Conservator of Paintings

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is located in Sarasota, Florida, and is a department of Florida State University . Learn more about The Ringling at .

Under the direction of the Chief Conservator, the Conservator of Paintings manages the activities that will help to ensure appropriate conservation of paintings at The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, including preservation, conservation treatment, and research.

Responsibilities will include:

• Ensuring that the Museum abides by the American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice in the care, examination, documentation, research and analysis, and conservation treatment of paintings.
• Conducting detailed examination of paintings, from historical to contemporary, in various media and on a range of supports, including canvas, wood, paperboard, Masonite, metal, stone, plaster, and other. Identifying and documenting materials and construction, assessing condition and causes of deterioration or damage, and documenting observations for paintings in the permanent collection and on loan to the museum.
• Establishing and promoting preventive care measures for paintings. Recommending appropriate handling, mounting, display, packing and crating, transportation, and storage practices for paintings in relation to the permanent collections, acquisitions, exhibitions, or loans.
• Making recommendations for appropriate conservation treatment of a variety of paintings and carrying out such treatments, minor to major, according to ethical guidelines and the scientific method, with regard to appropriate principles of conservation science, conservation practice, art history, and connoisseurship.
• Recommending and initiating scientific research and technical study of paintings, including establishment of priorities, development of criteria for appropriate analysis, making of recommendations for appropriate personnel and instrumentation, collaboration with other institutions having applicable instrumentation, and recommendation of the purchase of analytical equipment.
• Conducting research in support of conservation examination and treatment, understanding of materials and structure, deterioration, conservation materials and methodologies, as well as attribution or authenticity studies and other curatorial priorities—in collaboration with other conservators, scientists, curators, and other specialists in national and international institutions.
• Ensuring that appropriate scientific and technical documentation is provided as a record of all examination, analysis, research, testing, and treatment.
• Creating work plans, coordinating, and delegating the conservation and restoration treatment of paintings. Supervising the work of junior conservators, graduate Fellows, Interns, and others. Defining scopes of work and overseeing the work of contracted conservators.
• Presenting and publishing the results of scientific research, technical examination, and conservation treatment methodologies, including contributions to professional conferences and symposia as well as scholarly exhibition and collection catalogues.
• Remaining current with developing academic and scientific research as well as advances in examination and treatment in the conservation field.
• Preparing and using a range of chemicals and solvents in the testing, analysis, and treatment of paintings.
• Operating specialized scientific equipment employed in the study and treatment of paintings.
• Ensuring that all safety and health regulations are followed in the use, handling, and storage of chemicals. Working with the Health & Safety Coordinator in creating and maintaining a safety protocol for the Conservation Laboratory.
• Assisting with administrative functions including the development and writing of conservation policies and procedures, emergency planning documents, as well as grant applications and other funding proposals, as needed. Researching and ordering materials and equipment as required.
• Traveling locally, nationally, and internationally, or serving virtually, as a Museum courier to ensure appropriate care of permanent collection objects loaned to other institutions.
• Advising, consulting with, and assisting the Chief Conservator as requested along with other duties as assigned.

Important skills relevant to this role include:

• Excellent speaking and writing skills
• High level manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Experience:
  • Applying the principles, processes, and practices involved in the preservation and treatment of paintings from various periods and in a range of materials
  • Involving independent completion of conservation and restoration procedures from minor to major in complexity, while adhering to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice in all aspects of examination, documentation, research, analysis, and treatment
  • Preparing detailed written reports, using digital photography to document object condition and treatment, and using image processing software
• Ability:
  • To work successfully, both independently and in collaboration with others
  • To prioritize and organize work effectively to meet deadlines

Education

• Master's Degree in Art Conservation or equivalent degree or level of education and experience with a specialization in painting conservation.

Experience

• Professional conservation training and experience of at least 8 years.

Your application is not complete until you have uploaded:

• A position-relevant resume and cover letter that includes relevant experience, course work, skills, and contact information (phone and/or email)

Please note that a portfolio with documentation of conservation case studies or projects completed by the applicant may be requested during the review process.

• Training and experience in painting conservation
• Familiarity with a variety of material and painting types
• At least ten years full time conservation experience in painting conservation
• Experience:
  • Working in a museum environment and having knowledge of museum conservation practice
  • Working in a private painting conservation context
  • With historical, modern, and contemporary paintings
  • Supervising the conservation activities of others
  • Conducting scientific analysis and research of paintings

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs. Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks. How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service. Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume. Considerations

Rate of Pay: Up to $75,000 based on the education, skills, and experience of the selected candidate. Find out more about our comprehensive benefits package under the "FSU Total Rewards" section.

Working Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM with a one-hour meal period. Eligible for a hybrid work schedule . Night or weekend work may be required occasionally based on the needs of The Ringling.

• This position is based in Sarasota, FL
• This is an A&P (Administrative & Professional) position
• This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check to include fingerprinting

For more information, technical assistance, or should you require accommodations for the application or interview processes, please contact Ringling Human Resources at or .

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer.

FSU's Equal Opportunity Statement can be accessed at: .