SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.
The Associate Paintings Conservator is a member of the Elise S. Haas Conservation Department of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. They contribute to the preservation, conservation, research, and display of modern and contemporary artworks, and in the exploration and documentation of artists’ practices.
Under the supervision of the Paintings Conservator, the Associate Paintings Conservator contributes to overseeing the conservation of paintings in the SFMOMA collection, spanning early 20th through contemporary time periods. They work collaboratively with other departmental conservators on the care of objects of mixed media. The Associate Paintings Conservator performs examination of artworks, preparation of treatment proposals and execution of conservation treatment of works being considered for acquisition, loan, display, and deaccession. The level of responsibility and autonomy in decision-making varies depending on projects and level of expertise required.
The art of our time necessitates new models of care for preservation and access, and SFMOMA conservators work collaboratively both intra- and inter-departmentally to address new challenges presented in unorthodox materials and emerging art-making methods. A shared studio space for five conservation disciplines (electronic media, objects, paintings, paper, and photography) supports synergistic exploration. Multiple hybrid Collections spaces within the museum and Collection Center underpin collections care through expansive staff expertise. The Artist Materials Collection contains physical manifestations of artists’ practices and is displayed and housed on the Inge-Lise Eckmann Lane Artist Materials Tower in the center of the Conservation studio.
For more information about the position, see: https://jobs.lever.co/sfmoma/9c863548-1612-4432-ad96-946ac3fc5d87
Qualifications & Skills
Master’s degree in conservation with a specialty in paintings conservation, or direct equivalent experience conserving modern and contemporary paintings.
Five (5) to seven (7) years of work experience supplementing academic study and internships.
Focused knowledge and interest in modern and contemporary art and its care, and broad experience in museum practice.
Advanced hand skills and ability to perform a wide variety of conservation procedures with manual dexterity and sensitivity to materials. Accurate perception of color and ability to match colors and surface configuration.
Proficiency of standard conservation terminology and ability to communicate clearly in writing and conversation with colleagues, artists, donors, and the general public.
Developed abilities in the identification, examination, analysis, documentation and treatment of paintings.
Experience with institutional preventative conservation practices for collections and exhibition conservation, with a specialty for paintings and painted surfaces.
Experience with appropriate housing for paintings for storage, travel and display purposes.
Strong knowledge of chemical and physical properties of: materials used for paintings, conservation materials, and deterioration processes.
Understanding of instrumentation relating to paintings, examination, conservation, and materials characterization.
Experience in navigating a collection management system, as well as digital, file and project management systems used in daily museum practices.
Creative thinking and solutions-based problem-solving abilities.
High level of accuracy and efficient organization.
Ability to work cooperatively with supervisor, fellow staff members, and contractors, as well as independently.
Ability to prioritize workload effectively and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated competency in collecting and analyzing climate and light level records in galleries and storage areas.
Working Conditions
The position’s workspace is divided between the museum’s Third Street location and its Collection Center in South San Francisco dependent on assigned projects.
Schedule: Full Time, 35 hours/week, approximately 4-5 days working onsite
$87,418 - $96,913 a year
Job posting open date: 9/18/24
Job posting closing date: 11/1/24
All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.
We encourage both internal and external candidates to apply within the initial open posting period as the application close date may or may not be extended beyond that initial period. Applications will not be accepted after a posting has been closed.
Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street.