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Associate Conservator of Paintings

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
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Department

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the State Art Museum of Florida, a part of Florida State University, and represents the legacy of John and Mable Ringling. The Ringling is situated on a 66-acre estate on Sarasota Bay and includes the Museum of Art, Center for Asian Art, Historic Circus Museum, Tibbals Learning Center, historic Ca’ d’Zan mansion, Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion, and Historic Asolo Theater. The Ringling is home to a diverse collection of objects and paintings but its holdings of European Old Master paintings make it the premier collection of this material in the American Southeast, as well as a collection of international importance. Areas of particular depth include the Italian and Flemish Baroque, and there are highly significant, but smaller holdings in Italian Renaissance painting, Dutch seventeenth-century painting, and eighteenth-century painting of the Italian, English, and French schools. The Ringling has a modest but actively growing collection of nineteenth-century, as well as modern and contemporary paintings, in addition to a variety of paintings relating to circus and circus history. 
Want to learn more about The Ringling?

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Ringling is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. As such, we are always seeking individuals dedicated to innovation and excellence. A successful candidate will work effectively, respectfully, and collaboratively in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive setting. We especially encourage applications by individuals from underrepresented groups, with a demonstrated commitment to a culturally and intellectually diverse workplace.

Should you require accommodations for the application or interview processes, please email employment@ringling.org or call 941-538-2773.

Learn more about our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Responsibilities

The Associate Conservator of Paintings works as a member of the Conservation department. Under the direction of the Chief Conservator and in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice, the Associate Conservator of Paintings conducts all activities to professional standards, to help ensure appropriate conservation and restoration of paintings and painted objects at The Ringling.
  • Conducts detailed examination and assessment of paintings of all types, including oil, acrylic, and other mediums on canvas, wood, Masonite, paperboard, and other support types. Identifies materials and construction, assesses condition and causes of deterioration or damage, documents condition and observations, and recommends appropriate care and/or conservation treatment. Participates in examination and condition reporting of the permanent collections, as well as works proposed for acquisition, loan, exhibition, or installation. Makes recommendations to the Chief Conservator for care and treatment conservation requirements of works of art.
  • Carries out complete conservation and restoration procedures of minor to major complexity under the direction of the Chief Conservator: Performs treatments such as solubility testing, consolidation, reduction of deformation, facing, lining/lining removal, surface cleaning, varnish removal, overpaint removal, infilling, inpainting, varnishing, backing, and framing. Takes discreet paint samples and prepares cross-sections for microscopical examination to better understand the materials and techniques of the artist. Coordinates, delegates, and supervises the conservation and restoration treatment of paintings by junior staff, Fellows, Interns, volunteers, or others.
  • Reviews and promotes preventive care measures for works of art. Collaborates within Collections team and with other Ringling departments, other Institutions, and contractors to ensure the safe display, housekeeping, storage, and movement of art objects. Recommends appropriate framing, hanging and display systems, environmental conditions of light, temperature, and relative humidity, safe packing methods for art being stored or transported, and advises on safe handling procedures. Implements preventative conservation measures. Completes frame modifications/reframing, prepares paintings/objects for display, exhibition, loan, photography, or storage. Assists in developing and implementing measures to ensure preservation of works of art for exhibition or loan. Participates in development and implementation of emergency preparedness, incident and salvage operations. Participates in ongoing pest management program. Instructs Collections staff, interns, and volunteers in proper collections care activities.
  • Prepares detailed written and photographic documentation of the materials, structure, and condition. Proposes conservation treatments including time estimates for works of art for inclusion in object files and TMS. Maintains accurate detailed records and prepares written final object treatment reports. Photographically records various stages of treatment to create a permanent documentary record. Performs digital photography as well as image processing and management. Conducts research into the materials, deterioration, and/or conservation of paintings.
  • Operates specialized equipment such as stereo binocular microscopes, ultraviolet lamps, heated suction tables, Willard heated spatulas and hot air pens, and full color spectrum lights as required. Operates Osiris infrared reflectography camera to analyze and document works of art and interprets resultant images.
  • Assists with the administrative functions of conservation laboratory. Ensures Work and Environmental Safety laws, policies and procedures are followed. Purchases, orders, receives and assists with inventory and maintenance of equipment, parts, supplies, office supplies and other materials for lab. Makes recommendations for the purchase of new equipment and the modification/replacement of current equipment. Performs routine/preventative maintenance on lab equipment.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned, including traveling nationally/internationally to serve as a museum courier. Assignments are based on the needs of the Museum. Courier training is required prior to the incumbent serving in this capacity. Assisting Chief Conservator with major projects, giving laboratory tours or making presentations to various groups. Assists with the development and writing of policies, procedures, and grant applications as needed. Makes presentations and gives lectures on conservation subjects. Stays abreast of developments in the field through conservation literature review and conference and workshop attendance.
Learn more about The Ringling's Conservation Department and Lab at https://www.ringling.org/conservation.

Qualifications

  • Master's Degree in Art Conservation or equivalent degree or level of education and experience with a specialization in painting conservation. Professional training and experience of at least 6 years can substitute for education at the equivalent rate.
  • Experience carrying out complete conservation and restoration procedures on paintings. 
  • Ability to prioritize, organize and effectively manage multiple projects and meet critical deadlines.
  • Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team.
  • Experience with concepts, principles and practices of collections management to include proper handling, installation, display, storage, preservation and/or maintenance in compliance with applicable governing entities such as the American Alliance of Museums and the American Institute for Conservation.
  • Skill in preparing clear and concise reports, policies, procedures, correspondences, and other written materials.
  • Knowledge of and ability to safely operate machinery, tools, equipment and materials used in area of work.
Please note a portfolio documenting conservation case studies or projects completed by the applicant may be requested.

Preferred

  • Eight or more years of professional training and experience in painting conservation.
  • Professional Associate membership in AIC.
  • Some experience working in or for museums. 
  • Experience in treating modern and contemporary paintings in addition to historical paintings. 
  • Experience in conducting research into artist's materials and techniques.
  • Experience supervising conservation interns or junior staff. 

Contact Info

For more information, or for technical assistance, please contact Ringling Human Resources at 941-358-2773 or employment@ringling.org.

Anticipated Salary Range

The anticipated rate of pay will not exceed $55,000 annually and will be 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.
Museum employees also receive:

Pay Plan

This is an A&P (Administrative and Professional) position.

FSU Total Rewards

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.

Soft Money Funded Position

This is a soft money funded position, with renewal based on available funds and the needs of the University.

Schedule

Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a one hour period for lunch. Please note that occasionally evenings or weekends may be required based on the needs of The Ringling. 

Criminal Background Check

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check, to include fingerprinting. The background check will be conducted as authorized and in accordance with University Policy 4-OP-C-7-B11.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. 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.