Paper and Photograph Conservator

Boston Athenaeum; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A cultural institution in Boston is seeking a Paper and Photograph Conservator to perform conservation treatments and collaborate on exhibitions. The ideal candidate will have a graduate degree in conservation, at least three years of relevant experience, and a strong understanding of conservation methods. Join this team to contribute to preserving valuable collections and fostering community engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ experience in the conservation of rare paper-based and photographic materials.
• Experience in museum or library conservation department setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of chemical hygiene guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Execute conservation treatments on rare paper-based materials.
• Document work with written and photo records.
• Collaborate on exhibition preparation.

Skills

Knowledge of conservation theory

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Graduate degree in conservation

Tools

Digital imaging software

Job description

2 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by Boston Athenaeum. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$62,000.00/yr - $65,000.00/yr

Job Summary:

The Boston Athenaeum’s Conservation Laboratory, a branch of the Technical Services Department, seeks a Paper and Photograph Conservator. Reporting to the Senior Conservator, the successful candidate will perform conservation treatments on the Athenaeum’s collections of paper-based and photographic materials, collaborate on exhibition preparation, and support conservation initiatives across all departments.

Responsibilities:

In consultation with the Senior Conservator, execute conservation treatments on rare paper-based materials, including manuscripts, archival documents, maps, prints, and photographs.

Apply established conservation theory, methods, and practices with sound judgment, documenting work with written and photo records.

Collaborate on exhibition preparation and installation, including treatment of materials, designing and executing mounting systems, and consulting on environmental conditions.

Troubleshoot and research approaches to item-specific treatments.

Prepare condition reports for exhibited, loaned, or borrowed collection materials.

Organize and execute projects by managing competing deadlines and collaborating closely with cross-departmental teams.

Participate in public presentations, lab tours, and conservation related fund-raising initiatives.

Advise curatorial team on prospective acquisitions.

Participate in disaster prevention, response, and recovery efforts.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education: Graduate degree in conservation with a specialization in the conservation of paper-based and photographic materials from a recognized training program.

Experience: A minimum of three years’ experience in the conservation of rare paper-based and photographic materials, preferably in a museum or library conservation department setting.

Demonstrated knowledge of conservation theory, methods, and practices in the treatment and display of paper-based and photographic materials.

Demonstrated success performing single-item conservation treatments on special collections materials.

Experience planning and executing conservation functions both independently and as part of a collaborative team, demonstrating initiative and sound judgment.

Demonstrated understanding of chemical hygiene guidelines (NIOSH, OSHA).

Familiarity with digital imaging software.

Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

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.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and resume

The Boston Athenæum is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates who will increase our diversity; we encourage candidates of color and all diverse candidates to apply and are committed to hiring individuals who value a diverse and inclusive work environment. The Boston Athenæum is also committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact HR Generalist Nora Conley at 617‑720‑7630 or [e-mail]

ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHENAEUM

Founded in 1807, the Boston Athenæum is located at 10Ø Beacon Street on Beacon Hill. A distinguished membership library and cultural institution with a long history at the center of intellectual life in Boston, the Athenæum hosts events year-round and supports a dynamic exhibition program. It is welcoming to all, a place that nurtures a sense of wonder and delight in sharing the joy of physical books, maps, prints, and other works of art, and a place that fosters community and civil discourse as members and visitors connect and converse.

The Athenæum’s collections are housed within a National Historic Landmark that is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The reading rooms—including the barrel‑vaulted fifth floor—have served as a haven and inspiration to countless writers and researchers. The library maintains over 600,000 volumes with strengths in history, biography, and literature, as well as fine and decorative arts. Notable holdings include primary materials on the American Civil War; the largest portion of President George Washington's library; a first edition of Audubon's The Birds of America; a 1799 set of Goya's Los caprichos; one of the most extensive collections of contemporary artists' books in the United States; and numerous artworks, including portraits of notable Americans such as Hannah Adams, John Marshall, and Alexander Hamilton, and by artists such as Gilbert Stuart, John Singer Sargent, Allan Rohan Crite, and Polly Thayer Starr. Membership is open to all, and visitors are warmly welcomed.