Assistant Preventive and Objects Conservator Position Available In Suffolk, Massachusetts

Assistant Preventive and Objects Conservator Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – 4.2 Boston, MA Job Details Full-time $60,000 – $66,000 a year 11 hours ago Qualifications Adobe Photoshop Management Writing skills Mid-level Master’s degree Analysis skills Project management Computer skills

Leadership Editing Full Job Description Description:

Department:

Conservation Reports to: John L. and Susan K.

Gardner Director of Conservation Classification:

Exempt, full-time with benefits Salary range: $60,000-$66,000 depending on experience This is an onsite, Boston-based position. Local candidates strongly preferred. No agencies, please. Please submit a cover letter with your application. 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; it’s 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 Museum’s core values, goals, and initiatives that serve as a renewal of Isabella’s 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 Gardner’s specific legacy that requires the Museum to exhibit the collection permanently according to its arrangement upon her death, while optimizing the experience for the Museum’s 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 Museum’s 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.

Requirements:

Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities Collaborate with the Conservation team on the overall preservation of the collection. Working cross-departmentally, manage the Museum’s 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 Museum’s collection according to the best practices. Conduct technical research relevant to the collection and publish and present findings in print publications, for the Museum’s 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 Museum’s diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion goals as well as environmental 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 Museum’s 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 founder’s 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 ISGM’s online application system fully may contact us at for assistance with a reasonable accommodation.