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SalaryAssistant Conservator, Photographs
Conservation and Science
The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.
We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
- Generous paid time off
- Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
- Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
- Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
- Great employee discounts
- Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions
ABOUT THE POSITION
Reporting to the Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation and with varying degrees of supervision, carries out examination, research and treatment of objects in the permanent collection, providing ongoing care to photographic works of art in the museum collections. Conducts in-depth studies and publishes on artists’ technique and on methods and materials used in the making or caring of works of art. Assists with preparation, installation, and documentation of exhibitions and loans, and serves as a courier with artwork as needed. Assists with collection care and preventive conservation processes. Is committed to and actively engaged in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Treatment and Collection Care
Prepares treatment proposals in consultation with the Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation and specialty conservators. Executes conservation treatments with supervision.
Determines and documents an object’s condition, including technical imaging and material analysis when possible.
Contributes to activities related to preventative care of photographs in the galleries and in storage.
Responds to emergencies that occur in galleries or storage areas as requested.
Exhibitions, Loans, and Acquisitions
With varying degrees of supervision, carries out examinations on photographs as they enter and leave the museum for loans, and prepares and shares related documentation.
With varying levels of supervision, is responsible for review of works under consideration for purchase and preparation of relevant documentation.
As assigned by supervisor, manages the conservation requirements for exhibitions, including condition reporting and minor treatment, and ensuring that environmental requirements of lenders are met.
Serves as a courier (virtual or in person) for artwork if needed.
Conservation records
Maintains all conservation documentation pertaining to the collection in the department’s files and shares copies in the museum's collection management database and digital asset management system in accordance with the highest archival and digital preservation standards.
Materials and Supplies
Contributes to lab maintenance and safety, researches and orders supplies in consultation with the Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation and the Administrative Coordinator for Conservation and Science.
Collaboration
Maintains clear communication with colleagues about ongoing priorities, goals, and projects.
Supports the museum in its commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable institution; treats colleagues and visitors fairly and respectfully, recognizing the value that diverse backgrounds and perspectives bring to our organization.
Research
Conducts research and publishes on technique, conservation and on methods and materials of photographic works of art.
Performs basic technical analysis after training and conducts advanced scientific investigation in partnership with the museum’s conservation scientists.
Communication, professional development and dissemination
Keeps up to date with the newest technologies and seeks ways of applying them to the conservation of Art Institute collections.
Travels to attend conferences and workshops, presents papers and confers with colleagues.
Publishes results of research projects in Museum publications, social media, and journals aimed at both professional and general audiences.
With supervision, corresponds with professionals with regard to research, answers inquiries of a technical nature, in-house and outside the institution. Answers public inquiries by phone and mail as necessary. Conducts studio tours and lectures.
Training and Mentorship
May occasionally be asked to supervise fellows, interns, and volunteers as needed.
May be asked by supervisor to participate in the training and supervision of art handlers, photographers and other specialists in all aspects of their work with objects and equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree from a recognized conservation-training program with preferably two years of post-graduate experience or commensurate qualification and experience.
Proven expertise in the treatment of photographs.
Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated by written reports, publications, presentations and/or social media presence.
Must be able to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines and be proficient at project prioritization.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in a staff culture that benefits from a wide range of experience, backgrounds, and career paths, and we encourage nontraditional candidates to apply.
Qualifications
- Graduate of a recognized conservation training program or commensurate experience.
- Minimum of 2 years of post-graduate experience preferred.
- Proven expertise in the treatment and preservation of photographs.
- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated by a track record of publications and presentations.
- Must be proficient at project prioritization and value collaboration.
Application should include a cover letter, CV, and the name of 3 references.
The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Salary Grade 7
Benefits
We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
- Generous paid time off
- Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
- Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
- Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
- Great employee discounts
- Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions
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