DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 

Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive/Low Risk

Who may apply:
Open to all qualified applicants

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 

The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG) is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for the arts and artists of our time. We seek to share the transformative power of modern and contemporary art with audiences at all levels of awareness and understanding by creating meaningful, personal experiences in which art, artists, audiences, and ideas converge. We enhance public understanding and appreciation of contemporary art through acquisition, exhibitions, education and public programs, conservation, and research. In order to fulfill its mission, HMSG develops collaborative relationships with institutions and organizations within the Smithsonian, the United States, and abroad. The collection consists of approximately 13,000 objects of modern and contemporary art, consisting of paintings, sculptures, variable media, and works on paper.

The Project Conservator is responsible for conservation treatment and assessment of HMSG sculpture collections in offsite storage during a multi-year remediation project. The Project Conservator will conduct a survey of approximately 1200 sculptures, draft treatment proposals, propose recommendations for rehousing, and conduct treatment on a variety of artworks in various mediums.

This is a one-year term position with the option for renewal, pending funding availability and completion of the project’s objectives; located primarily in the Museum Support Center (MSC), in Suitland, MD. This job is not suitable for hybrid or remote work.

Conservation Treatments

· Performs conservation treatments on artworks which have been identified and assigned as part of the remediation project. This may include cleaning, consolidation, removing non-original materials, repairing chemical or physical damage, and compensation for loss.

· Prepares written treatment proposals per project guidelines for all objects that explain treatment objectives, methods, and materials.

 · Prepares final treatment report, per project guidelines including a clear description about the methods and materials used in treatment of the object, a description of any treatment procedures tested and proven unsatisfactory.

· Provides recommendations for safe care and handling of the objects.

Technical Examinations & Documentation

· Conducts examinations of pre-determined set of artworks, identifying the current condition, the nature and extent of damage (if applicable), and the nature and extent of treatment needed. Keeps detailed records of the examinations, including images/sketches for HMSG conservation files.

· Investigates and monitors potential hazards in storage spaces resulting from unfavorable environmental conditions, human neglect, or other issues. Initiates reports on variations in temperature and humidity that could prove detrimental to works of art in the building.

 · Keeps detailed records of examinations, including images/sketches for conservation files.

 · Provides statistics, updates, and reports on project progress as needed to HMSG staff, board, trustees, and the Office of Risk Management.

· Monitors store of conservation supplies for project.

Experience: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess 1-3 years of related experience (described below).

Experience required for this position is as follows:

· Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in sculpture conservation. Knowledge of treatments on modern and contemporary sculpture artworks and familiarity with treating a wide range of art making materials from the late 20th century through the present day.

 · Knowledge of materials science and technology as well as organic and inorganic chemistry. Knowledge of diagnostic tools used to examine and document the construction and condition of objects.

 · Skilled knowledge of environmental risk and other phenomena contributing to or causing deterioration of objects in order to prevent damage and select appropriate treatments.

 · Ability to utilize effective strategies and processes for implementing collections survey and organizing treatment plans for a large volume of works.

 · Manual dexterity and a background in basic artistic skills and media necessary for performance of exacting precise work with a variety of materials.

 · Ability to document object condition, treatments, and installation through written reports, photography, and other data.

 · Ability to use The Museum System (TMS) to generate and maintain reports on modern and contemporary artworks and collections.

· Ability to climb a ladder, stand for extended periods of time, and lift at least 50 lbs. required.

 

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

 

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

 
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week. A cover letter is required with your application.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume and cover letter will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant materials is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

 

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures. 

 

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo