The Conservation Specialist, Framer is primarily responsible for the care, repair, handling, design, fitting, alteration, and fabrication of frames for objects in the Carnegie Museum of Art’s collection and on loan to the Museum, encompassing a wide range of frame styles and periods, for exhibition, storage, and travel. Working closely with the Senior Manager of Conservation, the Conservation Specialist, Framer is a partner to the Museum’s in-house Conservation and Curatorial staff and contract Conservators in reviewing, preparing, matting, hinging, mounting, glazing, framing and/or rehousing collection objects. They possess a strong knowledge of materials, an understanding of the strengths and limitations of different types of paper compositions, weights, orientations, and art-making processes in order to make appropriate decisions about the long-term storage and/or display of a work, both independently and in tandem with recommendations outlined by the Senior Manager of Conservation. The Conservation Specialist, Framer will manage the operations of framing at the Museum, including but not limited to creating and managing the schedule, workflow, material inventory, communication, and staffing for all frame and paper housing projects. They work in close collaboration with staff across Carnegie Museum of Art, including Art Preparation & Installation, Registration, Exhibitions, Collections Information, Curatorial, Design & Publishing, and Education. As a member of the Conservation department, the Conservation Specialist, Framer is expected to participate in a proactive fashion in the preservation of the Museum’s collections. The Conservation Specialist, Framer will have professional learning and training opportunities to expand and enrich their toolkit and hand-skills in a manner relevant to forthcoming Museum projects. Qualifications:
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree or relevant certification required. Five or more years of matting/framing experience in a museum setting and a dedicated focus on the care and preparation of works on paper required. Three years working in collaboration with museum conservators required. A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license is also required.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities: Candidate must possess a strong understanding of museum standards for conservation, preservation, and object handling. Expert knowledge of art handling techniques and safety procedures and the ability to tend to progressive responsibilities working with and handling high-value museum objects in a variety of media is required. Advanced woodworking skills and proficient knowledge of hand and power tools required, including power saws, routers, compressors, sanders, drills, hand chisels, gouges, carving tools, planes, files, numerous clamp designs, as well as the sharpening, maintenance and basic repair of all tooling. Glazing skills required; accurate and safe cutting of glass, acrylic, and poly-carbonate panels for the glazing of artworks or components of storage containers. Ability to identify the various materials and their qualities. Must be adept at handling works of art and have demonstrated ability to mat, fit, hinge, and frame two-dimensional works of art. Basic mathematical abilities for accurate measurement, instrument readings, and the calculation or ratio implementation of formulae. Candidate must have moderate to advanced understanding of paper and frame conservation and maintain knowledge of current methodologies in framing, hinging, mounting, installation, packing, crating, and archival materials. Ability to work in an organized and efficient manner in managing priorities and meeting deadlines while adhering to the Conservation Department’s standards for care and attention to detail in carrying out tasks. Some evenings and weekend hours may be required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have good dexterity, hand eye coordination, and the ability to climb and work on ladders for extended periods of time; to reach work with hands above shoulder level; to lift heavy objects (50 lbs.); and to stand or to walk for a standard workday.
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