Carnegie Museum of Art creates experiences that connect people to art, ideas, and one another. We believe creativity is a defining human characteristic to which everyone should have access. CMOA collects, preserves, and presents artworks from around the world to inspire, sustain, and provoke discussion, and to engage and reflect multiple audiences. Carnegie Museum of Art is arguably the first museum of contemporary art in the United States, collecting the “Old Masters of tomorrow” since the inception of the Carnegie International in 1896. Today, the museum is one of the most dynamic major art institutions in America. Our collection of more than 30,000 objects features a broad spectrum of visual arts, including painting and sculpture; prints and drawings; photographs; architectural casts, renderings, and models; decorative arts and design; and film, video, and digital imagery. Through our programming, exhibitions, and publications, we frequently explore the role of art and artists in confronting key social issues of our time, combining and juxtaposing local and global perspectives.  With our unique history and resources, we strive to become a leader in defining the role of art museums for the 21st century. Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community.

Description:

The Associate Conservator of Paintings is responsible for the examination, study, proposal and execution of research and treatment of painted artworks in the Museum’s collection, as well as for various needs related to the care and preservation of artworks as directed by the Senior Manager of Conservation, including participation in exhibition and loan activities, collection surveys, and working closely with living artists. An essential member of the Conservation team, the Associate Conservator of Paintings participates in scholarly research, publications, and public engagement activities that raise the profile of the department and broaden awareness of conservation among museum supporter and the general public. The Associate Conservator of Paintings will work in close collaboration with the Senior Manager of Conservation/Objects Conservator to improve departmental infrastructure and implement methodologies aimed at improving cross-departmental communication and information-sharing between conservators, curators, registrars, preparators, exhibitions staff, and educators.

This Full-Time position is eligible for the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh’s many Benefits.  

Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in art conservation. Specialization in modern and contemporary materials preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the conservation of paintings and painted artworks.
• The candidate should be proficient in providing guidance on the preparation of paintings for safe travel.
• Experience with the pursuit and design of research related to the care and/or treatment of modern and contemporary materials is essential.
• Experience and desire to enthusiastically share conservation knowledge and activities with staff, donors, and the general public.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques such as XRF and FTIR for the characterization of artists’ materials is desirable.
• A collaborative, creative, and curious spirit is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• The candidate must possess a high level of skill in the hands-on treatment of complex painted artworks, including surface cleaning, consolidation, tear repair techniques, consolidation, and inpainting as well as structural treatment of works on canvas, as supported by portfolio of work.
• The candidate should possess a strong ability to solve complex display, transit, and treatment problems both independently and in collaboration with a team.
• Demonstrable skill in appropriate treatments for paintings on canvas, including surface cleaning, inpainting, repairing tears, dents, flaking paint, cracks, and delamination, as well as assessment and treatment of canvases such as lining and restretching paintings, as supported by portfolio of work, is required. The candidate should possess a strong understanding of museum standards for conservation, preservation, and artwork handling.
• The candidate should demonstrate knowledge of written and photographic documentation to standards of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). Familiarity with Axiell KE EMu collections management software and/or project management software such as Asana, is desirable.
• Ability to work in an organized and efficient manner in managing priorities and meeting deadlines while adhering to Conservation’s standards for care and attention to detail in carrying out tasks.

Physical Requirements

• Must have excellent dexterity, hand eye coordination, and the ability to climb and work on ladders for extended periods of time; to reach work with hands above shoulder level; to lift heavy objects (50 lbs.); and to stand or to walk over a standard workday.

Principal Accountabilities

• Performs detailed examination and condition assessments of paintings and painted artworks in the Museum’s collection requested for display and transit. Identifies works that require conservation treatment and establishes appropriate timelines with respect to ongoing departmental activities.
• Proposes interventive and preventive treatment strategies to works exhibiting condition issues. Works closely with curators, artists, and/or artists’ studios to discuss and develop appropriate treatment plans.
• Plans and executes major and minor treatments of two- or three-dimensional painted artworks in the collection including cleaning, addressing structural issues, and loss compensation.
• Performs routine dusting on paintings, both on display and in storage.
• Maintains excellent photographic and written examination, analysis, and treatment documentation in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation’s (AIC) standards.   
• Performs condition assessments for all incoming acquisitions of two- and three-dimensional painted artworks, considering and communicating potential long-term concerns and issues of inherent vice. Leads art preparator team in appropriate display, storage, and handling of painted artworks. 
• Supports incoming exhibitions and loans by completing condition reports as needed and addressing any change in condition to loaned works as appropriate.
• Responds and participates in the Museum’s visitor interaction tracking system by following up on visitor interaction reports.
• Oversees the stretching/unstretching and rolling/unrolling of oversized paintings in the collection, as need.
• Provides advice to art preparators, registrars, and other staff on safe environmental conditions, handling, packing, installation and storage conditions and materials for two- or three-dimensional painted artworks.
• Updates training manuals, assists Senior Manager of Conservation in the training of new staff on in-house handling guidelines, and provides annual refresher training for staff.
• When necessary, accompanies traveling exhibitions and loans as courier or to oversee installation of fragile works.
• When necessary, responds to emergency incidents that may impact the collection. Provides guidance on emergency preparedness procedures and planning.
• Undertakes research projects and testing on materials and techniques of artworks in the collection, in collaboration with Museum curators as well as collaborators outside the institution.
• Maintains current and pursues new collaborations with local research institutions.
• Other activities, projects, and duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Engages in activities that support the broadening of the Museum’s diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion goals.