Description

The Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Center (W+AACC) seeks a full-time Paper Conservator at the Assistant or Associate level for our growing Atlanta lab.  We welcome applicants regardless of their race, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, or protected class.

The selected applicant will work with a wide range of materials and cultural heritage resources, from historic to modern, belonging to a mix of institutions such as museums, universities, historic houses, and private clients. The conservator will join a collaborative and experienced team of paper, paintings, and objects conservators supported by conservation technicians and administrative staff. 

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

W+AACC is a non-profit organization comprised of regional conservation centers in the Northeast and Southeast. Our state-of-the-art conservation centers enjoy strong relationships with local museums and institutions of higher education. The Williamstown Center is located on the campus of the Clark Art Institute, while the Atlanta Center is located in an offsite facility of the High Museum of Art. W+AACC’s mission is to protect, conserve, and maintain heritage objects from all cultures. With a membership of more than fifty organizations, W+AACC is the largest regional conservation center in the country.

Our conservators adhere to the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice as formulated by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC), the national membership organization of conservation professionals. 

DUTIES 

Under the supervision of the Head of Lab and in collaboration with the Senior Paper Conservator, the successful candidate will: 

• Design and carry out conservation treatments to support approved projects, in-lab and on-site 
• Conduct examinations and prepare treatment proposals, including estimates for labor and materials costs
• Design and perform collection surveys, institutional assessments, and consultations 
• Collaborate with other conservation and collections professionals in developing and performing treatments and preventive care activities
• Develop protocols and environmental and material standards for the display, handling, storage, and transport of paper-based art and cultural heritage.
• Conduct research to understand objects and support recommended treatment protocols 

OTHER DUTIES

• Communicate with collection stewards regarding projects, in concert with W+AACC administrative staff
• Contribute to project management and maintain accurate records and documentation, including through effective use of databases
• Manage and oversee subcontractors as needed
• Contribute to W+AACC’s outreach and educational activities
• Participate in interdepartmental projects
• Participate in staff meetings 
• Stay current with theoretical discourse, best practice, and innovation in the field
• Perform other duties as assigned

 
 APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

• A Master’s degree in conservation with a specialization in paper, or equivalent education and experience 
• 1-2 years post graduate experience for the Assistant level; 5+ years of experience at or above the post-grad or assistant conservator level for the Associate level
• Commitment to the Code of Ethics established by the American Institute for Conservation
• Legal authorization to work in the United States (e.g. U.S. citizenship or valid visa)
• Possession of a valid driver’s license is strongly preferred

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Annual salary of $55,000 for the assistant level and $65,000 for the associate level, commensurate with experience. 
• $1,000 moving allowance 
• Excellent benefits package is offered including health, dental, 403B with 5% employer match, paid holidays, paid time off, paid sick time
• $1,000 annual professional development allowance and five research days for workshops and conferences 
• W+AACC covers half of the annual cost of membership in the American Institute for Conservation 

TO APPLY

Please send a letter of interest, a resume or CV, contact information for three references, and a portfolio demonstrating three treatments performed by the applicant that address the requirements of the position. 

Direct application materials and inquiries to:  WACC@Williamstownart.org

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.