Conservator of Works of Art on Paper

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group
of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage
individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from historically
marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are
inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry,
citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial
status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital
status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran
status, or any other protected status. 

How You Will Contribute

The Conservator of Works of Art on Paper will perform conservation
examinations and treatments on the museum’s collection of art on paper
which spans the history of art from the fifteenth century illuminated
manuscripts through Contemporary works in all mediums. The museum has major
holdings in American, European, South Asian, and East Asian works including
prints, drawings, photographs, illuminated manuscripts, artist illustrated
books, as well as Asian scrolls and screens.

The Conservator will collaborate with other museum staff to conduct research
to further understanding of the materials and techniques used by artists who
create works of art on paper. They will serve as an integral member of the
museum’s conservation staff and participate in activities relating to
exhibitions, installations, loans, preventive care of the permanent
collections, and professional and public engagement.

Specifically, you will:

Examine, conduct research, and perform conservation treatment on a broad
range of works of art on paper.
Assess the condition of works requested for loan or being considered for
acquisition and document the condition of incoming or outgoing loans.
Advise on housing, installation, storage, handling, packing, and transport of
works of art.
Collaborate with conservation scientists in chemical and instrumental
analysis and characterization of materials of works of art.
Conduct microfade testing of light sensitive works of art using a Fotonowy
Automated Fadeometer.
Mentor and train conservation junior staff, post-graduate fellows, interns,
and technicians.
Take part in ongoing preservation activities to contribute to the preventive
care of collections on view and in storage.
Participate as a member of the Conservation Division in a range of
institutional initiatives and functions, as well as in professional and
public engagement.
Other duties as assigned.
Your background and experience include:

Graduate degree from a recognized Art Conservation training program, with a
specialization in works of art on paper.
Significant experience in the conservation of works of art on paper at an
advanced level of responsibility in a museum/collection setting.
Proven ability to plan and execute a variety of complex conservation
treatments.
Experience and training in the conservation of non-western works of art on
paper.
Experience/interest in microfade testing of works of art on paper.
Demonstrated visual, manual, and scholarly aptitudes. Strong written and
verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work
both independently and collaboratively.
Position and Compensation Details

The minimum salary for this position is $74,000.
This position is full-time, exempt, and 35 hours per week.
This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
This position reports to The Senior Conservator of Works of Art on Paper.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to utilize instruments and computers required of this job, to perform
physically administrative duties in a typical laboratory environment,
gallery, or exhibit space, and to access all public and staff areas of the
museum campus, with or without accommodation
Able to regularly set up, adjust, and operate a computer/keyboard and other
office equipment used to generate work/transmit data
Able to move up to 40 pounds
COVID-19 vaccination required.
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made.
Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of
the job.

Institutional Requirements

Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that
is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances
its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any
real or perceived conflicts of interest.
Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and
appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and
audiences.
Maintains confidentiality.
Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.
Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to
apply early as the position will close once, we have a robust applicant pool,
or a candidate has been selected.

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have
access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:

Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
Discounted guest tickets for admission
Discounts on gift memberships
Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation
teams
Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and
online stores
We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees* including:

Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance,
and life insurance
Health savings or flexible spending account program
Retirement savings program with museum match
Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including
the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.