Chief Conservator & Laboratory Lead

Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution seeks a Supervisory Chief Conservator to lead a diverse team of conservators in the Laboratory and HMSG. The role focuses on directing conservation activities, mentoring staff, and ensuring high standards in examinations, treatments, and documentation of art objects.

You will supervise professionals, coordinate conservation programs, and manage safety and equipment maintenance while developing annual budgets and procurement for lab needs.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 in Federal Service.
• Experience examining and treating fine art objects.
• Experience documenting object conditions and conservation treatments.
• Experience monitoring environmental conditions and identifying risks to collections.
• Experience supervising conservation staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise the activities of the professional, para-professional, and technical staff in the lab, delegating work, tracking progress, and establishing priorities as necessary in line with museum programs.
• Perform a full range of technical examinations of works of art to identify their structure and components, their condition, and/or conduct appropriate treatment according to your conservation specialty.
• Establish procedures and direct work related to the examination, documentation handling and movement of objects in preparation for acquisition, loan, exhibition within the lab and during installation periods.
• Manage the conservation laboratory and its programs: safety, equipment maintenance, and education.
• Develop and monitor annual budgets for the lab, oversee procurement for all conservation equipment, including identifying needs for contract and fellow/interns to support work of the lab.

Skills

Supervising staff

Conservation treatment

Documenting conditions

Environmental monitoring

Budget management

Job description

The Smithsonian Institution seeks a Supervisory Chief Conservator to lead a diverse team of conservators in the Laboratory and HMSG. The role focuses on directing conservation activities, mentoring staff, and ensuring high standards in examinations, treatments, and documentation of art objects.

You will supervise professionals, coordinate conservation programs, and manage safety and equipment maintenance while developing annual budgets and procurement for lab needs.