Assistant Conservator, Costume Institute

As the Assistant Conservator, Costume Institute, you will contribute to the care, treatment, display and conservation of the departments collections. You will evaluate, examine, treat and document objects with in the collection. You will perform material and scientific analyses, mount objects for display and perform preventative conservation support. You will assist in performing material and scientific analyses, prepare objects for loan, and create and maintain digital achieves.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Undertake the preparation and treatment of costume and textile objects in support of the department’s exhibition and loan schedules, the preservation of The Costume Institute’s collection, and fulfillment of special projects
• Carry out condition reports, treatments, mounting, and installation in support of the museum’s  exhibitions and other projects
• Assist in exhibition maintenance, lab maintenance and safety, ordering supplies, using/maintaining equipment, and other activities
• Assist in integrated pest management duties as required
• Maintain laboratory chemical inventory, safety documentation, and chemical hygiene practices
• Support and supervise department interns, fellows, and volunteers when appropriate
• Assist in special projects as required
• Respond to consultation requests
• Manage the conservation program for internal exhibitions as assigned
• As time allows, contribute to the department’s research and publication program as set forth by the head Conservator and Curator-in-Charge
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate degree from a recognized conservation training program
• 2 years as a practicing conservator; Museum experience favored
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in the treatment and preservation of historic costumes, textiles, and accessories
• A high level of manual skill and ability to complete treatments in an efficient manner in order to fulfill a heavy exhibition and loan schedule
• Demonstrated effective prioritization and project management experience
• Proven ability to document treatments
• Proven ability to perform scientific and material analyses of objects
• Proven ability to create, modify, and dress mannequins according to conservation protocols
• Knowledge of sewing techniques and garment construction
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Must be a proactive and communicative team player with proven follow-through
• Strong knowledge of conservation principles, ethics, materials, and techniques for costume conservation with demonstrated high standards of conservation treatment experience
• Knowledge of fashion history

COMPENSATION RATE:

• Pay Range: $75,000.00 – $80,000.00 / Annually
• The advertised pay scale reflects the good faith minimum and maximum salary range for this role. The advertised pay scale is not a promise of a particular wage for any specific employee. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, special licensing or qualifications, and other factors.

Location Requirements

At time of employment, employees are expected to be located within commuting distance of the Museum. “Commuting distance” means that they are located in one of following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania (the “Tri-state and PA” areas), and be able to commute to and from the Museum in a single day.

Benefits Offerings

The Museum provides competitive compensation, and generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees.
Note: Benefits Offering may differ based on Employee Status.

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 403(b) basic retirement plan and optional matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match
• Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and 13 Museum holidays
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Account (pre-tax income for eligible health care expenses)
• Commuter benefits (pre-tax income for parking or mass transit expenses)
• Free financial-planning services
• Financial assistance for relevant coursework, seminars, and training programs
• 25% discount for staff in Museum shops
• A subsidized staff cafeteria
• Access to the Museums Council pass, which grants free admission to various museums and cultural institutions

How to Apply

Click here to apply online
JR-43413

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

The Met is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, The Met will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed in this process, please contact benefits@metmuseum.org.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

More jobs at The Metropolitan Museum of Art: MET jobs