The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Assistant Conservator, Paper Conservation [End-Dated]

NEW YORK, NYPosted 23 days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from The Metropolitan Museum of Art

  • Job overview

    The Assistant Conservator, Paper Conservation role at The Met involves supporting the preservation and relocation of modern and contemporary works on paper, contributing to the care and exhibition readiness of the collection.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role includes condition examination and treatment of artworks, documentation through imaging and reports, devising conservation and housing strategies, managing lab supplies and chemicals, and collaborating with collections specialists for object preparation and movement.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The position offers an annual salary range of $75,000 to $80,000 with competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans with employer match, paid time off, commuter benefits, financial planning services, staff discounts, and access to cultural institution passes.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates must have a Master's degree in paper conservation, one year of full-time experience, strong examination and treatment skills, knowledge of preservation standards, ability to handle physical aspects of the job, and proficiency with digital documentation; interest in modern and contemporary materials is preferred.

  • Career development

    The Met provides financial assistance for relevant coursework, seminars, and training programs, supporting professional growth within a leading cultural institution.

  • Work environment and culture

    The Met fosters a diverse, inclusive, collaborative, and respectful work environment emphasizing core values of respect, inclusivity, collaboration, excellence, and integrity.

  • Company information

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a historic and world-renowned institution presenting over 5,000 years of art across two iconic New York City sites and online, committed to accessibility and cultural leadership.

  • Team overview

    The position is within the Sherman Fairchild Center for Works on Paper and Photograph Conservation, a team dedicated to preservation and research supporting all Museum curatorial departments.

  • Job location and travel

    The job is located in New York City with a requirement for employees to reside within commuting distance in the Tri-state and Pennsylvania areas.

  • Application process

    Applicants must submit a statement of interest or cover letter with their application; The Met is committed to equal opportunity and provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

  • Unique job features

    This is a one-year, end-dated position focused on a capital project involving the relocation and conservation survey of modern and contemporary works on paper, offering unique exposure to a major museum collection and conservation practices.

Company overview

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, commonly known as The Met, is one of the world's largest and most prestigious art museums, located in New York City. It generates revenue through admissions, memberships, donations, endowments, and retail sales. Founded in 1870, The Met's mission is to collect, preserve, study, exhibit, and encourage appreciation for works of art that collectively represent the broad spectrum of human achievement. The museum's extensive collection spans over 5,000 years of art from every corner of the globe, making it a vital cultural institution.

How to land this job

  • Tailor your resume to emphasize your master's degree in paper conservation and your hands-on experience with condition examination and conservation treatments, highlighting familiarity with microscopes and alternative light sources as mentioned in the job description.

  • Showcase your ability to devise conservation strategies and housing solutions aligned with current conservation standards and ethics, as well as your experience with digital imaging and documentation, since these are key responsibilities for the role.

  • Apply through multiple platforms including The Metropolitan Museum of Art's official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your chances of being noticed for this end-dated position.

  • Connect with current conservators and staff in the Paper Conservation or Modern and Contemporary Art departments at The Met on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on recent exhibitions, expressing admiration for The Met’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, or asking about their experience during the Tang Wing project.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords such as 'paper conservation,' 'condition examination,' 'digital imaging,' 'housing solutions,' 'conservation ethics,' and 'modern and contemporary art' to ensure it passes automated screenings effectively.

  • Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate applying across multiple platforms, tailor your resume with the right keywords, and identify relevant LinkedIn contacts for networking, allowing you to focus your energy on preparing for interviews and other job search activities.

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