West Lake Conservators seeks a competent, program-trained paper conservator to join our mixed specialty, group practice. Founded in 1976 in the beautiful, historic, Finger Lakes region of Central New York, our client base and preservation services have steadily grown throughout our 42 years in practice.
The successful applicant must be fluent in English and have the ability to work independently on a broad range of paper objects from holdings in museums, historic sites, colleges, universities and private collections, including fine art, library & archival holdings, ephemera. Required tasks include condition assessments, accurately estimating treatment labor/costs, preparing proposals, report-writing, undertaking itemized surveys, environmental monitoring, disaster recovery, and occasional onsite work. Applicant must be able to interface comfortably with the clients, manage their own time, organize, plan and carry out conservation treatments, keep materials and supplies in stock, and work with support staff as needed. Preservation framing and appropriate frame design ability are a must. Willingness to work with volunteer-managed collections and to contribute to West Lake’s public education and outreach programs are also expected. Experience with public speaking and organizing workshops is desired, as is the ability to train and supervise interns.
Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Art Conservation from a recognized conservation program, or equivalent professional experience, plus a demonstrated ability to problem solve and work on a wide range of paper-based materials. Competent writing, photographic documentation and computer skills are essential. Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs such as Microsoft Excel and data base applications such as File Maker Pro. Previous bench experience in private practice and project management skills are a plus.
The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and grow with proven performance. Benefits include health insurance, an educational stipend, holiday and vacation time and bonuses. A rare entrepreneurial opportunity also exists for the right candidate to become part of the management team, or part or full owner.
West Lake Conservators clientele includes museum and private collections both regional and national. We encourage our employees to engage with the conservation profession through research, presentation at meetings and conferences. We also encourage and support attaining PA and/or Fellow status in AIC.
For more information: visit our web site at www.westlakeconservators.com and contact Susan Blakney or Margie Sutton. Applicants should send a letter of interest and resume to Susan Blakney at susan@westlakeconservators.com.
#job