Conservation Assistant - Paper & Library Materials

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

Winterthur offers a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission “to inspire, enlighten, and delight all of its visitors while preserving and enhancing [Winterthur]” and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Conservation Assistant will support the Paper and Library Materials Conservation Labs. Working under the supervision of the Paper Conservator and the Library Materials Conservator, the Conservation Assistant will design, construct, and assemble cradles, mounts, mats, and frames in preparation for the exhibition, storage, and loan of a wide range of works of art on paper, framed textiles, books, and other library materials. They will also assist with the installation, de-installation, and maintenance of exhibits, in addition to other duties as required. 

Compensation: $21.00 per hour

Benefits: 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family

Work Schedule:  19 hours/week; days and times flexible

Responsibilities:

1. Prepare paper-based objects, bound books, and other library materials for safe display in exhibitions
2. Design and build display mounts/supports and storage housings for paper and library material objects according to conservation best practices
3. Collaborate across departments with conservation, exhibition, registration, library, and facilities personnel to coordinate on condition assessments, support/housing construction, loans and exhibition preparation, and object moves
4. Carry out object and display maintenance, exhibition installation/deinstallation and rotations, and monitor for condition changes
5. Maintain an organized workspace, and assist with monitoring, researching, and ordering supplies.  
6. Document work with accurate record keeping.

Minimum Experience: Bachelor‘s degree in studio art or work experience demonstrating well-developed hand skills with prior experience in a cultural institution or comparable setting handling works of art on paper and/or rare library materials.

Preferred Experience: Bachelor’s degree and coursework related to art and/or book & paper history and /or material culture studies with eExperience preparing works of art on paper and library/archival materials for exhibition is preferred. Formal or on-the-job training in book and paper conservation, printmaking, and/or bookbinding in a library or museum setting are also preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

1. Excellent manual dexterity, as well as the ability to exercise sound judgment when handling, treating, and mounting fragile collection materials.
2. An aptitude for creative problem solving grounded in a solid understanding of conservation theory and practice.
3. Ability to remain flexible and curious while working collaboratively with many teams in a dynamic museum and library environment
4. Clear oral and written communication.
5. Ability to meet time-sensitive deadlines efficiently.
6. Familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite of programs, with particular proficiency in Outlook and Teams.  
7. Familiarity with EMu (Electronic Museum) database

Essential Functions:

1. This position uses and maintains conservation equipment which may include cutting implements, power tools, use of chemical solvents, and other large equipment
2. Valid driver’s license and ability to successfully complete a defensive driving course in order to drive Winterthur vehicles
3. Ability to work standing for several hours at a time to create larger mats and book cradles
4. Ability to carry small and/or unusually shaped objects up to 30lbs. in weight
5. Lifting and moving collection objects by hand or on carts safely though narrow passages

The work of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is made possible through the generous support of committed individuals and institutions.