedic 3-D collections. Core functions include object examination and treatment, technical research, vetting acquisitions, exhibition and gallery installations, loan processing, public outreach, fundraising and museum-wide preservation initiatives. All activities are carried out in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Within department, the Objects Conservator works closely with the Conservation Imaging Specialist, the Mellon Conservation Scientist, the Mount Designer and Fabricator, and supervises staff, contractors and volunteers to implement core functions. In addition, the Objects Conservator collaborates with departments across the museum including Curatorial, Learning and Audience Engagement, Registrars, Collections Management, Exhibitions and Design, Collections Information, IT, PR and Marketing, and Development to achieve departmental and museum-wide strategic goals. The Objects Conservator reports to the Director of Conservation. Essential Functions: * Manages the Objects Conservation Laboratory determining priorities and goals, scheduling, and annual budget * Maintains the laboratory including researching and ordering supplies, chemicals and equipment * Supervises and instructs students, interns, volunteers, and staff in the handling, care, and treatment of objects as required * Carries out examination and technical research on artworks providing documentation of structure and condition through written reports and photographic documentation * Conducts conservation treatments on objects in adherence with the American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice * Initiates and manages contracts for the treatment of DIA artworks by outside contractors * Participates in the planning and installation of permanent collection galleries and special exhibitions providing guidelines for environmental conditions, handling and mounting of objects * Assesses, prepares, writes condition reports, and oversees packing of incoming and outgoing loans * Acts as a courier, accompanying DIA artworks to and from borrowing venues world-wide * Monitors environmental conditions and maintenance of 3-D artworks in the galleries and in storage * Participates in public outreach and advocacy through lectures, tours, digital media, and print that support the museum's Tri-County and Statewide strategic goals * Collaborates with Development in fundraising activities including donor cultivation, endowment-building, and in-kind relationships with tech, industry, and university partners * Participates in the improvement of department and museum-wide processes, procedures, and communication Knowledge, Skills and Abilities to Perform Essential Functions * Master's degree in art conservation from a recognized conservation training program with a specialty in objects * Minimum 5-10 years post-training experience treating a diverse range of 3-D materials * Managerial and supervisory experience in a museum conservation laboratory or similar setting, preferred * Record of professional activities including publications, conference presentations, continuing education, outreach and advocacy * Comprehensive understanding of museum care and preservation, essential to the role of the Conservation Department in gallery display and storage environments * Knowledge of artistic materials and techniques * Excellent verbal and written communication skills * Experience with Windows Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and TMS (The Museum System) * Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues within the Conservation Department and from other departments throughout the museum The position is full-time with excellent benefits and compensation is commensurate with experience. Interested candidates must submit an application, including a letter of interest and resume, online at www.dia.org. The closing deadline for application is December 15, 2017. This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor's ability to modify work assignments as appropriate. John Steele Vice President Exhibition, Collection and Information Strategies Director of Conservation [email protected] 313-833-1269 ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
