Jobs – Art Conservation

Conservator (Objects) – Asian Art Museum

Listing Start Date: February 5, 2025
Expires: April 5, 2025

Located in the heart of San Francisco, the Asian Art Museum is home to one of the world’s finest collections of Asian art, boasting more than 20,000 inspiring artworks ranging from ancient jades and ceramics to contemporary video installations. Dynamic special exhibitions, cultural celebrations, and public programs for all ages provide rich art experiences that unlock the past and spark questions about the future.

Currently, we are leading a search for a Conservator to join our team. This is an exceptional opportunity to join an organization that values creativity, teamwork, collaboration, and inclusion and where you will be surrounded by a diverse, talented, and enthusiastic group of colleagues.

The Conservator (Objects) is responsible for the conservation, preservation, and technical study of three-dimensional objects including metals, ceramics, lacquered objects, archaeological materials, wood, stone, and modern materials. The collection of time-based media artwork is growing. The Conservator will help build the preservation program for time-based media. In support of technical investigations, the Objects Conservator operates the X-radiography and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy equipment and manages the data.

The Conservator maintains a sound understanding of preservation and conservation best practices while representing their area of expertise in compliance with the American Institute for Conservation’s (AIC) Code of Ethics.

The Conservator regularly interacts with staff, vendors, visitors, volunteers, members, and colleagues in a friendly and respectful manner.

Essential Functions

Performs professional and complex conservation and preservation work in accordance with best practices in their area of specialization.
Writes condition reports and provides photographic documentation. Insures that completed reports and documentation comply with the AIC Code of Ethics.
Conducts surveys of art works.
Performs scientific analysis to support the treatment of artworks and understanding of fabrication materials and methods; coordinates additional consultancy resources as needed.
Ensures analytical equipment is operational, maintained and compliant with City, State, and OSHA regulations, while implementing and enforcing safety measures.
Prepares artworks for exhibitions and coordinates with other departments to ensure proper display.
Maintains inventory of supplies for treatment and display and initiates purchases and recommends items for a budget.
Provides expert advice on preventive conservation and preservation of the art collection, including storage, studio design, packing, installation methods, art handling, IPM, testing, and environmental data collection, while serving as a resource for museum staff, collectors, and the public.
Publishes articles describing conservation research and techniques; prepares written and oral presentations for the public, connoisseurs, museum staff, and conservators.
Acts as a courier for artworks as needed. Including, traveling with the artworks; unpacking at destination; writing condition reports and performing emergency treatments as necessary and as approved; repacking and condition reporting at the close of the exhibition.
Reviews loan requests and sets requirements for packing, transport, and display of artworks while on loan.
Writes and manages grant proposals to enhance donor cultivation efforts for conservation initiatives.
Develops and implements conservation policies and procedures to strengthen the preventive conservation program; organizes workshops and provides training to staff and volunteers.
Oversees the conservation aspects of projects, including budget management, contractor supervision, and approval of contractor work for payment.
Supports data management and archiving initiatives within the conservation center to ensure comprehensive documentation of conservation activities.
Utilizes technology and software to collect and manage analytical and preventive conservation data effectively.
Gives direction to conservation team members, interns, and volunteers as needed and leads the Conservation center in the absence of the Head of Conservation or a senior ranking conservator.
Performs other related duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Master of Arts degree in Art Conservation or Art History degree with a Certificate in Conservation from a recognized conservation training program.
Seven (7) years of related experience beyond graduation. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
Knowledge of the technology and materials of artworks and of the chemical and physical processes of their deterioration.
Knowledge of the physical properties and characteristics of the treatment and preservation materials, and the effects of their past and future.
Knowledge of the procedures relating to the examination and preventative and corrective treatment of artworks.
Knowledge of the best practices and environmental requirements for handling, storage, exhibition, and travel of the art collection.
Knowledge of preventive conservation best practices for Integrated Pest Management (IPM), environmental data collection and safety.
Ability to examine artworks and determine their current state of preservation for new acquisitions, loans, and exhibitions.
Ability to provide sound advice and recommendations regarding the design of facilities to ensure the proper display, storage and treatment of the art collection.
Ability to make clear and effective oral presentations to various audiences.
Ability to write and publish conservation work in peer reviewed publications and produce articles to promote the conservation center.
Ability to give direction to conservation team members.
Ability to administer and supervise the department in the absence of the Head of Conservation as assigned.
Ability to prioritize work, coordinate with preparators and other museum staff, and sequence projects to meet agreed upon deadlines.
Ability to lift and carry 50lbs independently or with a team.
Ability to maintain ongoing effective working relationships with museum team members, colleagues in the field, and the public.

Working Conditions

The conservator typically works in a combination of office, conservation laboratory, gallery, and art storage spaces. Laboratory areas are purpose-built for conservation work. It is well-lit, climate controlled, and equipped with a fume extraction system.

COMPENSATION

The Asian Art Museum is committed to practicing salary transparency. The hourly range for this position is $44.0299 – 52.8810/hr. This FLSA exempt opportunity includes a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:

Fully covered medical, dental and vision insurance for employee
12 paid holidays (2025)
15 days of vacation
12 days of sick leave
Group retirement plan starting after one year of employment

This position is represented by Local 1021, Service Employees International Union.

New hires typically start at the beginning of the wage range.

OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITMENTS

At the Asian Art Museum, we are dedicated to ideating, building, and holding ourselves accountable for Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion in everything we do. We strive to foster a culture of respect, belonging and inclusivity for all employees.
Our mission is to celebrate, preserve, and promote Asian and Asian American art and cultures for local and global audiences. We provide a dynamic forum for exchanging ideas, inviting collaboration, and fueling imagination to deepen understanding and empathy among people of all backgrounds.

Diversity of thought and experience is essential to our mission, and we are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Apply online at https://about.asianart.org/careers/. Ensuring a smooth and enjoyable candidate experience is critical for us. Application materials will be screened in relation to the criteria described. Candidates deemed to be the most highly qualified will be invited to participate in the interview process. Our interview process tends to take about 4 weeks to complete but may fluctuate depending on the role. Appointment is subject to completion of a thorough background check process.

The Asian Art Museum is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories (arrest and criminal histories) consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.

Requirements

Master of Arts degree in Art Conservation or Art History degree with a Certificate in Conservation from a recognized conservation training program.
Seven (7) years of related experience beyond graduation. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
Knowledge of the technology and materials of artworks and of the chemical and physical processes of their deterioration.
Knowledge of the physical properties and characteristics of the treatment and preservation materials, and the effects of their past and future.
Knowledge of the procedures relating to the examination and preventative and corrective treatment of artworks.
Knowledge of the best practices and environmental requirements for handling, storage, exhibition, and travel of the art collection.
Knowledge of preventive conservation best practices for Integrated Pest Management (IPM), environmental data collection and safety.
Ability to examine artworks and determine their current state of preservation for new acquisitions, loans, and exhibitions.
Ability to provide sound advice and recommendations regarding the design of facilities to ensure the proper display, storage and treatment of the art collection.
Ability to make clear and effective oral presentations to various audiences.
Ability to write and publish conservation work in peer reviewed publications and produce articles to promote the conservation center.
Ability to give direction to conservation team members.
Ability to administer and supervise the department in the absence of the Head of Conservation as assigned.
Ability to prioritize work, coordinate with preparators and other museum staff, and sequence projects to meet agreed upon deadlines.
Ability to lift and carry 50lbs independently or with a team.
Ability to maintain ongoing effective working relationships with museum team members, colleagues in the field, and the public.