The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has an exciting opportunity for a Conservation Technician for Paintings to join the team at the Susan and David Goode Center for Advanced Study in Art Conservation. The Goode Center is a vibrant research and training center dedicated to advancing the field of conservation, art history, and science through joint study with conservators, curators, scholars, and scientists. Opened in 2010, the Goode Center is the largest conservation facility in the southeast and is outfitted with advanced analytical and examination capabilities including hyperspectral imaging, scanning and portable x-ray fluorescence, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy, polarized microscopy, microfade testing, and digital x-radiography.

Job description:  

Utilizing the highest levels of conservation approaches, archival standards, and aesthetic sensibilities, the primary focus of this position will be the safe display, storage, and packing of paintings at the VMFA and while on loan to other institutions. This position will provide critical support for the work of the paintings conservation lab, including handling, unframing, framing, and glazing paintings as well as updating hardware and improving the security of the paintings in their frames. The Conservation Technician will also construct specialized insert backings, microclimates, and travel frames as needed. In consultation with Conservators, Curators, specialists, and other conservation colleagues, the Technician will assist in the development and possible construction of new and/or unusual framing options.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to fully participate in other conservation activities as time allows, possibly including assisting environmental monitoring, participating in integrative pest management, conducting condition assessments, and performing minor treatments. They will also participate in laboratory tours and conservation-related displays, help maintain the lab, and assist in the procurement of supplies.

The annual salary for this position is $38,000. This position has funding for two years, and continued employment will be based on available funding. All new and re-hired employees must successfully complete a one-year probationary period.

This classified non-exempt position offers Commonwealth of Virginia employee benefits such as 12 paid holidays, health benefits and more. This position also offers various VMFA employee benefits such as free admission to special exhibitions, previews of special exhibitions, employee pricing for select museum programs and classes, as well as discounts in Amuse Restaurant, the Best Café and the VMFA shop.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is a state-supported, privately endowed educational institution created for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art, to encourage the study of the arts, and thus to enrich the lives of all. As one of the world’s finest museums and one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States, the VMFA is the only art museum in the United States open 365 days a year with free general admission.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience handling paintings in a museum, gallery, or institutional setting.
• Experience framing and glazing paintings. Experience creating insert backings for paintings preferred.
• Demonstrated ability in basic woodworking skills including the use of power tools.
• Knowledge of conservation ethics, practices, procedures, and principles employed in the conservation profession. Basic understanding of the environmental factors that cause the deterioration of cultural property.
• Demonstrated ability to convey information in a clear, succinct, and accurate manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and in concert with others, and to be professional, diplomatic, and discreet. Demonstrated problem solving abilities and time-management skills.
• Experience with common computer software programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent training in one or more of the following areas: fine arts, studio arts, art history, or conservation.
• Experience working in a conservation laboratory, museum, or gallery preferred.

Special Requirements: 

Selected candidates must pass a criminal history background check.

Special Instructions for Applicants:

Please submit three (3) references. Provide full name, phone number and email address. References may be attached in a separate document in the “other” field in the portal; or they may be included with the resume or cover letter.

Professional references are preferred. Other reference types will also receive consideration. References should be able to attest to your knowledge, skills, and abilities, especially qualifications relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Interested individuals must submit an online application.  Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on November 28, 2022.

Please contact the HR office at recruitment@vmfa.museum if you need assistance.

VMFA is an EEO/AA and Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer. Diverse and inclusive hiring practices are at the heart of what we do at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Click here to apply for this position.