Assistant Conservator, Tang Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Job Title: Assistant Conservator, Tang Wing

Job Status: Full-time

About The Metropolitan Museum Of Art

The Met presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.

Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment with a staff as diverse as the audiences we engage. Our staff members are art lovers who are passionate about working toward a common goal: creating the most dynamic and inspiring art museum in the world.

At The Met, every staff member – from security officers to researchers to scientists and beyond – lives by our core values of respect, inclusivity, collaboration, excellence, and integrity.

Respect: Engage one another with collegiality, empathy, and kindness, always.

Inclusivity: Ensure that all are and feel welcome and valued.

Collaboration: Reach across boundaries to exchange ideas and work together toward our shared mission.

Excellence: Lead the cultural world in quality and expertise—and inspire curiosity and creativity.

Integrity: Hold ourselves to the highest moral standards, admit when we fall short, and then evolve.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

The Paper Conservation Department is looking for an Assistant Paper Conservator for activities related to the relocation of the collection of works on paper from the Modern and Contemporary Department during the preparation and construction work on a new Museum wing. These objects include a wide variety of drawings, watercolors, gouaches, prints, collages, and other mixed media works that are cared for by the Paper Conservation Department.

The responsibilities include assisting the Associate Conservator with a survey, which will entail digital imaging and written documentation of several thousand works of art. Additionally, they will be responsible for imaging, hinging and re-housings over 1000 drawings and undertaking treatments as necessary.

Ancillary conservation procedures include but are not limited to: organization and maintenance of conservation supplies, equipment, and chemicals according to established safety procedures, preparing chemical solutions, consolidants and adhesives for treatment and testing.

Note: Please include a statement of interest/ cover letter with your application

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

  • Hinging and rehousing works of art
  • Carrying out treatments of assigned works of art.
  • Undertaking written and image documentation of the works
  • Assisting in the management and maintenance of the laboratory including the preparation of chemical reagents and solutions
  • Other related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine (or approved for an exemption as a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, sincerely held religious belief, or pregnancy, or because you are a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sex offenses).

Experience and Skills:

  • At least 2-5 years of Paper conservation experience
  • Excellent examination skills. Knowledge of use of microscopes and alternative light sources.
  • Demonstrated experience in performing basic conservation treatments.
  • Ability to devise housing solutions based on current conservation standards and ethics.
  • Knowledge of preservation standards for archival matting and housing, environmental conditions.
  • Working knowledge of chemical and material sciences.
  • Willing to obtain training on rigs and ladders and able to work at heights (8-10ft)
  • Ability to lift and move solander boxes and some framed works of art
  • Ability to use digital cameras and electronic resources for documentation and willing to learn Museum databases, digital documentation protocols
  • Time management skills,
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work cooperatively or independently as needed.
  • Willingness to accept supervision and guidance.

Knowledge and Education:

  • The applicant must have a master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program with specialization in paper conservation.
  • An interest in Modern and Contemporary material is desirable
  • Experience with Microsoft Office suite

Benefits Offerings

The Museum provides competitive compensation, and generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees. Note: Benefits Offering may differ based on Employee Status.

  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
  • 403(b) basic retirement plan and optional matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match
  • Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and 13 Museum holidays
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Account (pre-tax income for eligible health care expenses)
  • Commuter benefits (pre-tax income for parking or mass transit expenses)
  • Free financial-planning services
  • Financial assistance for relevant coursework, seminars, and training programs
  • 25% discount for staff in Museum shops
  • A subsidized staff cafeteria
  • Access to the Museums Council pass, which grants free admission to various museums and cultural institutions

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Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

The Met is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, The Met will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed in this process, please contact benefits@metmuseum.org.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.