3518-Associate Museum Conservator, Asian Art Museum

Job description

SAN FRANCISCO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

TITLE: ASSOCIATE MUSEUM CONSERVATOR, ASIAN ART MUSEUM

JOB CODE: 3518

DEFINITION

Under direction, performs skilled work in connection with the preservation and restoration of Asian Art sculptures and objects; prepares a variety of reports to document conservation activities; performs research, publishes articles, and gives oral presentations related to conservation needs of the Asian Art Museum.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

A 3518 Associate Museum Conservator performs professional conservation duties related to the examination, preservation, repair, exhibition, and storage of works of art for the Asian Art Museum.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May supervise subordinate conservation technicians, fellows, interns, and clerical and technical museum personnel.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Prepares condition reports on outgoing loans, new acquisitions, art requiring treatment, and art installed in in-house exhibitions; surveys objects to determine conservation status; ensures that completed documentation complies with the American Institute for Conservation's Code of Ethics.

2. Performs research to determine appropriate materials and techniques to conserve deteriorated or damaged art; recommends and performs treatment; documents these activities in compliance with the American Institute for Conservation's Code of Ethics.

3. Investigates and researches materials used in contact with works of art, such as packaging materials, display mounts and storage cases; recommends acceptable environmental control conditions, equipment, and products; advises architects and engineers regarding physical requirements of the collection.

4. Performs scientific tests that aid in the authentication of works of art; operates XRF spectrometer to identify materials; makes x-ray examinations of art objects to determine internal structure; arranges constancy resources.

5. Installs, arranges, assembles, and prepares artifacts for exhibition, ensuring the artifacts� safety, reporting their status and condition, and identifying and correcting any problems with the set up.

6. Recommends preventive conservation procedures and best practices.

7. Study object documentation and conduct standard chemical and analytical tests to ascertain the object�s age, composition, original appearance, need for treatment or restoration, and appropriate preservation method.

8. Prepares treatment reports, documenting the condition of artifacts, treatment options, and the methods of preservation and repair used.

9. Publishes articles describing conservation research and techniques; prepares written and oral presentations for general public, connoisseurs, museum staff, and conservators.

10. Acts as an agent of the Museum internally and externally. Travels to other museums and other lenders� premises to act as agent as necessary to examine works, prepare condition reports, do onsite treatments, and courier artworks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: The current research, principles, techniques, materials, and equipment used in the conservation of works of Asian art; American Institute for Conservation�s Code of Ethics standards and terminology, the role of the museum in the community.

Ability or Skill to: Inspect three-dimensional objects of art and determine the condition and need of conservation work required; plan, direct, and implement research strategies to deter-mine the date, authenticity, and fabrication of Asian art objects; perform art conservation treatments; participate in the disaster materials salvage following standard recovery procedures; determine environmental controls for storage, exhibition and shipping of art objects; operate and maintain conservation equipment with appropriate safety procedures; write clear and concise technical reports; make oral presentations; deliver training and support to subordinates; work cooperatively with museum staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Possession of a Master�s degree from an accredited college or university in art conservation or a related field.

Experience:

Three (3) years of verifiable museum conservation experience in the conservation of art objects.

License and Certification:

Substitution:

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Involves working in a conservation laboratory, utilizing appropriate chemicals and equipment. Art handling responsibilities require manual dexterity and physical agility. May involve some travel.

PROMOTIVE LINES

ORIGINATION DATE: 09/18/1989

AMENDED DATE: 11/08/23

REASON FOR AMENDMENT:

To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills & abilities, and minimum qualifications.

BUSINESS UNIT(S):

COMMN

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation