Conservation Assistant, Paper and Library Materials

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

At Winterthur, employment is more than just work. The Winterthur employee is offered a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission “to inspire, enlighten, and delight all of its visitors while preserving and enhancing [Winterthur]” and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Conservation Assistant will support the Paper and Library Materials Conservation Labs. Working under the supervision of the Paper Conservator and the Library Materials Conservator, the Conservation Assistant will design, construct, and assemble cradles, mounts, mats, and frames in preparation for exhibition and loan of a wide range of works of art on paper, books, and other library materials as well as assist with the installation and de-installation of exhibits, and other duties as required.

Compensation: $20.70 per hour

Benefits: 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family

Work Schedule:  Flexible 19 hours/week

Responsibilities:

1. Preparing paper-based objects, bound books, and other library materials for safe display in exhibitions  

1. Designing and building storage housings for paper and library material objects according to conservation best practices. 

1. Maintain an organized workspace; monitoring, researching, and ordering supplies for exhibition preparation; and documenting their work with accurate record keeping.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Experience: Bachelor‘s degree in studio art or work experience demonstrating well-developed hand skills with prior experience in a cultural institution or comparable setting handling works of art on paper and/or rare library materials

Preferred Experience: Bachelor’s degree with coursework related to art and/or book history and /or material culture studies with experience preparing works of art on paper and library/archival materials for exhibition is preferred. Formal or on-the-job training in book and paper conservation, printmaking, and/or bookbinding in a library or museum setting are also preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

1. Excellent manual dexterity, as well as the ability to exercise sound judgment when handling, treating, and mounting fragile collection materials.  

1. An aptitude for creative problem solving grounded in a solid understanding of conservation theory and practice is essential.  

1. Clear oral and written communication 

1. Coordinate work effectively, and remain flexible and patient while working with a collaborative team of conservators, curators, library staff, art handlers, exhibit designers, and other staff in a dynamic museum and library environment. 

1. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe software applications.  

1. Ability to meet time-sensitive deadlines efficiently. 

Essential Functions:

1. This position uses and maintains conservation equipment which may include cutting implements, power tools, use of chemical solvents 

1. Valid driver’s license and ability to successfully complete a defensive driving course in order to drive Winterthur vehicles 

1. Ability to work standing for several hours at a time to create larger mats and book cradles 

1. Ability to carry small and/or unusually shaped objects up to 30lbs. in weight 

1. Lifting and moving collection objects by hand or on carts safely though narrow passages 

Salary : $21