The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.
Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.
Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.
Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.
Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution.
SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.
Schedule: Full Time, 35 hours/week, approximately 4-5 days working onsite
The Associate Paintings Conservator is a member of the Elise S. Haas Conservation Department of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. They contribute to the preservation, conservation, research, and display of modern and contemporary artworks, and in the exploration and documentation of artists’ practices.
Under the supervision of the Paintings Conservator, the Associate Paintings Conservator contributes to overseeing the conservation of paintings in the SFMOMA collection, spanning early 20th through contemporary time periods. They work collaboratively with other departmental conservators on the care of objects of mixed media. The Associate Paintings Conservator performs examination of artworks, preparation of treatment proposals and execution of conservation treatment of works being considered for acquisition, loan, display, and deaccession. The level of responsibility and autonomy in decision-making varies depending on projects and level of expertise required.
The art of our time necessitates new models of care for preservation and access, and SFMOMA conservators work collaboratively both intra- and inter-departmentally to address new challenges presented in unorthodox materials and emerging art-making methods. A shared studio space for five conservation disciplines (electronic media, objects, paintings, paper, and photography) supports synergistic exploration. Multiple hybrid Collections spaces within the museum and Collection Center underpin collections care through expansive staff expertise. The Artist Materials Collection contains physical manifestations of artists’ practices and is displayed and housed on the Inge-Lise Eckmann Lane Artist Materials Tower in the center of the Conservation studio.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Preservation and Conservation
- Examine and assess the condition of works being considered for acquisitions, loans, exhibitions, rotations, deaccessions, and imaging.
- Perform treatment on paintings and related artworks in accordance with SFMOMA Conservation Department policies and AIC Code of Ethics.
- Document all aspects of artwork’s structure and condition through written reports and photographic records.
- Engage with artists, their studio assistants, or estates to foster relationships that underpin the long-term care and display of their work in the collection.
- Work with living artists to explore and document their practices in ways that contribute to shared stewardship of the museum’s collection.
- Provide recommendations for display, loan, and storage of paintings and related mixed media works in the collection.
- Contribute to review and refinement of current conservation procedures for acquisitions, exhibitions, loans out, storage and collections care.
- Advise the curators and other staff on preservation and care issues related to collections and potential acquisitions.
- Work on museum exhibitions as a Conservation point as assigned by Paintings Conservator and Director of Conservation.
- Examine and maintain artwork in gallery spaces, including dusting and monitoring of ongoing and new condition issues.
- Observe museum standards for monitoring, handling, storage, installation, and packing of artworks and provide input to improve current processes.
- Advise on handling, transit, and installation procedures for complex or fragile artworks.
- Serve in the role of courier (including performing virtual oversight) as needed.
- Research and Continuing Education
- Propose and undertake research on artworks in SFMOMA’s collection, exploring various processes, artists’ materials, and methods of making.
- Present and disseminate results to ensure active engagement with relevant communities, including contributions to the museum’s records for discovery and use by museum staff.
- Promote and support the Artist Materials Collection by making it more accessible to staff and visitors.
- Participate in professional networks, workshops, and programs to stay current with relevant practices, methods, and technologies; share new knowledge base with the department and Collections and Curatorial colleagues.
- SFMOMA Conservation Advocacy
- Engage with SFMOMA staff, museum professionals, artists, scholars, collectors, donors and the public and advise on the care of modern and contemporary artwork, and proper procedures for exhibition and storage.
- Work with Digital Engagement staff to develop dynamic stories for the care and conservation of contemporary art.
- Represent the museum to other conservation and art-affiliated individuals and institutions on a local, national, and international level.
- Conservation and Collections Operations
- Collaborate with colleagues within Conservation to maintain high standards in the working environment and museum best practices.
- Actively participate in the training and supervision of the Fellow in the Conservation of Contemporary Art and interns when appropriate.
- Demonstrate competency in using and contributing content to collections management systems, digital asset management systems, and project management software.
- Provide assistance for visiting students and researchers.
- Promote sustainable preservation solutions that incorporate environmental practices.
- Travel for museum business and off-site conservation work or study as needed.
- Research and order necessary materials and equipment within the department.
- Team Participation
- Encourage and contribute to an inclusive, rewarding, and inspiring workplace, where innovation, discovery, and constant learning cultivate a deep sense of belonging and shared responsibility within the Conservation and museum teams.
- Build and foster a culture of safety, inclusivity, and equity , and support the personal and professional growth of individuals.
- Work in a healthy and flexible style, and model and communicate empathy and understanding.
- Nurture collaboration and partnership across teams with fluid communication and respect for diverse expertise that are essential to an art museum.
- Support effective and efficient communication and workflows, and prioritize activities to support sustainable workloads.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the museum’s strategic focus of making programming that engages visitors and inspires individuals to return and recommend the museum to their family and friends.
Qualifications & Skills
- Master’s degree in conservation with a specialty in paintings conservation, or direct equivalent experience conserving modern and contemporary paintings.
- Five (5) to seven (7) years of work experience supplementing academic study and internships.
- Focused knowledge and interest in modern and contemporary art and its care, and broad experience in museum practice.
- Advanced hand skills and ability to perform a wide variety of conservation procedures with manual dexterity and sensitivity to materials. Accurate perception of color and ability to match colors and surface configuration.
- Proficiency of standard conservation terminology and ability to communicate clearly in writing and conversation with colleagues, artists, donors, and the general public.
- Developed abilities in the identification, examination, analysis, documentation and treatment of paintings.
- Experience with institutional preventative conservation practices for collections and exhibition conservation, with a specialty for paintings and painted surfaces.
- Experience with appropriate housing for paintings for storage, travel and display purposes.
- Strong knowledge of chemical and physical properties of: materials used for paintings, conservation materials, and deterioration processes.
- Understanding of instrumentation relating to paintings, examination, conservation, and materials characterization.
- Experience in navigating a collection management system, as well as digital, file and project management systems used in daily museum practices.
- Creative thinking and solutions-based problem-solving abilities.
- High level of accuracy and efficient organization.
- Ability to work cooperatively with supervisor, fellow staff members, and contractors, as well as independently.
- Ability to prioritize workload effectively and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated competency in collecting and analyzing climate and light level records in galleries and storage areas.
Working Conditions
- The position’s workspace is divided between the museum’s Third Street location and its Collection Center in South San Francisco dependent on assigned projects.
- The conservators are regularly required to perform physically active treatments, to undertake treatments requiring repetitive movements, and to work for extended periods of time at computer stations.
- The Conservation Studio contains hazardous organic solvents, acids and bases, as well as some known carcinogenic materials (powdered chromium and cadmium pigments). Sharp tools and mechanical equipment are also in use. Conservators should be aware of the dangers inherent in the use of such equipment and materials. Particle masks, solvent masks and gloves are provided as protection from such environmental factors. First-aid kits, an emergency shower and eyewash are provided in the department. Close office setting. Must be willing to follow necessary safety protocols.
Job posting open date: 9/18/24
Job posting closing date: 11/1/24, 4pm
All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.
We encourage both internal and external candidates to apply within the initial open posting period as the application close date may or may not be extended beyond that initial period. Applications will not be accepted after a posting has been closed.
Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street.
Benefits: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Pet Insurance, Life and AD&D Coverage, Disability Insurance, Mental Health and Wellness Benefits, Discount Programs, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, SFMOMA Membership, and more
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal of state law.
You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.
You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at talent@sfmoma.org.
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Last updated on Sep 10, 2024