At Shire, we are proud and grateful to employ military veterans and thank them for their contributions to our company and our country. See where your military experience can play a role at Shire by using our military skills translator job search tool below:
JOB TITLE: Assistant Paintings Conservator DEPARTMENT: Conservation
REPORTS TO: Conservator, Paintings
CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: Partial
GENERAL SUMMARY Under the supervision of the Conservator of Paintings, the Assistant Paintings Conservator performs activities associated with the care, preservation, and conservation of the DIA’s collections, including but not limited to examination, documentation, research, and treatment of works of art.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Conduct preservation and conservation treatments on art works in adherence to the American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
Carry out examination and technical research of artworks, providing documentation of structure and condition through written reports and photographic documentation in support of acquisitions, treatments, curatorial/art-historical inquiries, and exhibitions.
Conduct original research on materials and techniques for the advancement of preservation and restoration processes. Present treatment and research results at conferences, symposia and in peer-reviewed professional publications. Create conservation related content for in-house exhibitions and gallery didactics.
Assess, prepare, and write condition reports, oversee packing of incoming and outgoing loans. Travel as a courier accompanying DIA artwork, loans, and traveling exhibitions. Supervise handling at airports, truck shipments, packing and installation/de-installation at borrowing institutions.
Monitor environmental conditions, including temperature, relative humidity, visible and UV light levels, in galleries and storage areas, monitor display and storage materials in contact with or in proximity to artworks (e.g. display cases, storage units), and monitor and maintain artworks in galleries and storage.
Seek out and participate in ongoing professional development to remain up-to-date on the newest materials, techniques and advances in the field by reading professional publications, attending conferences and workshops, and through personal contacts with Conservators at other institutions.
Collaborate with other Conservators, Imaging Specialist, Mount Designer/Fabricator and Frames Specialist, and Research Scientist and collaborate with departments across the museum including Curatorial, Learning and Audience Engagement, Registrars, Collections Management, Exhibitions and Design, Collections Information, IT, PR and Marketing, and Development, to achieve departmental and museum-wide strategic goals.
Assist in the supervision and instruction of post-graduate conservation students, graduate conservation interns, staff, and/or volunteers in the handling, care, and treatment of artwork as required.
Participate in public outreach and advocacy through exhibitions, lectures, lab tours, teaching (undergraduate, graduate, and primary/secondary school students), digital and printed media, that support the museum’s Tri-County and Statewide strategic goals.
Apply DIA values to interactions to support a culture of belonging among internal and external stakeholders.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master's degree in art conservation from a recognized conservation graduate degree program with a specialization in paintings conservation. Two (2) years of relevant work experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Must possess the understanding and sensitivity required to treat and research museum-quality artworks in compliance with the American Institute for Conservation's Code of Ethics and Standards for Practice.
Must be able to advocate for collection care and conservation standards to ensure safety of artworks.
Knowledge of analytical techniques (e.g. microscopy, X-ray fluorescence analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy, gas/liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy), digital photography and other imaging techniques.
Ability to identify challenges and opportunities, engage others in their resolution, and recommend appropriate course of action.
Knowledge of artist materials and fabrication techniques as pertinent to the specialty.
Demonstrated organizational skills to plan, manage, prioritize, and complete multiple on-going projects to meet deadlines and goals.
Ability to provide information, ideas, and instructions clearly, effectively, and professionally through talking or writing.
Demonstrated research and analysis skills to identify critical information and complete projects and goals.
Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours for special events.
Must be proficient in the latest version of Microsoft Office 365.
Must have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions that promote positive teamwork. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position requires occasional heavy work, excellent hand-eye coordination and precise use of tools and materials. Position also requires the ability to independently lift, carry, hold and balance materials and fragile art objects weighing up to 35 lbs. A high level of visual acuity is required in order to evaluate materials and object requirements, and to operate tools, machinery and equipment.
This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor’s ability to modify work assignments as appropriate.
THE DETROIT INSTITUE OF ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.