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ASSOCIATE CONSERVATOR FOR PAPER AND PHOTOGRAPHS
ASSOCIATE CONSERVATOR FOR PAPER AND PHOTOGRAPHS |
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The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.
The UW Libraries is one of the largest and most innovative libraries in North America with extensive collections in print, electronic, and other formats. Providing services to three campuses, the UW Libraries also plays a significant leadership role regionally and throughout the profession. The UW Libraries is recognized for its excellent service, innovative learning and research spaces, collaborative approaches, extensive assessment efforts and diverse award-winning staff. The Henry Art Gallery is the only Northwest institution that focuses on researching, presenting, and preserving contemporary art, with a collection of more than 26,000 objects, including new media, sculpture, video, photography, paintings, and works on paper, as well as costumes, textiles, and ceramics. Through individual experiences with art, we inspire visitors to upend their expectations and discover surprising connections. The UW Libraries and Henry Art Gallery have an outstanding opportunity for a full-time Associate Conservator for Paper and Photographs. This position will document and perform complex item-level conservation treatments on University of Washington materials, with a focus on photographs and other paper-based art and library materials. This position will report jointly to the Director of Preservation Services at UW Libraries, and the Deputy Director of Exhibitions, Collections, and Programs at the Henry Art Gallery. This position is currently funded for three years (September 1, 2017 through August 31, 2020) with the possibility of an earlier summer 2017 start date. JOB DUTIES: TREATMENT Provide conservation treatment of rare and unique photographic and paper-based materials in adherence with The American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice; provide full written and photographic documentation of this work and maintain statistics. Complete both single item and collection-based treatments as necessary. Assist with stabilization of materials for processing or accessioning, exhibition, and loan; testing and ordering conservation supplies; disaster recovery and response; environmental monitoring; and identifying private conservators for outsourced treatments as needed. CONSULTATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PROJECT PLANNING Provide conservation support for UW Libraries special collections and Henry Art Gallery collections in consultation with preservation staff, collection managers, and others, as applicable. Perform preservation assessments to prioritize treatment; coordinate workflows; establish specifications, procedures, and quality control for work performed; and provide condition assessment for a variety of digitization and other projects. Develop care, handling, and storage guidelines for photographic and paper- based materials and provide staff education. Assist in the planning and development of the overall preservation programs at both institutions, particularly as it pertains to works on paper and photograph collections. RESEARCH Conduct research to identify causes of condition problems and to develop appropriate treatment and storage. Participate in research to answer questions pertinent to the study of the collections as physical objects. OUTREACH AND SERVICE Serve as a spokesperson to internal and external audiences for the importance of long-term preservation of our collective heritage through archival materials. With colleagues, provide training and/or workshops in photograph and paper conservation to students working in the UW Libraries and Henry as well as students in the UW’s Museology and iSchool programs. Provide training and consultation to other cultural heritage institutions in the region as needed. Assist with the development of regional training opportunities in the Pacific Northwest in collaboration with local conservators, organizations, consortia, and others. Maintain active involvement in professional conservation organizations at the national level, such as the American Institute for Conservation. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Staff supervision may include, but is not limited to, hourly assistants, directed fieldwork students or interns, and volunteers working in support of the Associate Conservator. As needed, conservation staff may consult the Associate Conservator regarding treatment or housing needs for photograph and paper materials in existing workflows. Understands and abides by the Libraries Personal Communication Responsibilities. Communicates appropriately, effectively and positively. Plays an active role in staying informed and participating in Libraries and unit meetings, activities and events. Other duties as assigned. |
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Master’s degree in conservation with a focus on photographs and paper, or demonstration of a similar level
of education and training required for the conservation of rare materials, such as completion of an apprenticeship with an established conservator, or other verifiable certification of advanced training and education. Demonstrated commitment to diversity in the workplace and community. Minimum of one year post-graduate professional conservation experience with a strong foundation in photograph and paper conservation principles and practices, as well as knowledge of chemistry as it applies to the conservation of library and museum collections. Knowledge of the history of photography and papermaking, including the ability to identify photographic and printing processes. Exceptional manual skills and ability to perform high quality conservation treatments as demonstrated by portfolio of work. Portfolio examples of particular interest include: tape removal and stain reduction for both historical and contemporary prints; difficult backing or mount removal; surface cleaning and reassembly of damaged or broken photographs; photographic retouching or inpainting; consolidation of flaking pigments and emulsion; and examples of both fine art and library material conservation required. Portfolios will be requested from selected applicants later in the application process. Demonstrated experience in teaching and/or training. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law. |
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