Mellon Fellow—Conservation
As a highly engaged member of the Conservation team, the Mellon Fellow assists the Museum’s painting, paper, and object conservators in addressing the needs of collection objects under the direction of the Chief Conservator. Ninety percent of this position is related to direct care of the collection as defined by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).
Qualifications
A successful candidate will meet many of these requirements and have the desire and capacity to learn the rest on the job.
- Graduate degree in conservation from a recognized conservation training program with a specialization in paintings, paper, time-based media, or objects
- Demonstrated experience examining collection objects to assess condition and structure, writing conservation reports, documenting condition and treatment activities, and producing conservation documentation photographs
- Knowledge of American Institute for Conservation (AIC) standards
- Proficiency in conservation hand skills and art handling
- Familiarity with both basic and complex conservation treatments
- Basic understanding of preventive conservation best practices, including environmental controls and integrated pest management
- Familiarity with a range of scientific analytical techniques and equipment
- Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Strong research and comprehension skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Responsibilities
- Carry out research, documentation, and treatments as part of the Museum’s exhibition program, as directed
- Assess condition issues and conservation needs for exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions
- Prepare collections for exhibitions and loans by performing conservation treatments with varying levels of complexity
- Document conservation work through written reports, conservation photography, and scientific analysis
- Pursue research projects including close visual study, scientific analysis, archival research, and collaboration with other institutions as part of the Museum’s research goals
- Collaborate with staff across the Museum to achieve conservation goals and meet deadlines
- Maintain a safe workspace and follow best practices for using and disposing chemicals, particularly organic solvents and heavy metals
- Participate in general conservation activities including giving tours, maintaining gallery and storage spaces, and updating records
- Perform preventive conservation tasks such as recording environmental monitoring and integrated pest management
- Order supplies
- Other duties as assigned
Start date: Immediately
Department: Conservation
Reports to: Chief Conservator
Position type: Full-time
Grade and salary: J - $57,630
Union status: Union—UAW Local 2110
FLSA status: Nonexempt
Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm
If you have questions about our online application system, get in touch with us at job.application.questions@brooklynmuseum.org.
At the Brooklyn Museum, we value all types of experience. For us, a successful candidate has many of the qualities listed in our job postings, and the desire and capacity to learn the rest on the job. If much, but not all, of a job posting describes you, then we welcome your application.