Conservation Assistant at the Denver Art Museum

Job Title: Conservation Assistant

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Denver, CO

Salary:  $18.00 – $22.50 (Hourly Wage)

Description

POSITION PURPOSE:

This position reports to the Associate Director of Conservation in the Conservation and Technical Studies Department.

Assists conservators on a range of conservation and preventive care projects in a range of specializations to uphold overall workflow and support timelines and institutional priorities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assistant will be trained and guided by staff conservators for specific conservation treatment projects and fulfillment of department procedures.
  • Execute documentation photography and subsequent image processing.
  • Input written documentation into database as requested.
  • Pull objects from and replace them with in collection storage for evaluation purposes.
  • Assist with exhibition preparation and installation of collection objects.
  • Conduct a research project to include an early American or Indigenous Art of America object from the collection that may include decorative art, painting, or textile. The project may focus on treatment, technical history, or social commentary in alignment with the Museum’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.

QUALIFICIATIONS:

  • The conservation assistant will have knowledge regarding safe handling of objects, sound manual dexterity, color matching ability, and familiarity with artist’s materials and methodologies.
  • Ability to work independently and with a team.
  • Building competencies towards graduate-level conservation degree is strongly preferred.
  • Following direction and exercising initiative are imperative.

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Maintaining supplies and maintenance/cleanliness of conservation laboratories, workspaces, and equipment as directed.
  • Uphold museum values and maintain a collegial, respectful, and inclusive work environment.

EDUCATION:

  • Minimum requirement of undergraduate studies in art history, studio art, or comparable.
  • Familiarity with the operations of a museum conservation laboratory.
  • Working environment includes laboratory and studios, on and off-site storage, galleries, public areas, private residences.
  • May work extended or non-standard hours, weekends and holidays based on business needs.
  • Occasional local and overnight travel may be required.
  • May work in areas with exposure to dust, paint, chemicals, and other toxins.
  • Equipment used includes mechanical lifting equipment and ladders, PPE equipment and art handling equipment including pallet jacks, A-frames and carts.
  • Subject to interruptions and prioritizing demands of various importance.
  • Temperature changes.
  • Lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds

The DAM prioritizes adaptability and a human-centered work environment.  We are happy to consider adjustments to job responsibilities to ensure the right candidate will be successful.

Compensation: The hiring hourly rate for the position is $18.00-$22.50 based on experience.

Benefits: A comprehensive medical/dental/vision plan available to extend to domestic partner, partner, spouse, and/family. DAM 100% paid Life STD/LTD. Generous sick and vacation time. Time off to pray throughout the workday. Two weeks paid parental leave. Flexible floating holiday schedule to accommodate those who practice non-Christian holidays. 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute and, after one year of employment, an employer contribution and match. A free membership to the DAM at the Family level. This position is based at the Denver Art Museum, which only has pay to park options, all employees are eligible to receive a free RTD Eco Pass.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. We know there is no such thing as a “perfect” candidate – Nor do we look for the right “fit” with us, we look for the add! We encourage you to apply for a role at the Denver Art Museum even if you do not meet 100% of the bullet points. We believe in cultivating an environment where there is diversity of perspectives, in hopes that we can all thrive in an inclusive environment.

We know that searching for a job can be stressful so we would like to give you an overview of the process to manage expectations. This role will require an interview with the hiring manager and panel that will be held in-person at the DAM or video. This position will close on September 18 and we plan to contact qualified applicants shortly thereafter. Our desire is to hire a candidate by October. Please only apply through the DAM career page here, no other applications will be accepted. 

The Denver Art Museum:

As an institution, we believe the Denver Art Museum is both a platform for and an amplifier of the voices of people of all races. We acknowledge that Black lives matter and communities of color – Latinx, Indigenous, Black, and others – have been underrepresented in art museums over decades, both internally and externally. We are committed to elevating all voices, artworks and perspectives and strive to support racial equity inside and out.

We prohibit discrimination against any person or organization based on age, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, political service or affiliation, genetic information, or disability, as well as any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

We strive to provide a professional and positive work environment for our employees. The Museum expressly prohibits any form of employee harassment on the basis of age, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, political service or affiliation, genetic information, disability or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law.  Actions based on these or any legally protected characteristic will not be tolerated.

We encourage the freedom of gender expression and/or gender presentation.  As an institution, we do not create barriers that may prevent any employee from expressing behaviors, mannerisms, interests, and appearances that represent their authentic personality or culture. Qualified candidates are expected to exemplify the DAM’s internal values, which include being dynamic, respectful, inclusive, creative, and curious.  The ability to maintain effective and positive working relationships with visitors, employees, volunteers, representatives of public and private entities, policy making bodies, and contractors is critical to the success of this position.

The Museum believes vaccination is an important measure to protect the health and safety of everyone from significant illness due to COVID-19 infection. As a condition of employment, employees must present proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on their first day of employment or receive an exemption or other reasonable accommodation due to circumstances protected under federal or state law that prevent the employee from being vaccinated. Employees are also mandated to receive a booster within 6 months of being fully vaccinated.