Conservator, International Programs

Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage 86497BR University Job Title Senior Conservator Bargaining Unit None - Not included in the union (Yale Union Group) Time Type Full time Duration Type Regular Compensation Grade Galleries & Museums Compensation Grade Profile Senior Conservator (25) Wage Ranges Click here to see our Wage Ranges Searchable Job Family Museum/Curatorial Total # of hours to be worked: 37.
5 Work Week Standard (M-F equal number of hours per day) Work Location West Campus Worksite Address 900 A21 Collections West Campus Drive West Haven, CT 06516 Work Model On-site Position Focus: Reporting to of the Director of International Programs, the Conservator of International Programs contributes to the mission of serving a new generation of leaders dedicated to preserving and interpreting the world’s cultural heritage, specifically through the leadership and management of an international advisory services program in collections care and management spanning across multiple countries.
The position will focus on cultural heritage institutions and practitioners primarily in Africa and the Caribbean regions.
Specific responsibilities include: Oversee the launch and implementation of the program.
Assume primary accountability for designing and implementing program activities to build capacity of local staff working in global museums and cultural institutions including libraries, archives, cultural centers and heritage sites.
Work collaboratively with leadership, internal and external colleagues, and community stakeholders to establish priorities, goals and objectives and implement strategic plans.
Oversee the development and implementation of advisory services consisting of on-site assessments of collections, needs and risk assessments, evaluation of spaces for storage, laboratory and collection care activities, and direction on the procurement of specialized equipment, supplies and services for conservation.
Initiate, design, and manage training programs consisting of training curriculum and delivery of content via a variety of mechanisms including hands-on workshops, webinars, printed materials, and individual coaching for local teams and staff.
Contribute to the preservation of collections by undertaking comprehensive conservation treatments as needed and within scope of specialization.
Direct the sourcing of conservation expertise for objects outside of their specialization.
Identify, solicit, cultivate and maintain relationships with Yale conservation staff and within the wider field of conservation to support the development and growth of the program.
Analyze and manage knowledge dissemination of current trends and best practices in preservation and conservation of cultural heritage collections.
Essential Duties 1.
Works closely with the Chief Conservator to formulate, develop, and implement conservation and preservation treatments, programs, and policies.
Represent the Conservation Department in the Chief Conservator’s absence.
2.
Oversees an active program of study and treatments, including technical and materials analyses, and develops a long-range philosophy and strategy for conservation treatment, collaborative research and teaching in all areas of the relevant collections in collaboration with staff.
Develops conservation and research projects working with teams of curators, other conservators, collections staff, and conservation scientists.
Responsible for implementing collections policies, plans and initiatives, developing professional standards, procedures and strategies, and assisting the Chief Conservator with policy formulation.
3.
Works with the Chief Conservator to coordinate collaborative research and analysis, implement treatments, create and maintain conservation documentation.
Develops strategic plans for objects conservation; writes policies and procedures for objects conservation as facilities expand, collections grow, and curatorial staff increase.
Assists in determining conservation priorities for collections and/or individual projects and planning strategies for collection care 4.
Collaborates with Chief Conservator to manage a conservation department area of specialty including recommendations for budget planning, supply and equipment inventory, coordinating contract work, and resolving any intra-departmental issues; as well as pursuing grants and other sources of funding.
5.
Undertakes treatments and develops new methodologies for conservation and sustainable preservation; undertakes research in materials and techniques, including new methods of scientific research, disseminating research results through publications, presentations, conferences and workshops.
6.
Identifies and diagnoses problems, approves conservation methods which ensure the safety of the objects.
Assesses and approves alternative and/or modify conservation methods to achieve desired results.
7.
Ensures accurate written and photographic documentation for conservation examinations, treatments and other activities.
Leads research necessary to preserve collections and ensure deterioration of collections is monitored and controlled.
8.
Advises on problems associated with environmental control, climate control, and light levels in storage and other areas of the museum or library.
9.
Sets conservation priorities for collections and/or individual projects; for the care and physical well-being of collections.
Assists in planning strategies for collection care.
10.
Examines objects prior to acquisition and advises on authenticity and condition in collaboration with Chief Conservator, curators and other relevant experts.
11.
Leads staff, visiting scholars, researchers and students in examination and conservation techniques.
13.
Oversees safe use and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with current federal, state, and local regulations and policies.
14.
Contributes to the field and profession through teaching, publishing, and presenting at national and international conferences.
15.
May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience Master’s Degree in Art, Museum and/or Library/Archives Conservation, Materials Science, or related field and five years of advanced conservation experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Skill/Ability 1: Knowledge and practical experience with preventive conservation approaches.
Familiarity with a wide range of collection objects, with emphasis on library, archives, photographic, painting and sculpture collections.
Required Skill/Ability 2: Cultural competency to fully understand, converse with, and efficiently interact with diverse stakeholders.
Excellent inter-personal skills with experience in developing collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Required Skill/Ability 3: Ability to design and deliver training programs for diverse audiences, strong teaching skills and communication skills.
Required Skill/Ability 4: Ability to think creatively to solve problems and adapt best practices to specific circumstances.
Required Skill/Ability 5: Strong ability and skills to manage multiple projects to successful outcomes and evaluate effectiveness of strategies and programs.
Preferred Education, Experience and Skills: Prior experience in developing and implementing conservation programs internationally in one or more of the following regions: Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Middle East.
Familiarity and/or proficiency with one or more languages.
Physical Requirements Ability and willing to travel.
Ability and willing to comply with all health requirements of countries to which they travel.
Ability to lift 20 lbs.
and travel with specialized equipment as necessary.
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: Must have a valid passport.
Weekend Hours Required? Occasional Evening Hours Required? Occasional Drug Screen Yes Health Screening No Background Check Requirements All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements.
All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check.
For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.
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All faculty, staff, students, and trainees are required to comply with these policies, which may be found here: https://covid19.
yale.
edu/health-guidelines Posting Disclaimer The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position.
Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.
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Additionally, in accordance with Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.
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