The Conservation Specialist is primarily responsible for the care, repair, handling, design, fitting, alteration, and fabrication of frames for objects in the Carnegie Museum of Art’s collection and on loan to the Museum, encompassing a wide range of frame styles and periods, for exhibition, storage, and travel. Working closely with the Senior Manager of Conservation, the Conservation Specialist is a partner to the Museum’s in-house Conservation and Curatorial staff and contract Conservators in reviewing, preparing, matting, hinging, mounting, glazing, framing and/or rehousing collection objects. They possess a strong knowledge of materials, an understanding of the strengths and limitations of different types of paper compositions, weights, orientations, and art-making processes in order to make appropriate decisions about the long-term storage and/or display of a work, both independently and in tandem with recommendations outlined by the Senior Manager of Conservation. The Conservation Specialist will manage the operations of framing at the Museum, including but not limited to creating and managing the schedule, workflow, material inventory, communication, and staffing for all frame and paper housing projects. They work in close collaboration with staff across Carnegie Museum of Art, including Art Preparation & Installation, Registration, Exhibitions, Collections Information, Curatorial, Design & Publishing, and Education. As a member of the Conservation department, the Conservation Specialist is expected to participate in a proactive fashion in the preservation of the Museum’s collections. The Conservation Specialist will have professional learning and training opportunities to expand and enrich their toolkit and hand-skills in a manner relevant to forthcoming Museum projects.
Framing, unframing, fitting, and securing works on paper, paintings, and other works in frames in accordance with the Museum’s standards for handling works of art and their safety in display, transport, and storage.
Caring, preserving, and maintaining collection frames (including historic frames) fabricating new frames and frame components; installing auxiliary elements such as slips, buildups, backing boards, acrylic and glass glazing.
Repairing frames (including casting and carving to replace missing parts, gilding, finishing) according to Museum conservation standards.
Working in constant collaboration with Conservators to prepare all works on paper and framed works in the Museum’s collection or on loan, where applicable, for exhibition, storage, and travel.
Reviewing and assessing framed works in the Museum’s collection requested for outgoing loan.
Writing routine reports and correspondence
Documentation photography
Maintaining written and photographic records within data management systems; entering matting/framing information into CMOA collections management system, KEMu, in digital format, where information can be recorded, viewed, and shared across the Museum.
Maintaining supplies, tools, equipment, and orderly framework and storage spaces
Managing workflow to meet Museum schedules and deadlines; utilizing and updating the Museum’s Asana project management system to track and communicate project status.
Creating and managing framing budget(s)
Coordinating frame production with third-party vendors
Training Museum staff, including but not limited to Art Preparation & Installation, Registration, and Curatorial staff, on proper paper and frame object handling.
Working collaboratively with in-house and contract Exhibition Designer(s) to create safe and elegant frame, display, and mounting systems for objects in exhibitions.
Advising on the installation of objects regarding framing and mounting for purposes of display
Assisting Conservators and Preparators with installations and deinstallations of permanent collection-based and temporary loan-based exhibitions, as necessary.
Assisting in daily gallery monitoring including the visual inspection and maintenance of framed objects on display and in storage
Dusting and lightly cleaning framed collection objects as needed under the direction of the Senior Conservation Manager
Using proper carts and supplies, moves objects in museum galleries, storage, and preparation areas as directed for exhibition, acquisition, loan, photography, and conservation.
Assessing works on paper with condition concerns; working with Conservator approval to address and/or treat condition concerns.
Operating equipment and tools in a safe and proper manner; making minor repairs to equipment as directed; promptly informing Senior Manager of Conservation regarding damaged equipment or the need to replace or service equipment.
Sharing responsibility for maintaining safe, clean, and orderly work and storage areas daily
Working professionally and cooperatively with Museum staff, including but not limited to, Conservation, Art Preparation & Installation, Registration, Exhibitions, and Curatorial, as well as contractors, artists, and couriers.
Understanding and adhering to all security rules and guidelines of Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, as well as regulations stipulated by such agencies as OSHA, TSA, and DHS.
Acting as courier for artwork when required within the U.S. and overseas; following the museums specified practices and procedures for undertaking courier duties and receiving art shipments at the museum.
Working overtime as necessary, understanding that as much advance notice will be given as possible by supervisor.
Performing other various duties, as requested, by supervisor.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree or relevant certification required. Five or more years of matting/framing experience in a museum setting and a dedicated focus on the care and preparation of works on paper required. Three years working in collaboration with museum conservators required. A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license is also required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Candidate must possess a strong understanding of museum standards for conservation, preservation, and object handling. Expert knowledge of art handling techniques and safety procedures and the ability to tend to progressive responsibilities working with and handling high-value museum objects in a variety of media is required. Advanced woodworking skills and proficient knowledge of hand and power tools required, including power saws, routers, compressors, sanders, drills, hand chisels, gouges, carving tools, planes, files, numerous clamp designs, as well as the sharpening, maintenance and basic repair of all tooling. Glazing skills required; accurate and safe cutting of glass, acrylic, and poly-carbonate panels for the glazing of artworks or components of storage containers. Ability to identify the various materials and their qualities. Must be adept at handling works of art and have demonstrated ability to mat, fit, hinge, and frame two-dimensional works of art. Basic mathematical abilities for accurate measurement, instrument readings, and the calculation or ratio implementation of formulae. Candidate must have moderate to advanced understanding of paper and frame conservation and maintain knowledge of current methodologies in framing, hinging, mounting, installation, packing, crating, and archival materials. Ability to work in an organized and efficient manner in managing priorities and meeting deadlines while adhering to the Conservation Department’s standards for care and attention to detail in carrying out tasks. Some evenings and weekend hours may be required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have good dexterity, hand eye coordination, and the ability to climb and work on ladders for extended periods of time; to reach work with hands above shoulder level; to lift heavy objects (50 lbs.); and to stand or to walk for a standard workday.