JOIN OUR TEAM

We will advertise for current open positions at both our Williamstown + Atlanta locations on this page. If no positions are available at this time, we will archive your CV and application materials for future reference.

space

CURRENT OPEN POSITIONS

 

ATLANTA CONSERVATION LAB TECHNICIAN 

Atlanta, Georgia

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

 

The Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Centers (W+AACC) seeks a qualified and motivated Conservation Lab Technician to join our team to assist the Paper, Objects, and Paintings Conservators in their work at our location in Atlanta, GA.

 

The Conservation Lab Technician assists the conservators in a variety of duties relating to the preservation and conservation of works of art and cultural heritage. They will assist with preparation of conservation materials; art movement storage, and handling; care and maintenance of studio tools and equipment; and conservation treatment of objects under the supervision of the conservator. The Technician will report to Senior Conservator Snow Fain.

 

DUTIES OF THIS POSITION: 

 

  • Working with conservators and other staff to unpack artworks and store them properly during their stay at the Center.
  • Following tracking procedures for movement of objects between storage and workspaces
  • Building working support structures to facilitate treatment activities
  • Helping with construction of new storage housings for objects
  • Working with conservators and other staff to repack objects
  • Assisting with large conservation projects, including the care of outdoor sculpture
  • Under direct supervision of conservators, performing minor conservation procedures
  • Organizing supplies and supply storage spaces
  • Adhering to all needed health and safety practices for handling hazardous materials
  • Performing care and maintenance of conservation studio tools and equipment

 

MININMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

 

  • Bachelor of Arts degree in Art, Art History, or closely related field from a recognized college or university or a combination of equivalent experience and education.
  • Ability to handle objects of all media, delicate scientific instruments, and hazardous materials with extreme care.
  • One year of related experience handling art objects and working in an art conservation laboratory; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • Basic knowledge of equipment, materials, and techniques used in housing, storing, and displaying art objects
  • Basic knowledge of object photography, desired but not required
  • Ability to use hand tools and artist’s materials with visual acuity and manual dexterity
  • Ability to learn knowledge and techniques used in conservation and to use lab equipment and devices used in the labs and in environmental monitoring
  • Ability to follow specific instructions and to work effectively with other staff and colleagues
  • Good judgment, a careful approach, and a flexible workstyle are required
  • Demonstrated physical ability to work on large projects, indoors and outdoors, on ladders and scaffolding, as necessary, stand for prolonged periods, and to lift 40 lbs
  • Ability to travel offsite for specific projects and stay away days as needed
  • Collaboration on projects across specializations is common; the applicant must exhibit effective communication skills, work well in a team setting, be willing and able to learn new techniques, and be able to understand and follow detailed instructions.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and credentials permitting legal work in the U.S.

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

 

  • The salary range for this position starts at $40,000. The salary offered to the applicant will be based on the applicant’s combination of skills, abilities, experience, and education.
  • A competitive benefits package is offered including health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 403b with 5% employer match, holidays, vacation, sick, and personal days.

 

Applications are requested by August 14, 2023. Interviews will begin as qualified applications are received.

 

Applications should include a letter of interest, résumé, and contact information for three references to Julie Reilly, W+AACC’s Executive Director, at [email protected].

 

About W+AACC Atlanta 

The Williamstown + Atlanta Centers are nonprofit regional conservation centers that provide conservation expertise and treatment for collections belonging to 57 member institutions, nonprofit, corporate, and private stewards. Our Atlanta conservation facility is located in a secure, environmentally controlled building just outside of Atlanta in the Chamblee area.

 

 

OBJECTS CONSERVATOR

Williamstown, Massachusetts

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

 

The Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Center seeks a qualified and motivated senior level objects conservator to join our team at our Stone Hill Center location in Williamstown, MA.

 

The Williamstown + Atlanta Centers are nonprofit regional conservation centers that provide conservation expertise and treatment for collections belonging to 57 member institutions, nonprofit, corporate, and private stewards. Our state-of-the-art conservation facility in the Berkshires was designed by Pritzker Prize architect, Tadao Ando, and is located on the campus of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, adjacent to Williams College campus.

 

The selected candidate for this position will work closely with the Head of the Objects Conservation Department as she transitions into retirement and, as a result, must demonstrate senior supervisory and administrative experience and capacity to move into the role of Head of the Objects Conservation Department soon after starting the position.

 

This position will join a team of three multi-disciplined objects conservators that work on a wide range of objects in the objects conservation laboratory that works very closely with the conservators in the Furniture and Frames Conservation Lab. The selected candidate will also work closely with colleagues in W+AAC’s paper, paintings, and analytical departments both in Williamstown and Atlanta for a cross-discipline, collaborative approach to treatment and care. The staff is supported by our in-house imaging specialist, conservation technician, and a talented administrative team. W+AACC’s analytical laboratory and relationship with the Williams College Chemistry Department provide the opportunity to integrate technical analysis into conservation methodology. W+AACC’s close relationships with the Clark Art Institute and Williams College Art Museum provide opportunities for in-depth interaction with curators and scholars of all specializations. Please see past issues of Art Conservator for examples of what our community of conservators have been working on and the scope of projects that come through the Center. Also see the list of 57 member institutions, for which W+AACC provides a full spectrum of conservation expertise.

 

Both education and professional development are integral to our mission. Our conservators teach for the joint Clark Art Institute/Williams College Graduate Program in Art History, provide mentorship to graduate and pre-program conservation interns, and host a variety of conservation programs. The successful candidate will demonstrate an interest and experience in education and outreach.

 

DUTIES OF THIS POSITION:

 

  • Work with the current Head of Objects Conservation as she transitions toward retirement
  • Manage the Object Conservation Lab:
    • Supervise workflow and quality of work for the lab which currently includes two Assistant/ Associate level Objects Conservators but may also include interns
    • Set priorities, direct workflow, monitor quality and productivity for the Objects Lab
    • Work with colleagues in other specializations and oversee interns and volunteers
    • Recruit, select, hire, train, and supervise staff, students, and interns
    • Work very closely with the Furniture and Frames Conservation Lab staff
    • Collaborate in a team-based work environment to develop policies, guidelines, project plans, and budgets
    • Participate in interdepartmental projects, act as lead conservator on projects as needed
    • Design and perform examinations and conservation treatment on a wide range of objects
    • Perform onsite work which may involve examinations, treatments, and consulting
    • Design/perform a range of surveys, institutional assessments, and consultations
    • Conduct research to understand objects and support recommended treatment protocols
    • Manage and oversee subcontractors as needed
    • Communicate with collection stewards regarding projects, in concert with admin. staff
  • Interact professionally with a broad range of people regarding collection stewardship, conservation, and preservation, both in person, over the phone, and via electronic means
  • Collaborate with conservation and collection professionals to develop and perform conservation and preventive care activities
  • Represent W+AACC in meetings with other professionals, potential clients, and donors
  • Participate actively in W+AACC’s education programs – mentoring, teaching, leading tours
  • Design and implement education and mentoring programs
  • Remain current with theoretical discourse, best practice, and innovation in the field

 

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

 

  • A Master’s degree in conservation OR equivalent educational experience
  • 10+ years of post-graduate conservation experience is required
  • Demonstrated successful supervisory experience
  • Active membership in the American Institute for Conservation
  • Demonstrated versatility in performance of techniques and materials used in conservation
  • Experience with integrating technical analysis into treatment methodologies
  • Excellent communication, time management, and interactive skills for frequent collaboration on projects with other departments and member professionals
  • The ability to travel to onsite projects in the surrounding region and beyond, as required
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • The ability to work on scaffolding indoors and out, stand for prolonged periods, lift 40lb
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Possess credentials permitting legal work in the United States

 

COMPENSATION + BENEFITS:

 

  • The salary range for this position starts at $70,000
  • A competitive benefits package is offered including health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 403b with 5% employer match, holidays, vacation sick, personal, and research days.
  • A professional development allowance of $1,000 and five research days are provided for workshops and conferences. Half of the cost of membership in the American Institute for Conservation is provided.

 

Applications are requested by June 30, 2023. Interviews will begin as qualified applications are received.

 

Applications should include a letter of interest, a portfolio demonstrating three treatments that address the requirements, and a CV. Please send applications to Julie Reilly at [email protected] .

 

 

 

ABOUT W+AACC

 

W+AACC’s mission is to protect, conserve and maintain heritage objects from all cultures; to provide examination, treatment, consultation, and related conservation services for member institutions and other non-profit organizations, corporations, and individuals; to conduct educational programs with respect to the care and conservation of works of art and objects of cultural interest; to participate in the training of conservators; to promote the importance of conservation and increase the awareness of the issues pertinent to collections care; and to conduct research and disseminate knowledge to advance the profession.

 

Our conservation and preservation work touches upon objects borne of all cultures, all times, all geographies, and all belief systems. It is imperative that W+AACC conduct its work within an environment that transcends any race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, citizenship, immigration status, disability or protected class. At W+AACC, all perspectives are relevant, vital, and welcome in the development and implementation of the best solutions to conserve, preserve, and share our visual material culture.