Conservator, Paper

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Hiring Range: $85,000 - $90,000
• Benefits
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification: Full-Time Salaried Staff
• Grade Level: 9

 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Responsible for the treatment, research, and long-term preservation of over 300,000 works of art in the Art Institute’s collections, the Department of Conservation and Science is integral to the museum’s mission to safeguard the world’s artistic and cultural legacy for future generations. Founded in 1956 with a single paintings conservator, the department has grown to a staff of over 30 specializing in nine disciplines organized in five divisions:

• Objects and Textiles
• Paintings and Frames
• Paper and Books
• Photography and Media
• Scientific Research

Members of the department contribute to the advancement of the field and the broader awareness of conservation issues through multiple avenues of specialized and societal dissemination, are involved in object-based teaching and scientific research, and actively support the education of future conservation and museum professionals.

 

ABOUT THE POSITION

Reporting to the William E. Urschel Family Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation, the Conservator carries out examination, research and treatment of objects in the permanent collection, providing ongoing care to works of art on paper and other paper-based museum collections. The Conservator carries out conservation-related activities to support exhibitions, permanent collection rotations, new acquisitions, gifts, loans, imaging, technical examination, as well as researcher and class visits. Advises on care for the collection and preventive conservation processes including maintenance, proper storage, and environmental conditions in storage and exhibition. Conducts in-depth studies and publishes on artists’ technique and on methods and materials used in the making or caring of works of art. Collaborates in the planning, maintenance and day-to-day workflow of the paper conservation studio. Actively engages in mentoring junior conservators, fellows, interns and volunteers as needed. Is committed to and actively engaged in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Treatment and Collection Care

• Responsible for prioritizing treatment needs for works on paper in the collection, discussing and coordinating treatments and schedules with curatorial colleagues. Engages in high level discussions with curatorial staff about treatment choices, history and aesthetics of collection.
• Prepares treatment proposals in consultation with the William E. Urschel Family Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation. Executes conservation treatments and maintains full documentation of treatment. Supervises the execution of treatments by other paper conservation staff and outside consultants as needed.
• Regularly meets with curatorial colleagues to advise on art preparation, installation and movement for gallery rotations, loans, and exhibitions.
• Advises on environmental standards for works on paper in the permanent collection and for works that are proposed for loan.
• Advises on gallery and storage maintenance, including regular and preventative care of artworks.
• Responds to emergencies that occur in galleries or storage areas as requested.

Exhibitions, Loans, and Acquisitions

• Manages all work related to loans, including conducting condition assessments, estimating framing and preparation needs and costs, documenting transit and display requirements, discussing and disseminating documents, and addressing concerns as needed.
• Manages scheduling and communication with museum colleagues for loan preparation and examination. Carries out treatments related to loans. Supervises the execution of minor treatments by other paper conservation staff and outside consultants related to loans as needed.
• Carries out examinations on works on paper as they enter and leave the museum for loans, and prepares and shares related documentation.
• Manages the conservation requirements for assigned exhibitions, including condition reporting and treatment, and ensuring that environmental requirements of lenders are met.
• Responsible for review of works under consideration for purchase and preparation of relevant documentation.
• Serves as a courier (virtual or in person) for artwork as needed.

Conservation records

• Maintains all conservation documentation pertaining to the collection in the department’s files and shares copies in the museum's collection management database and digital asset management system in accordance with the highest archival and digital preservation standards.
• Acts as the licensed user for Paper Conservation data uploaded to the museum's collection management database and digital asset management system.
• Facilitates access to and advises on organization of images and files on the Paper Conservation server.

Materials and Supplies

• Contributes to studio maintenance and safety, and to using/maintaining equipment.
• Oversees use and maintenance of the technical imaging room and equipment; disseminates protocols and instructions as needed. Oversees development and implementation of the methodology for registration and tiling of conservation images.
• With supervisor’s approval orders supplies in consultation with the Administrative Coordinator for Conservation and Science.

Collaboration

• Maintains clear communication with colleagues (manager, peers and subordinates) about ongoing priorities, goals, and projects.
• Facilitates interdepartmental communication with Curatorial Departments, Collections and Loans, Museum Engineers, Exhibitions and other in-house entities as directed by supervisor in relations to paper conservation needs and requirements.
• Supports the museum in its commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable institution; treats colleagues and visitors fairly and respectfully, recognizing the value that diverse backgrounds and perspectives bring to our organization.

Research

• Conducts research and publishes on technique, conservation and on methods and materials of works of art on paper.
• Keeps up to date with the newest technologies and seeks ways of applying them to the conservation of Art Institute collections.
• Performs basic technical analysis after training and conducts more sophisticated scientific investigation in partnership with the museum’s conservation scientists.

Communication, professional development and dissemination

• Publishes results of research projects in Museum publications, social media, and journals aimed at both professional and general audiences.
• Travels to attend conferences and workshops, present papers and confer with colleagues.
• Corresponds with professionals with regard to research, answers inquiries of a technical nature, in-house and outside the institution. Answers public inquiries by phone and mail as necessary. Conducts studio tours and lectures.
• Leads initiatives aimed at donor stewardship and philanthropy, including tours, presentations, and public engagement as needed.
• Serves on committees and undertakes special projects and responsibilities as appointed by the Executive Director of Conservation and Science.

Training and Mentorship

• May be asked to occasionally mentor and supervise treatment and research activities of junior conservators, fellows, interns, volunteers and visiting scholars as needed.
• May be asked to train and supervise art handlers, mount makers, photographers and other specialists in all aspects of their work with works on paper and equipment.