Conservator at the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design
Job Title: Conservator
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Honolulu, HI
Salary: $72,000 – $90,000
Description
The Doris Duke Foundation (DDF) supports the well-being of people and the planet for a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We operate five national grantmaking programs—in the performing arts, the environment, medical research, child and family well-being, and mutual understanding between communities—as well as Duke Farms and Shangri La, two centers that serve the public directly.
Shangri La is a museum for learning about the global culture of Islamic art and design through innovative exhibitions, guided tours, public programs and digital initiatives. Built in 1937 as the Honolulu home of American heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke (1912-1993), Shangri La was inspired by Duke’s extensive travels throughout North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, and reflects architectural traditions from those regions. Duke directed in her will that Shangri La be “available to scholars, students and others interested in the furtherance and preservation of Islamic art and make the premises open to the public.” In 2002, Shangri La opened as the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to Islamic art.
JOB SUMMARY
The Conservator is responsible for overseeing the proper care, conservation and preservation of Shangri La’s collections of artworks, cultural resources and architectural elements. In collaboration with museum staff, the Conservator develops, leads and implements the institution’s conservation plan, manages and performs daily conservation activities—including the work undertaken by two part-time conservation technicians as well as conservation contractors and vendors—and advises on building and grounds preservation and capital projects.
The ideal candidate is an innovative problem-solver who develops solutions for complex conservation challenges in an artistically active museum located in a tropical, oceanfront environment. The Conservator must be a consummate professional who strives to achieve the highest standards of care and protection for the collection as embodied in the American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice while being mindful of issues of sustainability and the cultural history and needs of the institution.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
– Update and maintain a conservation plan that ensures the proper care and preservation of collections, and addresses larger questions pertaining to sustainability.
– Carry out object stabilization and treatments within the parameters of Conservator’s specific expertise for display, loan, storage and research purposes.
– Advise on preservation issues for the installation of collections in on-site and off-site galleries, and in storage, including documentation, prioritization and actions to be taken to address changes in condition and undertake approved tasks with team support.
– Serve as the institution’s primary liaison to consulting conservators and conservation professional associations and organizations; advise when a specialist conservator is required.
– Critically evaluate proposed treatments and treatment documentation.
– Advise on and track environmental monitoring of conditions; provide recommendations for proper and safe storage and exhibition environments.
– Review loan requests; make recommendations to the Curatorial Committee; advise on the treatment, mounting, rotation, packing and transport of outgoing loans; and undertake approved actions with team support.
– Efficiently run conservation work areas/labs, including defining protocols and procedures; ensure workplace health and safety standards; maintain supplies.
– Participate in disaster planning and collections emergency preparation and training.
– Serve on organizational ad hoc and standing committees as assigned.
– Provide supervision and designated training to conservation technicians and be able to contract and supervise conservation consultants.
– Other duties as assigned by the Curator of Collections and Exhibitions.
COMPENSATION and BENEFITS
– Anticipated salary range is $72,000-$90,000, and the final offer will depend on experience.
– Industry-leading benefits.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
– Advanced degree in Conservation.
– Minimum five years’ work experience as a conservator, in a museum setting or archeological site (required).
– Specialization in the treatment of objects, both portable and embedded, in a variety of media (metalwork, ceramics, glass, wood, mixed media).
– Excellent general conservation knowledge of a variety of media and types of objects (e.g., textiles, paper); experience in the physical handling of a variety of collections materials.
– Archeological field experience is strongly preferred.
– Demonstrated experience and strong managerial skills in conservation administration and operations to include developing and implementing conservation plans, budgeting, analyzing, prioritizing, problem solving and time management.
– Experience as an adaptable thinker who can enthusiastically undertake the challenges of working in a tropical, non-climate-controlled environment, to find creative and innovative solutions for environmentally threatened collections.
– Experience working both independently and collaboratively.
– Excellent oral and written communication skills.
– Strong computer and internet skills with a moderate to high level of experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook as well as collections management database software (preferably The Museum System); experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and/or InDesign also desired.
– Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, climb and work from a high stepladder and scaffolding, and climb multiple flights of stairs.
– A professional, collegial demeanor with a genial sense of humor desired.
– Currently eligible to work in the United States (U.S. citizen or permanent resident).
COVID-19 VACCINATION
As a condition of employment, new hires/employees are required to be up to date with an FDA-authorized vaccination against COVID-19, including bivalent booster; proof of vaccination series and boosters will be required upon beginning/continuing employment. Reasonable accommodation for legally required exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.
HOW TO APPLY
Send resume with cover letter to hr@dorisduke.org. Include your last name followed by “Conservator” in the subject line. Application reviews will begin February 28, 2023, and continue until the position is filled.
No phone calls or in-person applications, please.