Description:

The Chief Conservator position leads the Susan and David Goode Center for Advanced Study in Art Conservation. Opened in 2010, the Goode Center is dedicated to the care and treatment of the museum’s collection of more than 50,000 works of art. With almost 10,000 square feet of lab space, it is one of the largest art conservation facilities in the southeast and is outfitted with advanced analytical and examination capabilities including hyperspectral imaging, infrared and multiband imaging, scanning and portable x-ray fluorescence, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy, polarized light microscopy, microfade testing, and computed x-radiography. The Goode Center’s staff includes conservators, conservation technicians, and mount makers specializing in paintings, objects, paper, and photographs. With the generous support from the Carpenter Foundation, the Goode Center will also be expanding its areas of specialization to include Chinese and Japanese paintings, making it one of only seven institutions in the United States with this focus. The Goode Center aspires to be a leader in the field of art conservation and technical art history through collaborative research and scholarship with conservators, curators, researchers, scientists, and students around the globe. Conservators within the Goode Center share research findings through engagement with the public on-site and online, lecturing nationally and internationally, in peer-reviewed publications, and through the museum’s exhibitions and statewide programs. The Goode Center is also dedicated to promoting diversity in the field and training the next generation of conservators through outreach, workshops, paid internships, and fellowships.

The Chief Conservator has primary responsibility for the conservation of works of art in the museum’s collection and for overseeing all aspects of the Goode Center, including treatment of objects, technical analysis, scientific research, and the supervision of departmental staff and contract employees. This position oversees the operation of three conservation teams – Sculpture and Decorative Arts, Paintings, and Works on Paper – and ensures that the highest conservation standards and protocols are utilized for the care and maintenance of the museum’s collection. The Chief Conservator is also responsible for developing and maintaining the Conservation budget and establishing priorities and strategic direction for the Goode Center in support of the museum’s objectives and Strategic Plan.

As a state agency, the VMFA provides a generous benefits package to all full-time classified staff. All VMFA staff also enjoy museum benefits like free admission to special exhibitions, previews of special exhibitions, employee pricing for select museum programs and classes, and discounts at Amuse Restaurant, Best Cafe, and VMFA Shop.

Please find the full job listing here:

https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/chief-conservator-richmond-virginia-united-states

These are two-year temporary positions with possible renewal or extension depending upon funding availability. The Goode Center is a vibrant research, treatment, 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 one of the largest conservation facilities in the southeast and is outfitted with advanced analytical and examination capabilities including hyperspectral and infrared imaging, scanning and portable x-ray fluorescence, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy, microfade testing, and computed x-radiography.

Position Description:  Working collaboratively with other departments in conservation and across the museum, the Project Assistant Conservators will conduct activities for the examination, documentation, treatment, display, technical analysis, and conservation research of the permanent collection (paintings or objects) for the museum’s upcoming expansion and traveling exhibitions. The Project Assistant Conservators will employ the highest conservation standards and ethics in order to preserve the integrity as well as the aesthetic and historic significance of each work while meeting the programmatic needs of the museum. They will work in collaboration with other conservation specialists as needed and advise on maintenance and preventive care of the collection including environmental control, storage, handling, and requirements for exhibition. The Project Assistant Conservators will also have public engagement and educational responsibilities such as leading laboratory tours, speaking to visiting groups, responding to public inquiries, presenting conservation projects and activities to museum visitors, and supervising interns. 

Minimum Qualifications:  Minimum of 1 year of postgraduate experience in addition to a graduate level degree in art conservation specializing in paintings or objects from a recognized conservation training program, or the equivalent combination of experience, training, and education. The successful candidate will also have:

● Knowledge of currently acceptable conservation methods for treatment of a wide variety of paintings.
● Knowledge of art history and historic methods of fabrication for a wide range of paintings/objects within their specialty.
● Demonstrated ability to perform historic and materials research.
● Demonstrated ability to perform condition assessments, develop conservation treatment proposals, and execute treatments to a high degree of competency and efficiency.
● Demonstrated ability to convey information in a clear, succinct, and accurate manner.
● Demonstrated ability to perform analytical and examination techniques frequently used in conservation and experience in interpreting test results.
● Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and in concert with others, and to be professional, diplomatic, and discreet.
● Experience with common computer software programs.
● Knowledge of safe methods for handling chemicals and hazardous materials based on OSHA standards.
● Ability to wear a respirator.

Additional information including hiring range and application instructions will be posted soon through the AIC community and on the Commonwealth of Virginia job website, https://www.vmfa.museum/about/jobs/. To apply, please be prepared to submit a CV and Letter of Interest.