Description

Preservation Arts is offering a full time position of Assistant Objects Conservator to join our objects and sculpture team. This position will focus primarily on the treatment of objects and sculpture, both in the studio and outdoor environment, and is designed to be a heavily mentored position for a graduate of a Masters level conservation program.  

Preservation Arts is based in a historic 9,000 square foot studio in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland, California. The company has an excellent national and international reputation for exceptional quality work, documentation and client services. The interdisciplinary team consists of eleven conservators, many of whom are Professional Members of AIC, in the departments of paintings, murals, objects, outdoor sculpture, and works on paper, supported by comprehensive collections, project management, technician, and admin departments. 

The position will provide an opportunity for an emerging conservator to work in a large objects team while developing treatment skills and conservation knowledge. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on learning new skills, enjoys working with a variety of materials and techniques, collaborates and communicates effectively in team settings, and feels comfortable transitioning between studio and outdoor environments. They will be responsible for the treatment of artworks from a wide array of historical periods, encompassing both modern and contemporary works. The projects frequently entail close collaboration with artists, artist studios, and foundations, and engagement with a broad spectrum of clients—among them leading museums, galleries, and corporate, public, and private collections nationwide.

The conservator will primarily work with the object and outdoor sculptures departments, although interdisciplinary projects with other Preservation Arts departments, such as the paintings and mural department, are as needed.

Responsibilities:

-Carry out a range of treatments to the highest professional standards and in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics.

-Prepare comprehensive and precise reports accompanied by thorough photographic documentation, including on-site condition reports.
-The conservator will participate in collections management recommendations, collections maintenance, research into artists and materials, collection surveys and disaster remediation.
-Participate in collaborative treatments, as necessary, with conservators in other departments.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in conservation with a speciality in objects and/or sculpture. 
• Experience with the treatment and documentation of modern and contemporary artworks.
• Excellent documentation and assessment skills. 
• Possess a wide range of hand skills, impeccable inpainting skills, and the ability to perform physical tasks both in an indoor and outdoor setting. 
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time while working in an open studio environment or outdoors and sometimes work on elevated equipment.
• Occasional travel and overnight stays may be required.