Conservator 4Original Posting Date 22-Oct-2011
STARS Requisition number 14653BR
Department British Art Ctr
University Generic Title Conservator 4
Posting Position Title Chief Conservator, Works on Paper
Bargaining Unit None
Job Category Managerial & Professional
Type of Employment Full Time
Duration Type Regular
(Min/Max)">Salary Grade(Min/Max) (Min/Max)">27
Work Week Standard - 37.5 hrs (M-F, 8:30-5:00)
Work Location Central Campus
Worksite Address 1080 Chapel Street
Position General Purpose/Overview of Responsibilities: The Yale Center for British Art (YCBA) is a public museum and research institute. Presented to Yale University by Paul Mellon (Yale College Class of 1929), the YCBA houses the largest collection of British art outside the United Kingdom. The collection of paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, rare books, and manuscripts reflects the development of British art and life from the Elizabethan period to the present day. The YCBA () offers a year-round schedule of exhibitions and programs. Resources include a reference library, a study room for examining works on paper, as well as paper and painting conservation studios.
Reporting to the Director of the Yale Center for British Art, the Chief Conservator of Works on Paper ("Chief Conservator") will lead the Paper Conservation Laboratory, develop preservation policies, and undertake conservation treatments for the YCBA's rich collections of works on paper, rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and miniatures.
The Chief Conservator will work with all Departments of the YCBA and Yale University Art Gallery (YUAG) to provide a comprehensive conservation service to support their extensive exhibitions program; to implement, support, and foster research, including interdisciplinary projects; and to teach University students at all levels through classes, lectures and laboratory workshops. Under the supervision of the Chief Conservator for the YUAG, this individual also will oversee the conservation of works on paper for the YUAG () with 25% of the time allotted to their collections.
The Chief Conservator also will have a significant role in the planning and establishment of a new, shared conservation center on Yale's recently acquired West Campus ( which will house a research laboratory as well as space for interdisciplinary projects, including a laboratory designed to accommodate large works of art on paper. This is a particularly exciting moment as the shared conservation center will have space to develop new projects, expand the teaching of technical art history at all levels in the University and broaden the scope for research and analysis of all the collections at Yale. The post of Director of Scientific Research has been advertised.
The successful applicant for this position will be a highly experienced conservator with proven experience of care for a major collection and in undertaking complex conservation procedures. S/he will have excellent management and interpersonal skills and be actively involved in training the next generation of conservation professionals.
Applications will close December 15, 2011.
Essential Duties 1. Plan, prioritize, undertake, and supervise conservation treatments of the YCBA and YUAG's collections. Direct and facilitate research, analysis, and treatment of the collections.
2. Manage the Paper Conservation Laboratory, which includes supervising a Senior Conservator, Technician, and Sr. Administrative Assistant. Train and develop Research Fellowships in paper conservation as opportunities and funding permit. Hire contract conservators for particular projects as needed.
3. Collaborate with departments in the YCBA and the YUAG in the technical study of art objects. Train YCBA and YUAG staff in technique identification, conservation principles, and practice.
4. Develop and implement long range plans for preventive conservation of the collections.
5. Research, develop, and implement methods to ensure the proper care of the collections working closely with all YCBA departments.
6. Plan and manage the departmental budget.
7. Work with Paintings Conservation, Curatorial, Facilities, and Exhibitions departments to maintain best practice collections care.
8. With YCBA's Chief Conservator of Paintings advise and consult with the Facilities department to implement appropriate environmental conditions for the collection.
9. Teach courses or classes at all levels in the University.
10. Provide advice on proposed purchases and gifts.
11. Advise on the suitability of loans.
12. Attend and contribute to conferences and workshops.
13. Contribute to the conservation field through publication.
14. Courier objects to and from loan exhibitions.
Required Education and Experience 1. Master's Degree in conservation with a specialization in the conservation of works on paper and a minimum of six years experience in working with major collections of works on paper or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Proven skill and experience in practical conservation methods related to works on paper and a working knowledge of examination and analytical research tools.
3. Membership in professional bodies.
4. Awareness of and interest in the appropriate application of new conservation methods and techniques.
5. Prior administration and supervisory experience.
Additional Education and Experience Preferred: Ten years experience in working with major collections of works on paper.
Skills & Abilities 1. Proven ability to lead through good organizational and supervisory skills.
2. Ability to combine long-range planning and productive short-term management.
3. Ability to support, foster and encourage the personal development of departmental staff.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Background Check Requirements All external candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. Internal candidates may be subject to a motor vehicle or credit check for this position based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent on successful completion of the required background check. Please visit for additional information on the background check requirements and process.
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