ZenBusiness USA Jobs Careers 2023 – Apply For Associate Paper Conservator Jobs In Winterthur, DE

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

At Winterthur, employment is more than just work. The Winterthur employee is offered a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission build upon the vision of Henry Francis du Pont to inspire and educate through its collections, estate, and academic programs by engaging diverse audiences in the study, preservation, and interpretation of American material culture, art, design and history, and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

The Associate Paper Conservator is responsible for administration, implementation, and supervision of all aspects of their conservation discipline.  The Associate Paper Conservator demonstrates mastery of paper conservation treatment and technology, hand skills, preventive conservation, and collection work. The individual is to serve as an affiliated professor for the Winterthur/University of Delaware (WUDPAC) program.  They are to be capable of research, teaching, and mentoring graduate students and others at a professional level.  They possess an established ability to collaborate with other collections staff and faculty including conservators, curators, library staff, educators, and scientists. They stay professionally active by staying current with conservation literature and engaging in professional organizations.

Compensation: $55,000 – $60,000 annually

Benefits:  Including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off plan including 10 holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time; 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family

Work Schedule:  Monday – Friday, 35 hours/week; occasional weekend and evening hours required

Responsibilities:

1. Perform assessment and treatment of works of art on paper and select non-bound library objects, in accordance with standards established by professional organizations such as the American Institute for Conservation and in line with the most recent practices.
2. Manage all aspects of the paper conservation laboratory, including exhibition, loan and acquisition. Supervise graduate students and volunteers; co-supervise the conservation assistant for preservation housing. Give direction to section in a manner consistent with institutional goals.  Establish and sustain procedures to ensure consistent treatment, assessment, preventive care, preparation for exhibition, and documentation procedures of paper-based objects. Ensures oversight of the laboratory facility by managing safety standards, equipment upkeep, and laboratory organization.  Fulfill conservation department team assignments, including institutional committee work.
3. Perform WUDPAC responsibilities including teaching and academic committee assignments such as curriculum development and admissions.  Supervise M.S. students’ course work and conservation treatments, and advise with other aspects of their education, including internship selection.
4. Contribute to grant proposals and manage grant funding, when applicable, for Winterthur and WUDPAC projects and initiatives.
5. Engage in professional activities including research, publication, participation in professional organizations, and outreach.  Serve as an ambassador for the museum and profession; and represent the department, Winterthur, and WUDPAC at professional conferences.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Experience:  Master’s degree in Conservation with 5 years of professional experience

Preferred Experience: Master’s degree in Conservation; major in paper with focus on art on paper and experience with non-bound library materials such manuscripts, maps, and prints. 7 years of professional experience including teaching in academic or non-academic environment.

Knowledge/Skills:

1. Highly developed understanding of conservation in general and the individual’s specific discipline
2. Mastery of conservation terminology, technology and hand skills in the preventive care, treatment and assessment of collection object and understanding the needs of paper-based collections.
3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.  Potential for supervising students, staff and volunteers. Successful outreach with visitors, donors and professional colleagues
4. Potential for research, writing, and publication of conservation topics.
5. Strong writing skills applied to documentation, social media, departmental communications, and potential grant writing.
6. Detail oriented, organized.

Essential Functions:

1. Regular contact with and proper handling of museum and library collections.
2. Various deadlines and occasional competing priorities.
3. Potential exposure to toxic material requiring PPE and conscientious adherence to health and safety best practices.
4. Potential collections emergencies requiring flexible, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious response
5. Ability to work at a computer for up to 8 hours a day
6. Ability to communicate with various sized groups in order to teach and mentor students