Job Announcement - Conservator of Objects - Indianapolis Museum of Art - Newfields

Job Announcement

Conservator of Objects

Indianapolis Museum of Art - Newfields

The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields seeks a full-time Conservator of Objects, to join a conservation team in care of a superb collection spanning 5,000 years of history. The formal title / level of the position (Assistant, Associate or Conservator) will be commensurate with the experience of the hired candidate. The position will report to the IMA Chief Conservator.

The Conservator of Objects position is a regular, full-time appointment responsible for the care and preservation of a wide range of objects in the IMA permanent collection or otherwise under the care of the Museum. This includes various kinds of sculpture, decorative arts, furniture and other three-dimensional objects, among the renowned IMA collections of African, Asian, European and American artwork dating from throughout history to the current era.

The purview of this position includes outdoor sculpture displayed in the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park and other areas of Newfields grounds, the conservation of which is supported by funds from special endowments. The Conservator of Objects also assists with care of items within the Lilly House, a National Historic Landmark estate on the Newfields campus, and the Miller House, a superlative example of a mid-century Modernist residence, located in Columbus, Indiana.

The Conservator of Objects will join the Museum to work in tandem with the Associate Conservator of Objects already on staff. The two Objects Conservators will share the responsibilities for care and treatment of art and artifacts held by Newfields both inside and outdoors. The Objects Conservation specialty is assisted by a full-time Conservation Technician, who also is assigned to support the Textile Conservation specialty. All Conservators on staff report to the Chief Conservator.

Regular duties of the position include preventive care, examination, technical analysis, documentation, treatment, research and outreach. The Conservator of Objects also assists with preparation, installation, and documentation of exhibitions and loans, working closely with other museum collections staff. Participation in the monitoring and assessment of the museum environment is another ongoing duty.

In service to the treatment and technical study of collection material, the Conservator of Objects can utilize the IMA state-of-the-art Conservation Science Laboratory and collaborate with the staff Conservation Scientist to perform instrumental analysis and conduct research at a level unmatched by most art museums.

An excellent proficiency at project management, working independently and together with other museum staff and outside contractors on multiple endeavors is essential. The person in this position should be capably experienced in the instruction and mentoring of conservation technicians, interns and fellows of various levels.

Applicants must have a Master's degree from a recognized graduate conservation training program. You must be a resident or citizen of the USA and be legally authorized to work in the USA.

A salary range of $55,000 - $70,000 per year will be offered for the position, commensurate with experience. Newfields provides eligible staff with a competitive package of employee benefits.

For a full job description and to apply visit the Newfields website. All application materials must be submitted through the online portal. https://discovernewfields.org/about/working-newfields/jobs

Please also provide a letter of interest, your resume, and a list of 3 professional references with email addresses and phone numbers.

Applications will be accepted until a candidate has been hired to the position.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Newfields fully is committed to the inclusion and consideration of all qualified applicants. We value diversity in culture, race, ethnicity, and gender expression. Applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential activities of the position. 

Newfields offers dynamic experiences with art and nature for guests of all ages. The mid-town, 152-acre cultural campus features the Indianapolis Museum of Art, among the ten largest, most historic general art museums in the nation. It also is home to the Lilly House, a National Historic Landmark; The Garden, containing 40 acres of contemporary and historic cultivations, a working greenhouse and orchard; and The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, one of the largest art and nature parks in the country. For more information about the campus, visit discovernewfields.org.