Assistant Paper Conservator (Fixed-Term)

Under the management of the Head of Paper Conservation, the Fixed-Term Assistant Paper Conservator is responsible for the preservation, conservation, and technical study of the Museums’ works of art on paper, photographs and books. This role will also have duties related to temporary exhibitions and the lending of works of art to other institutions. The Assistant Paper Conservator performs their duties under moderate supervision.

This position has a one year fixed-term from September 2024 - September 2025.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Applies specialized knowledge and skills in the care, study, and treatment of paper, photograph, and book collections.
2. Undertakes the examination and technical investigation of works on paper, including with the use of analytical tools, such as X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and polarized light microscopy.
3. Prepares and archives visual and written documentation of treatments and research.
4. Participates in preventive care of the collections and loan items during exhibition, storage and transport.
5. Collaborates with curatorial, conservation, exhibitions, registration, and facilities staff on the preparation, conservation and care of collections.
6. May share knowledge of the collections by contributing to exhibitions, on-line content, professional conferences, tours, and other activities.
7. May provide guidance to departmental fellows and interns.
8. May act as a courier of art in transit and virtually.
9. Performs other conservation duties as needed for special exhibitions, outgoing loans, acquisitions, preventive conservation, lab upkeep, and other departmental activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

• Master’s degree from a recognized graduate conservation program or the equivalent.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

• Adept with conservation methods, techniques, and procedures involved in the maintenance and care of a museum collection of fine arts
• Ability to perform treatments of works of art on paper with manual dexterity, sensitivity to materials, and an ethical approach
• Conversant with analytical tools used for the examination of works of art on paper
• Excellent art-handling skills
• Familiarity with principles and guidelines for the preservation of collections
• Demonstrated initiative in pursuing skills development and building professional networks
• General knowledge of art history and of chemistry as it applies to paper conservation
• Ability to complete conservation projects within budgets and schedules
• Ability to work and collaborate creatively and inclusively
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and conversation with other conservators, museum staff, colleagues, and the public
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of standard imaging and office software and collection management systems

This fixed-term role includes a benefits package with medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.

Conservators will typically work at least 4 days onsite, but may work up to 2 days/week remotely, on an ad-hoc basis, when computer-based work, planning or research work can be more efficiently done remotely.

The annual salary range for this position is $70,000-75,000. The final offer amount within this range will be based on experience and internal equity.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HumanResources@famsf.org.

We recommend all new COFAM employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 but it is not required. Please contact humanresources@famsf.org with any questions.

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COFAM is the Corporation of Fine Arts Museums and is the privately funded non-profit corporation which supports the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, a department of the City and County of San Francisco.

COFAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in all phases of employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Comprising the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, we are the largest public arts institution in the City of San Francisco and one of the largest art museums in the United States. The de Young, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and located in Golden Gate Park, showcases American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, international contemporary art, textiles and costumes, and art from the Americas, the Pacific, and Africa. The Legion of Honor displays a collection of over 4,000 years of ancient and European art including Auguste Rodin's The Thinker and houses the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts in a Beaux-Arts style building overlooking Lincoln Park and the Golden Gate Bridge.