Paintings Conservator

Job: One-year term with the possibility of a year extension

Full Time, exempt, salary, union after 120 days

Supervisor: Senior Conservator

General Purpose: The Paintings Conservator – Limited Term will treat paintings for the 50th anniversary exhibition and catalogue the Mrs. Harry L. Bradley collection.

The collection contains European and American paintings, prints, watercolors, and sculptures from the late nineteenth century to the early 1970s, including works by Braque, Picasso, and Kandinsky. A survey of the collection was conducted in 2023 to identify condition issues and prioritize treatments.

This is a limited-term one-year, full-time position with the possibility of a one-year extension. This position will not extend beyond two years due to grant funding.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform detailed examinations and assessments of Bradley collection paintings.
• Design and execute treatments according to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Perform documentation and photography of paintings before, during, and after conservation treatments, ensuring accurate records are maintained for reference and research purposes.
• Collaborate with conservation and curatorial staff to determine treatment priorities.
• Collaborate with curatorial and collections staff to plan and execute treatments, ensuring the artworks are prepared for exhibition, and collections photography.
• Work on projects independently, as well as in cooperation with other conservators, technicians and the matter/framer.
• Manage and work on multiple projects simultaneously under known deadlines.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Graduate degree in Art Conservation with a specialization in paintings from a recognized conservation training program with a minimum of 2 years in a post-graduate paintings conservation role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of painting processes and materials.
• Proficiency in conservation techniques, materials, and technologies relevant to paintings, including cleaning, retouching, varnishing, and structural treatments.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct scientific analysis on materials and techniques.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex conservation concepts to diverse audiences.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift 50 pounds
• Have excellent mobility and hand/eye coordination
• Close, distant, color, peripheral, depth perception and focused vision.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties and skills.

Milwaukee Art Museum is an EOE/M/W/Vets/Disability Employer.

DEAI Statement:

The Milwaukee Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer. The Museum recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and other protected status as required by applicable law

We are committed to recruiting, developing, compensating, and retaining professional staff that reflect our community. We aspire to be a diverse workplace where talented people want to come, stay, and do their best work.

We stand committed to the work ahead, informed by our community, which we will support with our best thinking, our deepest empathy, and the courage to embody the convictions shared in our Strategic Direction.