Textile Conservator

The Preservation Society of Newport County was founded in 1945 to preserve and protect the architectural, cultural, and social heritage of Newport County, Rhode Island. Our collections include 11 historic properties dating from 1748 to 1902—seven of which are National Historic Landmarks; 88 acres of landscape; and 60,000 decorative and fine arts objects. We offer a dynamic, year-round schedule of tours, lectures, and study days to a diverse audience from all fifty states and abroad. We honor our responsibility to be excellent stewards of these historic treasures.

The Preservation Society is seeking a full time Textile Conservator, reporting to the Chief Conservator, responsible for the development and implementation of both direct and preventive conservation, documentation, assessment, and treatment of the museum’s permanent collections which include original 19th century furnishing textiles (wall coverings, window coverings, upholstery, carpets, and tapestries), household textiles, and costumes across 11 historic properties and collections storage facility. As a member of the Conservation Department within the Museum Affairs Department, the Textile Conservator works closely and collaboratively with colleagues in Curatorial and Collections on displays, exhibitions, storage, collections care, outgoing loans, new acquisitions, research, and other special projects. 

• Design and carry out basic to advanced conservation treatments in consultation with Chief Conservator and Curators.
• Undertake on-site needs assessments, often working at height and in view of the public.
• Provide written and photographic documentation to record condition of objects, treatments proposed, and treatments performed, maintain conservation documentation in the department’s files and museum’s collection management database (Re:discovery-Proficio).
• Participate in the identification and analysis of risks to the collections and advise on preventive measures in the areas of display, environment, handling, and storage in accordance with best practices. 
• Examine objects requested for loan to determine suitability for travel, document their condition, and advise on packing and shipping considerations.
•  Assist with art-object handling and the installation and de-installation of special exhibitions.
• Maintain clear communication with colleagues about ongoing priorities, goals, and projects.
• Supervise interns, fellows, and visiting scholars as needed.
• Oversee work performed by temporary staff and subcontractors.
• Contribute to ongoing development of the textile conservation workspace and flex workspace at collection storage facility, monitor and order supplies within area of responsibility.
• Consult on and assist with object moves to a new off-site collection storage facility.
• Conduct research and occasionally lecture to museum members and professional audiences on the materials, methods of making, and preservation of the collection. 
• Participate in disaster planning and in implementing preventive and recovery actions.
• Support museum’s commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable institution; treat colleagues and visitors fairly and respectfully.
• Follow prescribed safety and health rules, regulations, and practices.
• Perform other related duties as required or directed.

The desirable candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program with preferably five years of post-graduate experience or commensurate qualification and experience. 
• Knowledge of the nature, fabrication, deterioration, handling, storage, and display of textiles, sewing techniques, traditional upholstery techniques and structures, and garment construction. 
• Proven expertise in the treatment and preservation of textiles including but not limited to historic domestic textiles (wall coverings, window coverings, upholstery, and floorcoverings), tapestries, costumes, and costume accessories.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques as applied to the study of textiles .
• Experience with reproduction techniques including digitally printed fabrics.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated by written reports, publications, or presentations. 
• Must possess long-term planning and creative problem-solving skills, be able to manage multiple projects and prioritize given deadlines, work both independently and in close collaboration with others.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds, work at heights up to 12 feet, and work in environments containing possible dust, pests, and mold using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Possess a valid Driver’s License with clean driving record.