Photograph Conservator

The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA), located in the Fitler Square neighborhood of Philadelphia, is seeking a full-time Photograph Conservator to join our community of professionals. This position is bench-oriented and includes opportunities for outreach, and for pursuing professional interests and growth. The candidate should have a demonstrated ability and desire to treat a broad range of fine art and archival photographic materials. Other key responsibilities would be planning and implementing large projects and providing preventive services to assist our clients in caring for their treasured items.  

As a regional conservation center with a national mission, CCAHA is committed to advancing cultural heritage preservation through more inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable practices. As we work as an organization to evolve our capacity to engage a wider range of stakeholders, we welcome new colleagues who seek similar outcomes. 

This position reports to the Director of Conservation. This position also routinely collaborates with other Conservators, our Registrar, Housing and Imaging staff, and Administrative staff.  

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Builds relationships with clients, meeting with them both virtually and in-person to discuss treatment options and goals. Empowering our clients to make informed decisions is central to our approach.
  • Writes condition reports and treatment proposals for individual items and large projects. This includes estimating hours for these proposals.
  • Performs conservation treatment and other services in accordance with AIC's Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
  • Consults on exhibition, collections care, and other preventive services.
  • Conducts collection-wide and item-by-item surveys. Travels for on-site projects and survey assessments, as needed.
  • Assists with recovery of photographs and consults with clients during and following emergency situations.
  • Collaborates with other departments to meet client needs including developing and managing large and complex projects and contracts. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is one of our key strengths.
  • Participates in outreach through one or more of the following: presenting talks and / or workshops, working with the Manager of Marketing on social media posts, publishing journal articles or CCAHA technical leaflets. CCAHA supports your professional interests through professional development funding and research time.
  • Is involved in CCAHA subcommittees and the execution of various lab duties that are matched to one's interests and skills.
  • Possesses the ability to independently plan and structure one's time to meet deadlines and billable goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Graduate degree from a recognized conservation training program with a specialization in photographic materials or equivalent education and experience.
  • Thorough understanding of preventive conservation principles as applied to photographic materials.
  • Familiarity with designing and conducting surveys and planning large projects with cultural institutions.
  • Exceptional hand skills, excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • The preferred candidate will also have interest and experience in mentoring interns.
  • Proficiency in English is required.


SALARY AND BENEFITS:  
Associate Conservator:  Minimum $49,300 USD for up to 5 years of post-graduate experience
                 Conservator:  Minimum $56,900 USD for 5 - 10 years post-graduate experience
     Senior Conservator:  Minimum $70,550 USD for 10+ years post-graduate experience  

This is a full-time, exempt position. A generous benefits package that includes paid time-off, medical, dental and vision, FSA, and retirement matches are included. The salary offered will be based on experience. Assistance with relocation expenses will be given to the successful candidate.

TO APPLY: 
Please upload a letter of interest, CV/resume, and three sample treatment reports addressed to Jessica Silverman, Director of Conservation at https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/2096279

PDF files only.

Questions about the position may be directed to Barbara Lemmen, Senior Photograph Conservator, at blemmen@ccaha.org or Jessica Silverman at jsilverman@ccaha.org. Applications received at these email addresses will not be considered.

International candidates will be considered.

Application review will begin June 7th and the position will remain open until filled.
 

ABOUT CCAHA  

CCAHA was founded in 1977 and has grown to be one of the largest nonprofit conservation centers in the country. Its wide array of services, innovative approaches, and highly trained and experienced staff have earned it a prominent and respected place in the conservation field. We serve nonprofit cultural institutions, private individuals, and other collecting organizations in the preservation of works on paper, archival documents, photographic materials, and books through conservation treatment, collection surveys and consultations, housing & framing, and digital imaging services. Our preventive conservation and preservation services staff focuses on capacity building for collecting institutions through fundraising support, strategic planning and assessment projects, emergency planning and response initiatives, and in developing educational programs and conferences. CCAHA’s mission is to provide expertise and leadership in the preservation of the world's cultural heritage.

CCAHA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff and our clients.