Photograph Conservator

The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) in 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. This position reports to the Director of Conservation.

This position also routinely collaborates with other conservators, Registrar, Housing and Imaging staff, and Administrative staff as needed.

Responsibilities:

  • Write condition reports and treatment proposals for individual items and large projects. This includes estimating hours for these proposals.
  • Consult on exhibition, collections care, and other preventive services.
  • Conduct collection-wide and item-by-item surveys.
  • Build relationships with clients, meeting with them both virtually and in-person to discuss treatment options and goals.
  • Collaborate with other departments to meet client needs including developing and managing large and complex projects and contracts.
  • Participate 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.
  • Involvement in CCAHA subcommittees and the execution of various lab duties will be requisite and matched to one’s interests and skills.
  • Travel for on-site projects and survey assessments, as needed.
  • Perform conservation treatment and other services in accordance with AIC’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
  • The ability to independently plan and structure one's time to meet deadlines and billable goals is essential.

Qualifications:

The candidate should be/have:

  • Graduate degree from a recognized conservation training program with a specialization in photographic materials is required.
  • A 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.

Compensation

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. Salary ranges begin at:

Minimum $47,875 for up to 5 years of post-graduate experience
Minimum $55,240 for 5 - 10 years post-graduate experience
Minimum $68,500 for 10+ years post-graduate experience

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/Conser…. PDF files only.
Questions about the position may be directed to Jessica Silverman at jsilverman@ccaha.org. Applications received at this email address will not be considered.

Application review will begin January 31 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, treatment facilities, 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.

The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff and our clients.