Associate Objects Conservator

Title: Associate Objects Conservator

State Role Title:VMFA Associate

Hiring Range: $70000

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Location:MAIN MUSEUM

Agency Website: Type: General Public - G

AboutVirginia Museum of Fine Arts:

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. VMFAs growing encyclopedic collection houses more than 50000 works of art spanning 6000 years of world history.

Our holdings include the largest public collection of Fabergé outside of Russia the finest collection of Art Nouveau outside of Paris and one of the nations finest collections of American art. VMFA is also home to important collections of Chinese art English silver French Impressionism Postimpressionism British sporting art and modern and contemporary art as well as renowned South Asian Himalayan and African art.

Recently named the 11th-best art museum in the United States by The Washington Post VMFA is the only US art museum open 365 days a year with free general admission.

VMFA is a state-supported privately endowed educational institution created for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is to collect preserveexhibit and interpret art to encourage the study of the arts and thus to enrich the lives of all.

Aboutthe Department

The Goode Center is a vibrant research treatment and training center dedicated to advancing the field of conservation art history and science through joint study with conservators curators scholars and scientists. Opened in 2010 the Goode Center is one of the largest conservation facilities in the southeast and is outfitted with advanced analytical and examination capabilities including hyperspectral infrared and multiband imaging scanning and portable x-ray fluorescence FT-IR microfade testing polarized light microscopy and computed x-radiography.

PositionOverview:

The primary objective of this position is the conservation and preservation of materials within the collection of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts that fall under the purview of Sculpture and Decorative Arts Conservation including sculpture furniture decorative arts textiles time-based media and a variety of other three-dimensional objects. Working collaboratively within the Conservation Department and across the museum this position carries out conservation examination documentation treatment preventive conservation activities technical analysis and conservation research. The Associate Objects Conservator will employ the highest conservation standards and ethics in order to preserve the integrity as well as the aesthetic and historic significance of each work while meeting the programmatic needs of the museum. They will work in collaboration with other conservation specialists as needed and advise on maintenance and preventive care of the collection including environmental control storage packing handling and requirements for exhibition. The Associate Objects Conservator will also have public engagement and educational responsibilities such as leading laboratory tours speaking to visiting groups responding to public inquiries presenting conservation projects and activities to museum visitors and supervising fellows and interns. National and international travel may be required for various activities of this position including research conferences workshops teaching opportunities and/or support for exhibitions loans and new acquisitions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Employ the highest conservation standards and ethics in order to preserve the integrity as well as the aesthetic and historic significance of each work while meeting the programmatic needs of the museum.
• Work in collaboration with other conservation specialists as needed and advise on maintenance and preventive care of the collection including environmental control storage packing handling and requirements for exhibition.
• Will have public engagement and educational responsibilities such as leading laboratory tours speaking to visiting groups responding to public inquiries presenting conservation projects and activities to museum visitors and supervising fellows and interns.
• National and international travel may be required for various activities of this position including research conferences workshops teaching opportunities and/or support for exhibitions loans and new acquisitions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge skillsabilitiesand competencies typically obtained through the completion of aGraduateLevel academic curriculum in Art Conservation.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an object conservator including experience working in objects conservation at a Fine Arts Museum.

• Knowledge of currently acceptable conservation methods for treatment of a wide variety of materials including modern materials furniture decorative arts and sculpture
• Knowledge of art history and historic methods of fabrication for a wide range of object types
• Demonstrated ability to perform historic and materials research.
• Demonstrated ability to perform condition assessments develop conservation treatment proposals and execute treatments to a high degree of competency and efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to convey information in a clear succinct and accurate manner.
• Demonstrated ability to perform analytical and examination techniques frequently used in conservation and experience in interpreting test results.
• Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and collaboratively with others and to be professional diplomatic and discreet.
• Experience with common computer software programs.
• Knowledge of safe methods for handling chemicals and hazardous materials based onOSHAstandards.
• Ability to wear a respirator.

Additional Considerations:

Experience with the conservation and documentation of furniture and time-based media artworks preferred.

Benefits:
TheCommonwealth of Virginia offers a comprehensive total compensation packagethatincludeshealth benefits paid leave and flexible work schedules. The following benefits are available to classified employees:
Vacation and Other Leave
12 Paid Holidays
Health Benefits
Sickness and Disability Program
Deferred Compensation with Cash Match
Group Optional Life and Long-term Care Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Wellness Program
Retirement Plans
State Employee Resources
Agency-specific benefits such ascomplementary exhibition tickets anddiscounts on VMFA memberships dining shoppingclasses & programs and more.

Additional information relating to the benefits available to eligibleCommonwealth of Virginiaemployees can be found online at: Information

This role is afaculty appointment exempt from the Virginia Personnel Act.

This is an exempt position under the FLSA.

Special Instructions:

Please provide a CV and cover letter with three professional references including their full name phone number and email address. References should be able to speak to your qualifications for the position and may be included in your resume or cover letter or attached separately in the portals other field.

You will be providedwith confirmationof receipt when your application and/or résumé issubmittedsuccessfully. Please refer to Your Application in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

VMFA isaVirginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer. Diverse and inclusive hiring practices are at the heart of what we do at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Contact Information

For the most up-to-date status of your application please refer to .

Name:VMFA Human Resources Department

Email: recruitment-related questions.

Phone: We do not provide application status updates via phone.

All applicants mustsubmitan online application. This position will close at 11:55 pmESTon the designated closing date listed at the top of this posting on applications resumes or cover letters will not be accepted.

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment new hires arerequiredto complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United Museum of Fine Artsuses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

In support of the Commonwealths commitment to inclusion we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation if applicable to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at .

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1 2022- February 29 2024 can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.