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clyfford still | museum
clyfford still | museum
A pair of hands use a large swab to dip into a bottle of fluid on a table with other bottles
A closeup of a table full of bottles and tools with a person working on a painting in the background
Clyfford Still Museum Conservation Lab, photo by Boulder Media House

Mellon Foundation Fellowship in Paintings Conservation

Application Deadline: May 28, 2024
Hourly Salary Range: $23.51–23.51
Benefits: Full benefits (see details below)
Work Schedule: Full-time
Job Locations: Clyfford Still Museum and Denver Art Museum
Fellowship Length: Two years (full-time for one year at each institution)
Anticipated Start Date: Late summer 2024

Position Purpose

The Clyfford Still Museum (CSM) and the Denver Art Museum (DAM) are pleased to announce the Mellon Foundation Fellowship in Paintings Conservation. The two-year fellowship affords the successful candidate the chance to gain valuable treatment and research experience within two distinct institutions: a single-artist museum and an encyclopedic museum. The fellow will work full-time for one year at each institution.

Working under the guidance of both CSM and DAM conservators, the fellow will engage in projects and research relevant to each institution’s goals and objectives. The fellow will focus on two aspects: treatment of the collection and drawing upon ongoing research to produce a publishable paper or conference presentation. The purpose of the role is to:

  • Provide Fellow opportunities for the treatment of paintings in accordance with established procedures.
  • Offer Fellow avenues for research and professional development in paintings conservation.
  • Integrate Fellow in adopting and implementing museum-wide awareness/compliance of policies and procedures that affect and uphold the care and conservation of collections.
  • This position reports to the Chief Conservator at the Clyfford Still Museum and the Director of Conservation and Senior Paintings Conservator, Conservation and Technical Studies Department, Denver Art Museum.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Perform conservation treatment and evaluations of museum artifacts in accordance with established procedures.
  • Create, maintain, and file accurate records of treatments.
  • Attend assigned meetings on behalf of the Conservation Department at the Clyfford Still Museum and the Denver Art Museum.
  • Conduct relevant surveys of museum collections.
  • Develop and conduct research projects in consultation with supervisors.
  • Prepare and execute lectures, tours, and educational programs in accordance with departmental priorities.
  • Order laboratory supplies and equipment as required.
  • Maintain laboratory and library cleanliness and order.
  • Uphold museum values and maintain a collegial, respectful, and inclusive work environment.
  • Present research and projects to general audiences, board, etc. as well as to professional peers.
  • Adhere to safety guidelines in all workspaces.
  • Adhere to the AIC Code of Ethics.
  • Maintain current knowledge about the conservation field through reading and conference participation.
  • Consistent usage of the Racial Equity Lens in day-to-day operations.
  • Yearly goal setting to support Racial Equity Roadmap initiatives.

Qualifications

  • Minimum requirement of Masters-level training in conservation or equivalent training and experience.
  • Demonstrated commitment to specialization in paintings conservation.
  • Experience with conservation laboratory equipment including binocular microscope, polarizing microscope, cameras, fume hood, as well as small tools.
  • Solid work habits, personal initiative, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate with conservation staff and other departments.
  • Ability to learn institutional collections databases. Proficient in Microsoft and Google suites of products.

Working Environment/Physical Activities

  • Working environment includes laboratory and studios, on and off-site storage, galleries, public areas, private residences.
  • May work extended or non-standard hours, weekends and holidays based on business needs.
  • Occasional local and overnight travel may be required.
  • May work in areas with exposure to dust, paint, chemicals and other toxins.
  • Equipment used includes mechanical lifting equipment and ladders, PPE equipment and, art handling equipment including pallet jacks, A-frames and carts.
  • Subject to many interruptions.
  • Standing, walking, sitting, typing, and climbing.
  • Pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries.
  • Temperature changes.
    Lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds.

DAM position type: This position is not covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME-CWU. All nonsupervisory roles are either represented or non-represented. Represented means the role is unionized and covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME-CWU. Non-represented means the role is not unionized.

Pay: The hiring hourly pay for the position is $23.51/hour ($48,900/year), and a travel and research budget of $2,000 per year.

DAM Benefits: A comprehensive medical/dental/vision plan, that can be extended to domestic partner, spouse, and children. DAM 100% paid Life Insurance, and Short/Long Term Disability. Generous sick and vacation paid time off and one personal day. Ten paid holidays. 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute and those who meet the requirements will qualify for the 3% non-elective contribution and 2% match program. A free RTD Eco Pass. Free Telehealth and Employee Assistance Program. Access to Headspace. Two weeks Paid Parental Leave. A free DAM Family Membership. This position is based at the Denver Art Museum, which only has pay to park options, all employees are eligible to receive a free RTD Eco Pass.

DAM Note: The DAM prioritizes adaptability and a human-centered work environment. We are happy to consider accommodations to the position. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. We know there is no such thing as a perfect” candidate – Nor do we look for the right “fit” with us, we look for the add! We believe in cultivating an environment where there is diversity of perspectives, in hopes that we can all thrive in an inclusive environment.

To Apply

Please apply on the Denver Art Museum’s online application portal site.

This position will close May 28, 2024, and we plan to contact qualified applicants shortly thereafter. The anticipated start date is late summer 2024.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Clyfford Still Museum is committed to building a diverse staff to serve the needs of our visitors. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Non-Discrimination Statement
The Clyfford Still Museum bases its employment decisions on job- related qualifications and ability to perform a job, and therefore prohibits (a) making employment decisions or basing terms and conditions of employment, and (b) making contracting, admissions or facility use decisions or basing terms and conditions of contract or facility use on the basis of a person’s: race, creed, color, religion, sex, age 40 and over, height, weight, national origin, ancestry or ethnicity, sexual orientation, transgender status or gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or disability, as well as any other basis now or in the future protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation. The Museum follows this policy in all terms and conditions of employment including, without limitation, recruitment, hiring, testing, training, certification, opportunities for advancement, promotions, demotions, terminations, performance evaluations, compensation, and leaves. The Museum expressly prohibits retaliation against anyone who brings a complaint of discrimination or who assists the Museum in the investigation of a complaint of discrimination.