Conservator of Paper

The Balboa Art Conservation Center (BACC) seeks an Assistant or Associate conservator of paper. The position will expand the Center’s capacity and programming as BACC implements exciting new strategies and services thanks to a generous grant from the Andrew Mellon Foundation. The Paper Conservation department is currently staffed by a Chief Conservator of Paper, is supported by BACC administrative staff, and shares a conservation technician with the Center’s Paintings Conservation Department.

 

BACC is an active, nonprofit regional conservation center located in the heart of the beautiful and historic Balboa Park in San Diego, California. The Park is home to a campus of cultural institutions such as the San Diego Museum of Art, Timken Museum of Art, and San Diego History Center. Since its founding in 1975, BACC has been devoted to the preservation of material culture held in both public and private collections in the West. The Center’s services cover a wide spectrum including the formulation and implementation of treatments for paintings, frames, and paper artifacts; technical examinations using microscopy, infrared reflectography, x-radiography, x-ray fluorescence and other analytical techniques; preventive conservation assistance; and environmental, general, and collection specific surveys. The purchase of new equipment for the paper conservation department is one aspect of the support provided by the Mellon grant.

 

Types of paper artifacts treated by BACC reflect the broad range of collections served and are of all periods and constructed with a broad array of materials.  As the Center offers internships and fellowships on a regular basis, the working environment emphasizes an atmosphere of learning, collegiality, and cooperation. 

 

The ideal candidate will have an excellent background in paper conservation with a minimum of 2 years of post-graduate experience for an Assistant and 4 years for an Associate Conservator. They will have well-developed practical treatment skills with ability to accurately assess deterioration and damage, formulate appropriate treatment protocols, and undertake treatments in consultation with the Chief Conservator.  Strong attention to detail and the ability to work to project deadlines are important strengths sought.   Overall, the ideal candidate will be collaboratively-minded and prepared to be an integral part of the Center’s conservation staff. 

 

Position requirements include a Masters Degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent in paper conservation, excellent writing ability, and good communication and interpersonal skills. Compensation is commensurate with experience while benefits are excellent and comprehensive. Interested applicants should apply in writing with a letter of interest, resume, three letters of professional reference, and three examples of treatment experience. 

 

Please submit applications by Monday, May 20, 2019 to:

 

Janet Ruggles

Executive Director

Balboa Art Conservation Center

PO Box 3755

San Diego, CA 92163

 

Digital applications should be submitted to [log in to unmask] with the title “Conservator of Paper Application”.