VANCOUVER ART GALLERY ASSOCIATION 1 FULL-TIME POSITION AVAILABLE CONSERVATOR
DUTIES: Reporting to the Director of Operations & Museum Services, the Conservator is responsible for the overall design and administration of the conservation program with regards to all works of art of the Vancouver Art Gallery, including works on loan. He/she supervises the work of staff/interns; provides conservation input with regards to exhibitions, loans and acquisitions. The Conservator examines works of art to determine conservation techniques required; executes conservation and restoration treatments on works of art; ensures that professional conservation standards for mounting and framing works, environmental and lighting conditions are met. He/she works with the Director of Operations and the Senior Curator to develop and manage the conservation and permanent collection maintenance budgets. The Conservator provides consultation and technical guidance to members of the Gallery staff, colleagues from other institutions, artists and lenders, regarding conservation. He/ she overs ees and maintains departmental records and database files; and produces reports as required. He/she maintains a current awareness of developments in art conservation and research into conservation techniques and materials. The Conservator supervises and participates in the work of staff/interns engaged in conservation duties, such as examining works of art (to determine the condition of the work), and conservation treatments required both for newly acquired art work and works in the collection. Major Responsibilities: * Determine and perform, or supervise, treatments for art works and prepare relevant reports. * Manage contract conservation services for art works requiring specialized expertise, or when time is not sufficient to do the work in- house. * Devise techniques for conservation treatments. * Test new materials for conservation use and ensure that all materials used meet conservation standards. * In consultation with Curatorial staff, approve art works for loan to other art galleries, museums and institutions based on knowledge of the art work, and a review of facility reports from borrowing institutions. * Examine incoming and outgoing works of art, prepare condition reports or supervise the preparation of condition reports by other staff, stabilize art works and ensure their condition is satisfactory for travel. * Manage the care and maintenance of the Outdoor Art collection. * Assist the Director of Operations in developing and administering an annual budget for the Conservation department. * Assist the Senior Curator in developing and administering an annual budget for the maintenance of the permanent collection. * Work with the Director of Operations, Chief Curator, Curators, Registrar and Preparation staff, and lead the preservation of the collection in terms of environmental and physical conditions in the Gallery and storage areas. Advise Preparation on packing and crating, matting and framing and handling of works of art. * Select and supervises Conservation Interns and volunteers. * Assist in writing grant applications for conservation interns and conservation projects. * Oversee and develop conservation documentation, including: condition reports, treatment reports, installation instructions and the preparation of information for the collections database and conservation database. Ensure data standards and guidelines are followed. Develop reports and respond to requests for information as required. * Chair the Vault Working Group. * Lead Emergency Preparedness for the Permanent Collection * Represent the Conservation department at a variety of meetings, including exhibition, loan and department head meetings. * Respond to inquiries from colleagues at other institutions, artists and lenders regarding a broad range of matters related to conservation, environmental conditions and conservation-related supplies and services. * Travel to tour venues and complete condition reports and other work as required. Performs as a courier for loaned works of art as required. * Assist with the development of plans for the future Vancouver Art Gallery, especially with respect to designs for the future storage of the Permanent Collection, and for the future Conservation Laboratory. The duties and responsibilities outlined above are representative, but not all inclusive. Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills * Thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of restoration and preservation of works of art in one or more areas of specialization. * Thorough knowledge of the correct nomenclature and terminology to describe damage, deterioration, and incipient problems in works of art. * Thorough knowledge of the factors which may contribute to the deterioration of works of art and the conservation programs necessary to combat deterioration. * Thorough knowledge and experience in all application treatments to conserve and restore art works in own area of speciality. * Thorough knowledge of the principals of art, chemistry, bacteriology, physics and laboratory techniques as they apply to the conservation of works of art. * Working knowledge of preparation techniques. * Considerable knowledge of conservation and restoration techniques applied to works of art other than those of own speciality. * Knowledge of the photographic processes required in conservation work. * Ability to supervise and participate in the work of subordinates engaged in conservation duties. * Ability to develop a budget, and select and order suitable equipment and supplies for the conservation laboratory of a major Art Gallery. * Ability to recognize and respect curatorial prerogatives in conservation. * Ability to write clear, concise reports. * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Art Gallery staff, vendors of equipment, materials, and services; colleagues in other institutions, both local and international, and the public. * Skill in the use and care of scientific laboratory equipment. Training and Experience A Master's degree in Art Conservation specializing in fine Arts; supplemented with considerable experience (minimum of 5 to 7 years) in Art conservation at the supervisory level in a major Art Gallery. The successful applicant will be required to consent to a Criminal Record and Background Check. All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada SALARY: Pay Grade 26 Step 1 $31.40 per hour HOURS: Monday to Friday; nine day fortnight, 70 hours bi-weekly Please send your resume, in confidence, by Monday, July 31, 2017, to the Director of Human Resources, Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2H7, Fax: (604) 682-1086 or email: [email protected] We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those short-listed will be contacted. Monica Smith Conservator Vancouver Art Gallery 750 Hornby Street V6Z 2H7 [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> phone 604 662 4700 ext 2607 ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
