Assistant Preventive and Objects Conservator
Assistant Preventive and Objects Conservator
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Job Description
Department: Conservation
Reports to: John L. and Susan K. Gardner Director of Conservation
Classification: Exempt full-time with benefits
Salary range: $60000-$66000 depending on experience
This is an onsite Boston-based position. Local candidates strongly preferred. No agencies please.
Only applications with a cover letter will be considered.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Core Values
Isabella Stewart Gardner believed that art had the power to change lives and she built a beautiful personal and immersive Museum setting to do so. Today the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM) is a living embodiment of her bold vision; its a dynamic place where ideas and creativity in all its forms inspire visitors. Through exhibitions music programs and performances we strive to tell new stories and challenge assumptions by engaging diverse voices and communities.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum seeks to connect past with present develop and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships with our local communities and artists expand and diversify our audiences and generate opportunities for creativity. We are firmly committed to creating both an inclusive work culture and a welcoming visitor experience. Our five-year strategic plan outlines the Museums core values goals and initiatives that serve as a renewal of Isabellas promise for the Museum to be a place for the education and enjoyment of the public forever.
Position Summary
The Assistant Preventive and Objects Conservator will join the Conservation team charged with preserving and protecting the rich collection of paintings sculptures textiles furniture manuscripts decorative arts architectural features rare books and archival materials at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. In addition the Conservation team is tasked with the challenges of adhering to Gardners specific legacy that requires the Museum to exhibit the collection permanently according to its arrangement upon her death while optimizing the experience for the Museums visitors.
The Assistant Preventive and Objects Conservator works closely with the Conservation Exhibitions and Collections teams to care for the collection and historic spaces under these unique circumstances. The Assistant Preventive and Objects Conservator will be responsible for managing and maintaining the Museums preventive conservation plan. They support the dynamic and award-winning Exhibition program participating in planning preparing and installing three shows per year. The Assistant Preventive and Objects Conservator will also conduct treatment and research on objects that are part of the permanent collection. Additionally they are an advocate for the collection in working with Museum staff and outside contractors on planning programs and activities in the Museum galleries.
Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Conservation team on the overall preservation of the collection. Working cross-departmentally manage the Museums preventive conservation program for the historic galleries storage and temporary exhibition spaces including environmental and physical protections integrated pest management and materials testing.
- Represent the Conservation department in exhibition planning meetings and participate in installations including carrying out or delegating related treatment consulting on mounts and frames and conditioning incoming and outgoing loans. Accompany artworks as a courier when needed.
- Perform conservation examinations treatments and documentation of objects in the Museums collection according to the best practices.
- Conduct technical research relevant to the collection and publish and present findings in print publications for the Museums online blog and at national and international conferences.
- Act as the Conservation representative in operational planning meetings for programs tours events filming and other public-facing activities in the galleries.
- Collaborate with the Objects Conservator to hire and train Collections Maintenance Technicians (CMTs) and coordinate the CMT schedule with Museum operations.
- Stay current with professional procedures practices and philosophies in the conservation field through membership in professional organizations publications and attendance at meetings workshops and seminars.
- Work with and provide content for Collections Marketing Education and other Museum departments. Regularly contributes to other areas of creativity and collaboration at the Museum.
- Maintain a commitment to advancing the Museums diversity equity accessibility and inclusion goals as well asenvironmental sustainability goals.
- Practice and promote the Guidelines for Practice and Code of Ethics as established by the American Institute for Conservation.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- MA or MS in Art Conservation from a recognized conservation training program. Major or minor in Preventive Objects and/or Furniture Conservation preferred.
- Minimum 2 years of additional conservation experience including time as an intern or fellow preferably in a museum setting.
- General knowledge of and experience with preventive conservation practices including climate control lighting pest management and materials testing.
- Demonstrated experience with treatment of a variety of objects with a high level of manual and technical skills and understanding of scientific analysis.
- Commitment to the Museums Strategic Plan to supporting emerging conservation professionals and a commitment to sustainable practices and climate preservation.
- Excellent computer skills including Google Workspace and image editing and management. High level of proficiency using Adobe PhotoShop and collections database software preferred.
- Excellent communication writing interpersonal project management and leadership skills.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to work while standing. Ability to climb and work on a ladder and scaffolding.
- Ability to travel as required.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States.
- Satisfactory background check.
COVID-19 Protocols
All employees of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are required to provide their COVID-19 vaccination status. If you are not vaccinated you will need to participate in an interactive process to request a religious or medical accommodation and to submit weekly test results in addition to following other federal state and CDC recommendations.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Museum is committed to affording equal opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of race color religion age (40 or older) disability national origin sex gender identity sexual orientation genetic information pregnancy childbirth or related conditions ancestry or status as a veteran. Consistent with our core values and our founders legacy the Museum is dedicated to building a work community that fosters collaboration excellence belonging and a diversity of perspectives and experience.
Request an Accommodation
Applicants with disabilities who are unable to access ISGMs online application system fully may contact us at for assistance with a reasonable accommodation.
Employment Type
Full-Time
