Assistant Conservator, Easel Paintings

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Assistant Conservator will assist with the conservation of Old Master, Modern and Contemporary easel paintings in the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) collection.

ABOUT SAM

As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Carry out conservation programs, including preservation, conservation, and restoration of works of art across all Seattle Art Museum sites, with a primary focus on paintings

Carry out all facets of examination, documentation, research, treatment, and long-term preservation of paintings in the museum’s permanent collection

Accurately track and generate documentation of projects to be archived in the museum’s collection database

Assist in preservation planning for the paintings portion of the collection

Assist in preservation planning and emergency preparedness and response as needed

Efficiently project manage treatment of works of art throughout the conservation process

If requested, serve as courier for at-risk works of art traveling to other institutions, carry out treatments, surveys, inspections and consultations as necessary

Research paintings from the museum collections and participate in sharing outcomes of research with the public and colleagues internally and externally. When appropriate present findings in lectures, displays and publications

Facilitate access to collections, supporting the museum's outgoing loan activities and exhibition schedule by preparing works of art for loan and display

Assist with supervision of conservation interns

Interact with a broad range of people, including museum visitors and the general public, donors, students, scholars and lenders, concerning conservation and preservation matters

Maintain the highest standards of museum practice through continued education, personal research, and active dialog with colleagues at other museums

Answer phone and mail inquiries about the collections preserved at SAM

Contribute to an institutional focus of delivering exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive customer service—creating positive, meaningful experiences for all visitors, every time

Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow our collective understanding and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM’s work

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications