Project Conservation Technician for Paintings || Richmond, Virginia, United States || Contract

Project Conservation Technician for Paintings 

Richmond, Virginia

Job Duties:

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has an exciting opportunity for a Project Conservation Technician for Paintings to join the team at the Susan and David Goode Center for Advanced Study in Art Conservation.

The Goode Center is a vibrant research, treatment 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.

Reporting to the Interim Head of Paintings Conservation, this position will focus specifically on activities in support of VMFA’s upcoming expansion and traveling exhibition program. Utilizing the highest levels of conservation approaches, archival standards, and aesthetic sensibilities, the primary focus of this position will be preparing VMFA paintings for the safe display, storage, and packing of paintings at the museum and while on loan to other institutions. This position will provide critical support for the work of the painting conservation lab, including handling, unframing, framing, and glazing paintings as well as updating hardware and improving the security of the paintings in their frames. The Conservation Technician will also construct specialized insert backings, microclimates, and travel frames as needed. In consultation with Conservators, Curators, specialists, and other conservation colleagues, the Technician will assist in the development and possible construction of new and/or unusual framing options.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in other conservation activities as time allows, including assisting environmental monitoring, participating in integrative pest management, conducting condition assessments, and performing minor treatments. They will also participate in laboratory tours and conservation-related displays, help maintain the lab, and assist in the procurement and inventorying of materials and supplies.

The annual salary for this position is $40,000 – $42,000 annually. 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.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is a state-supported, privately endowed educational institution created for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art, to encourage the study of the arts, and thus to enrich the lives of all. As one of the world’s finest museums and one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States, the VMFA is the only art museum in the United States open 365 days a year with free general admission.

Minimum Qualifications

● Experience handling paintings in a museum, gallery, or institutional setting.

● Preferred experience framing, glazing, and backing paintings. Familiarity with the construction of paintings.

● Demonstrated attention to detail and a high degree of craftsmanship with a focus on precision and accuracy. Experience in studio arts and basic woodworking.

● Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and guidelines and convey information in a clear, succinct, and accurate manner.

● Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and in concert with others, and to be professional, diplomatic, and discreet.

● Demonstrated problem solving and critical thinking abilities.

● Effective time and project management abilities. Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

● Knowledge of conservation ethics, practices, procedures, and principles employed in the conservation profession. Basic understanding of the environmental factors that cause the deterioration of cultural property.

● Motivated worker with a passion for learning and gaining new skills.

● 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).

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