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.