Associate Paintings Conservator/Paintings Conservator Curatorial Division at the Baltimore Museum of Art

Job Title: Associate Paintings Conservator/Paintings Conservator Curatorial Division

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Baltimore, MD

OVERVIEW

The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) seeks a detail-oriented individual for the position of Associate Paintings Conservator/Paintings Conservator. The successful candidate will join a small but dedicated conservation team who work closely with BMA staff across multiple departments including curatorial, registration, installation, and exhibitions to examine, research, and care for works in the BMA collection and those on loan to the Museum. In addition to providing for the needs of pre-modern, modern, and contemporary paintings, the paintings conservator assists in other conservation and preservation activities across the Museum. The BMA holds a world-class collection of more than 100,000 works of art spanning the ancient world to the present, including paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, works on paper, textiles, arts of the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands, and contemporary multi-media works.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include but are not limited to:

  • Examine, document, and perform conservation treatments on paintings in the Museum’s collection.
  • Examine, assess, and document condition for paintings requested exhibition and loan.
  • Examine and assess condition and material aspects of paintings considered for acquisition, in collaboration with curatorial staff.
  • Work in collaboration with other members of the Conservation Department to perform preservation and collections management activities, including monitoring museum climate, assisting in integrated pest management, and making recommendations for safe handling, storage, and display.
  • Undertake research on works of art from (or relevant to) the Museum’s collection or other conservation-related topics.
  • Assist in the coordination of projects/activities for conservation interns, technicians, and contractors, as appropriate.
  • Provide information on conservation-related topics to Museum staff, other museum professionals, and members of the public, as appropriate.
  • Maintain knowledge and proficiency, and contribute to the advancement of principles, methodologies, and technical aspects of the conservation field through publication/presentation of research and participation in professional conferences, lectures, and workshops.

The Associate Paintings Conservator/Paintings Conservator is a full-time (35 hours per week) exempt position and reports to the Director of Conservation.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s degree in Art Conservation from a conservation training program with a specialization in paintings conservation, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years professional experience in paintings conservation, preferably in an institutional setting.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with colleagues across departments on collections care and conservation projects.
  • Ability to work under minimal supervision in their area of expertise (paintings), and to consult with appropriate curatorial staff to reach consensus on treatment proposals and preservation strategies to meet collection needs for exhibition, loan, and long-term storage.
  • Working knowledge of the principles, methodologies, and technical aspects of the conservation profession as well as the materials related to the conservation and care of paintings.
  • Ability to efficiently organize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and exhibit clear verbal and written communication skills.
  • Flexibility and willingness to work on conservation/preservation projects that bridge specializations or are not within primary area of expertise (occasional).
  • Ability to perform physical tasks routinely and lift up to 40lbs.

BENEFITS

We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package. For this exempt position we offer medical, dental, vision, prescription, 403b retirement plan, long term disability, flexible spending account, museum and restaurant discounts, and reduced fee gym membership. We also offer accrued vacation, holidays, personal days, floating holidays, and sick days.

APPLY

The BMA is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this posting describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

Conservator title and salary will be commensurate with background and level of experience.

How to Apply:

Please send cover letter, CV/resume, and salary requirements via email to HR@artbma.org with “Paintings Conservator” Last Name and First Name in the subject line.

Incomplete application materials will not be accepted.

No phone calls please.

Position will be posted until filled.