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Project Conservation Technician – Housing in Paper Conservation
State Role Title: Hist/Arch & Preserv I
Hiring Range: $40,000 – $42,000 annually
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Location: MAIN MUSEUM
Agency Website: vmfa.museum
Recruitment Type: General Public – G
Job Duties
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is pleased to announce a two-year temporary position, with possibility of extension, for a Project Conservation Technician in Paper Conservation in the Susan and David Goode Center for Advanced Study in Art Conservation.
The Goode Center is a vibrant research 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:
Reporting to the Head of Paper Conservation and working alongside Paper Conservation’s Matting and Framing Conservation Technician, this position will focus specifically on activities in support of VMFA’s upcoming expansion and traveling exhibition program. The Project Conservation Technician will be responsible for matting and framing works on paper and photographs for the expanded Photography, Modern-Contemporary, and European galleries. They will also mat and frame works of art for traveling exhibitions including over 250 works on paper for several traveling shows, including German Expressionist Art from the Ludwig and Rosie Fischer Collection; Pop to Present: American Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; and Splendor & Luxury: French Art Nouveau and Art Deco from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Additionally, the successful candidate will participate in preventative care of the collection, laboratory tours, educational outreach, and lab maintenance.
The annual salary for this position is $40,000 – $42,000. This position has funding for two years, and continued employment will be based on available funding. All new and re-hired employees must successfully complete a one-year probationary period.
This classified non-exempt position offers Commonwealth of Virginia employee benefits such as 12 paid holidays, health benefits and more. This position also offers various VMFA employee benefits such as free admission to special exhibitions, previews of special exhibitions, employee pricing for select museum programs and classes, as well as discounts in Amuse Restaurant, the Best Café and the VMFA shop.
Minimum Qualifications
• Experience handling paper-based artifacts in a museum, gallery, or institutional setting and the ability to handle and manipulate fragile works of art with extreme care.
• Knowledge of conservation ethics, practices, procedures, and principles employed in the conservation profession. Ability to use sound judgment during the handling, installation, and treatment of works of art.
• Understanding of the environmental factors that cause the deterioration of cultural property.
• Experience hinging, matting and framing works on paper and photographs. Experience making sealed packages/microclimates for works on paper.
• Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and in concert with others, and to be professional, diplomatic, and discreet. Demonstrated problem solving, organizational and time-management abilities.
• Must be able to handle responsibility, be self-motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to convey information in a clear, succinct, and accurate manner.
• Experience with common computer software programs.
Additional Considerations
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent training in one or more of the following areas: fine arts, studio arts, art history, or conservation.
• Experience working in a conservation laboratory, museum, or gallery preferred.
• Familiarity with using The Museum System (TMS).
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Special Instructions for Applicants:
The selected candidate must pass a criminal history background check. The successful candidate must have established paperwork that enables them to work in the USA.
Please submit three (3) references. Provide full name, phone number and email address. References may be attached in a separate document in the “other” field in the portal; or they may be included with the resume or cover letter.
Professional references are preferred. Other reference types will also receive consideration. References should be able to attest to your knowledge, skills, and abilities, especially qualifications relevant to the position for which you are applying.
Online applications will be accepted until 11:55 PM on 10/06/2024. Please contact the HR office at recruitment@vmfa.museum if you need assistance. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is an EEO/AA, Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources Services
Phone: please email
Email: Recruitment@vmfa.museum
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.