Conservation Services Specialist
Graphic Conservation

Private fine art conservation and preservation lab supporting the collections of its private and
institutional clients through paper, and parchment conservation, touchless scanning and digital
reformatting, and museum quality preservation services.

This position is aimed at individuals with experience in museum quality preservation services and those
who are interested in furthering their career and gaining valuable knowledge of the responsibilities
outlined in the conservation field. Don’t believe you meet all the position requirements listed? We still
encourage you to apply! We are a growing team who is looking for individuals with a unique skillset that
could contribute to our amazing conservation team!

This position requires the individual to work on-site in lab 40 hours per week, Tuesday through Friday 8am to 6pm.
As a Conservation Services Specialist, you will be working alongside conservators and staff dedicated to
the treatment and care of a large variety of objects. Items include bound and loose manuscript material,
rare books, large format objects like maps, blueprints, and contemporary and historical artwork. The
Conservation Services Specialist will be called upon to assist Conservators with various treatments, create
custom museum quality preservation displays, and pack and handle artwork for shipping.

KEY REPSONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• Assist with preparing condition reports and writing treatment proposals for conservators. This will entail general photography and working with software programs such as iPhoto, Photoshop, Capture 1, EOS Tethering, BookEye, Microsoft Word, PDF's, Excel Etc.

• Assist with Digitization services using FADGI guidelines. On a project-by-project basis, perform complex post-capture image adjustments and processing, including file stitching for oversize materials and digital restoration of damaged materials.

• Collaborate with colleagues who work with Technical Photography to identify the most efficient workflows for digitizing materials safely, while also maintaining the highest standards of quality.

• Responsible for housing treated works into window mats, creating Plexiglas packages, and fitting and framing these objects using museum quality framing techniques to conservation standards. This will entail safely moving large sheets of Plexiglas and oversized materials, organizing and stocking matting materials, working with fletcher wall cutter, board shears, power tools, carpentry knife, and wizard mat cutter and its software.

• Responsible for constructing packages and folios for long term storage preservation projects. This entails both flat and occasional 3D materials.

• Responsible for encapsulating works on paper in preparation for long term storage and other preservation projects. This will entail becoming proficient with Ultrasonic Encapsulator and safely wrapping of Encapsulated materials.

• Preparing small to oversized works for shipping within US and occasionally Internationally. This entails portfolio construction, customcardboard box construction, properlabel documentation, etc.

• Assist conservators with various treatments such as dry cleaning, tear repair, and humidification and flattening.

• Assist with Social media creation including post editing working with software programs such as Plannable, Planner, iPhoto, Premiere Rush, Photoshop, Microsoft Word Etc.

• Safely handling and moving artwork as outlined in the conservation field.

• Assist with client communication: appointments, proposal creation, job intake, job status and job completion/delivery.

• Assist with guiding our clients through our services and assist them in decision making.

• Miscellaneous duties as guided by the Manager of Client Services and Conservators.

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a fine art related discipline

• 1-2 years of experience digitizing archival and special collection materials

• 3-5 years of custom framing experience

• On-site availability 40 hours per week

• Proficiency in the use of imaging hardware, preferably 35mm full frame camera systems, knowledge of studio lighting equipment and techniques

• Knowledge of scanning hardware and software programs such as Bookeye

• Experience using JPG/ RAW workflow software such as Photoshop, Digital Photo Professional, Capture One, and Lightroom

• Proficiency with Mac and Windows systems

• Strong eye for color, value, composition, and visual accuracy

• Strong writing skills

• Demonstrated ability to work under deadlines in a production-oriented environment

• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot

• Knowledge of safe art handling techniques and art handling experience

SKILL SET (RECOMMENDED):

• Meticulous attention to detail

• Good listening skills and ability to retain detailed instructions

• Fine motor skills, able to work with hands over extended periods of time

• Ability to multitask and adapt

• Lift and carry heavier objects up to 45lbs

• Good communication skills and the ability to work well with diverse staff and clients

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

• Enthusiasm and creativity

• Custom framing experience

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:
We are art conservators specializing in the preservation and conservation of works of art on paper and
parchment. Our clients entrust us with rare pieces of art that carry historical or personal significance.
We serve private institutions, historical societies, museums, government agencies, corporations, and
private individuals. Examples of our conservation projects include prints, paintings, drawings,
watercolors, pastels, documents, maps, fine art, advertising art, photographs, and sports memorabilia.
Office Hours are Tuesday – Friday, 8am – 6pm. Our work is conducted in house in our Lab/Studio in Oak
Park, IL.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to info@graphicconservation.com

INDUSTRY
Fine Art

EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time

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