Where the Power of Art Engages the Spirit of Community

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art invites all people to explore the art in its care, and through its vast collections, the depths, and complexities of human experiences.

We strive to create a sense of belonging, where staff and volunteers can do meaningful work connecting people to art. We create an informed, invested group of staff and volunteers through shared values and open, direct, and respectful communication. We embrace IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Sustainability) in every aspect of our ideals and aspirations, as we believe these values to be paramount to success.

Each staff member and volunteer will embody the institution’s commitments and agrees to exhibit behaviors that align with them. We hold one another to these expectations so that, together, we may know, own, energize and sustain our culture and the institution for generations to come.

ASSISTANT CONSERVATOR, PAINTINGS 

PLEASE APPLY HERE: https://www.nelson-atkins.org/careers-internships/?gnk=job&gni=8a78879e…

We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to join our esteemed conservation team at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, an internationally recognized art museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the world's cultural heritage. With a diverse collection spanning centuries and styles, we are committed to fostering a deep appreciation for art and history. We invite passionate and skilled individuals to apply for the position of Assistant Conservator, Paintings, and become an integral part of our mission to conserve and interpret these precious works of art for generations to come.

Position Overview:
As an Assistant Conservator, Paintings, you will collaborate with a dynamic team of experts dedicated to the preservation and care of our extensive painting collection. You will work closely with conservators, curators, registrars, and art preparators to ensure the longevity and visual integrity of the artworks while contributing to innovative research and public engagement initiatives

Key Responsibilities:

1. Examine, document, and treat paintings, employing advanced conservation techniques and ethical practices.
2. Collaborate with curatorial and collections staff to plan and execute conservation projects, ensuring the artworks are prepared for exhibition, loan, and storage.
3. Conduct in-depth research on artists' techniques and materials, contributing valuable technical information for inclusion in publications and/or scholarly collection catalogues.
4. Document all conservation activities, including condition assessments, treatment methodologies, and research findings.
5. Participate in public outreach programs, including gallery talks, tours, and presentations, to educate visitors about art conservation and the significance of our collection.
6. Stay informed about the latest advancements in conservation practices, attending conferences, workshops, and seminars to continuously enhance your expertise.

CORE CAPABILITY REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience

• Graduate degree in Art Conservation with a specialization in paintings from a recognized conservation training program.
• Demonstrated knowledge of painting processes and materials.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct scientific analysis on materials and techniques.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex conservation concepts to diverse audiences.
• Collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
• Attention to detail, patience, and a commitment to ethical conservation practices.

APPLICANTS

• Please include a cover letter outlining your interest in the position, your conservation philosophy, and how your qualifications align with the responsibilities and requirements.
• Please attach or email a writing sample (i.e. examination report, research paper, or publication).
• Candidates selected for interview will be asked to share a 35 minute presentation of their conservation projects, showcasing significant treatments and projects.

Core Competencies

• Integrity: Demonstrating honesty and a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values.
• Emotional Intelligence: High EQ (emotional intelligence) with experience managing and building positive relationships with cross-functional teams.
• Inclusion: Including and integrating all people and groups; respecting people from all backgrounds and cultures; understanding, accepting, and valuing differences between people
• Communication Skills: Ability to interact professionally with all levels of internal staff and with external stakeholders. Strong interpersonal communication skills; diplomatic and collaborative work style. Excellent public speaking skills and ability to work with multiple audiences.
• Organization Skills: Ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and handle numerous assignments concurrently.
• Financial Acumen: Maintains and applies a broad understanding of financial management principles to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible.
• Technical Acumen: Well versed in technology and/or the ability to identify the technologies that have impact on the growth and sustainability of the museum and to attain the knowledge required to leverage the power of those technologies in the daily job.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS
Job Family: Conservation
Salary Grade: Grade 6
Starting Salary Range: $52,288 - $58,770 per year
FLSA Classification: Exempt
 

Working Conditions
Working conditions are typically those of an office environment. Works primarily at a desk, uses a PC/ Perform with frequent interruptions and/or distractions. The ability to attend on-site meetings/events within the museum and museum properties. Perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload

Travel Expectations
0–15% of Travel Required

Non-Discrimination
The Nelson-Atkins is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art conducts pre-employment background checks as part of our selection process.

Salary information is a general guideline only.  The Museum considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.