Conservation Specialist, Framer

Carnegie Museum of Art creates experiences that connect people to art, ideas, and one another. We believe creativity is a defining human characteristic to which everyone should have access. CMOA collects, preserves, and presents artworks from around the world to inspire, sustain, and provoke discussion, and to engage and reflect multiple audiences. Carnegie Museum of Art is arguably the first museum of contemporary art in the United States, collecting the "Old Masters of tomorrow" since the inception of the Carnegie International in 1896. Today, the museum is one of the most dynamic major art institutions in America. Our collection of more than 30,000 objects features a broad spectrum of visual arts, including painting and sculpture; prints and drawings; photographs; architectural casts, renderings, and models; decorative arts and design; and film, video, and digital imagery. Through our programming, exhibitions, and publications, we frequently explore the role of art and artists in confronting key social issues of our time, combining and juxtaposing local and global perspectives.  With our unique history and resources, we strive to become a leader in defining the role of art museums for the 21st century. Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community.

This Full-Time position is eligible for the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh’s many Benefits.  

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate.

The Conservation Specialist is primarily responsible for the care, repair, handling, design, fitting, alteration, and fabrication of frames for objects in the Carnegie Museum of Art’s collection and on loan to the Museum, encompassing a wide range of frame styles and periods, for exhibition, storage, and travel. Working closely with the Senior Manager of Conservation, the Conservation Specialist is a partner to the Museum’s in-house Conservation and Curatorial staff and contract Conservators in reviewing, preparing, matting, hinging, mounting, glazing, framing and/or rehousing collection objects. They possess a strong knowledge of materials, an understanding of the strengths and limitations of different types of paper compositions, weights, orientations, and art-making processes in order to make appropriate decisions about the long-term storage and/or display of a work, both independently and in tandem with recommendations outlined by the Senior Manager of Conservation. The Conservation Specialist will manage the operations of framing at the Museum, including but not limited to creating and managing the schedule, workflow, material inventory, communication, and staffing for all frame and paper housing projects. They work in close collaboration with staff across Carnegie Museum of Art, including Art Preparation & Installation, Registration, Exhibitions, Collections Information, Curatorial, Design & Publishing, and Education. As a member of the Conservation department, the Conservation Specialist is expected to participate in a proactive fashion in the preservation of the Museum’s collections. The Conservation Specialist will have professional learning and training opportunities to expand and enrich their toolkit and hand-skills in a manner relevant to forthcoming Museum projects. 

Qualifications:

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree or relevant certification required. Five or more years of matting/framing experience in a museum setting and a dedicated focus on the care and preparation of works on paper required.  Three years working in collaboration with museum conservators required. A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license is also required.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities: Candidate must possess a strong understanding of museum standards for conservation, preservation, and object handling. Expert knowledge of art handling techniques and safety procedures and the ability to tend to progressive responsibilities working with and handling high-value museum objects in a variety of media is required. Advanced woodworking skills and proficient knowledge of hand and power tools required, including power saws, routers, compressors, sanders, drills, hand chisels, gouges, carving tools, planes, files, numerous clamp designs, as well as the sharpening, maintenance and basic repair of all tooling. Glazing skills required; accurate and safe cutting of glass, acrylic, and poly-carbonate panels for the glazing of artworks or components of storage containers. Ability to identify the various materials and their qualities. Must be adept at handling works of art and have demonstrated ability to mat, fit, hinge, and frame two-dimensional works of art. Basic mathematical abilities for accurate measurement, instrument readings, and the calculation or ratio implementation of formulae. Candidate must have moderate to advanced understanding of paper and frame conservation and maintain knowledge of current methodologies in framing, hinging, mounting, installation, packing, crating, and archival materials. Ability to work in an organized and efficient manner in managing priorities and meeting deadlines while adhering to the Conservation Department’s standards for care and attention to detail in carrying out tasks. Some evenings and weekend hours may be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have good dexterity, hand eye coordination, and the ability to climb and work on ladders for extended periods of time; to reach work with hands above shoulder level; to lift heavy objects (50 lbs.); and to stand or to walk for a standard workday.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Framing, unframing, fitting, and securing works on paper, paintings, and other works in frames in accordance with the Museum’s standards for handling works of art and their safety in display, transport, and storage.
• Caring, preserving, and maintaining collection frames (including historic frames) fabricating new frames and frame components; installing auxiliary elements such as slips, buildups, backing boards, acrylic and glass glazing.
• Repairing frames (including casting and carving to replace missing parts, gilding, finishing) according to Museum conservation standards.
• Working in constant collaboration with Conservators to prepare all works on paper and framed works in the Museum’s collection or on loan, where applicable, for exhibition, storage, and travel.
• Reviewing and assessing framed works in the Museum’s collection requested for outgoing loan.
• Writing routine reports and correspondence
• Documentation photography
• Maintaining written and photographic records within data management systems; entering matting/framing information into CMOA collections management system, KEMu, in digital format, where information can be recorded, viewed, and shared across the Museum.
• Maintaining supplies, tools, equipment, and orderly framework and storage spaces
• Managing workflow to meet Museum schedules and deadlines; utilizing and updating the Museum’s Asana project management system to track and communicate project status.
• Creating and managing framing budget(s)
• Coordinating frame production with third-party vendors
• Training Museum staff, including but not limited to Art Preparation & Installation, Registration, and Curatorial staff, on proper paper and frame object handling.
• Working collaboratively with in-house and contract Exhibition Designer(s) to create safe and elegant frame, display, and mounting systems for objects in exhibitions.
• Advising on the installation of objects regarding framing and mounting for purposes of display
• Assisting Conservators and Preparators with installations and deinstallations of permanent collection-based and temporary loan-based exhibitions, as necessary.
• Assisting in daily gallery monitoring including the visual inspection and maintenance of framed objects on display and in storage
• Dusting and lightly cleaning framed collection objects as needed under the direction of the Senior Conservation Manager
• Using proper carts and supplies, moves objects in museum galleries, storage, and preparation areas as directed for exhibition, acquisition, loan, photography, and conservation.
•  Assessing works on paper with condition concerns; working with Conservator approval to address and/or treat condition concerns.
• Operating equipment and tools in a safe and proper manner; making minor repairs to equipment as directed; promptly informing Senior Manager of Conservation regarding damaged equipment or the need to replace or service equipment.
• Sharing responsibility for maintaining safe, clean, and orderly work and storage areas daily
• Working professionally and cooperatively with Museum staff, including but not limited to, Conservation, Art Preparation & Installation, Registration, Exhibitions, and Curatorial, as well as contractors, artists, and couriers.
• Understanding and adhering to all security rules and guidelines of Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, as well as regulations stipulated by such agencies as OSHA, TSA, and DHS.
• Acting as courier for artwork when required within the U.S. and overseas; following the museums specified practices and procedures for undertaking courier duties and receiving art shipments at the museum.
• Working overtime as necessary, understanding that as much advance notice will be given as possible by supervisor.
• Performing other various duties, as requested, by supervisor.

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Females / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.   

*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job.  When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below.  Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive.  If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function?  The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often?  Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential.  G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it?  If so, it is more likely to be essential.