Assistant Conservation Preparator [End-Dated]

About the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.

Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment with a staff as diverse as the audiences we engage. Our staff members are art lovers who are passionate about working toward a common goal: creating the most dynamic and inspiring art museum in the world.

At The Met, every staff member – from security officers to researchers to scientists and beyond – lives by our core values of respect, inclusivity, collaboration, excellence, and integrity. 

Respect: Engage one another with collegiality, empathy, and kindness, always.

Inclusivity: Ensure that all are and feel welcome and valued.

Collaboration: Reach across boundaries to exchange ideas and work together toward our shared mission.

Excellence: Lead the cultural world in quality and expertise—and inspire curiosity and creativity.

Integrity: Hold ourselves to the highest moral standards, admit when we fall short, and then evolve. 

About the Department

The Department of Objects Conservation is responsible for the conservation and mounting/installation of three-dimensional art at the Museum’s two venues. The scope of the Objects Conservation’s mission-critical responsibilities extends to every curatorial department and all of the Museum’s collections-based activities, including acquisitions, deaccessioning, exhibitions, capital projects, scholarly research, teaching and outreach, etc.  The substantial scope of work includes over 7,000 completed object requests annually and the variation in scale ranges from single beads to historic interiors and architectural stone elements embedded in the Museum’s buildings.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITES & DUTIES:

You will be responsible for the design and manufacture of custom mounts and for the installation of objects exhibited in temporary exhibitions and permanent galleries. Where necessary, the Conservation Preparator will design and make supports for travel, act as a courier, and install Met works on loan to other venues.

This is a position with an established end-date or time frame. Time frames will begin upon hire: 7 Months.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Safely and properly handle objects

• Design and fabricate custom supporting mounts for objects

• Install objects in permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions both inside cases and on gallery walls or pedestals

• Prepare visual and written documentation of mount designs and relevant installation needs, and file according to departmental protocols.

• Liaise with conservators, conservation preparators, curators, technicians, Buildings staff, and outside companies as necessary.

• Broaden knowledge of the field by taking advantage of the department’s expertise and resources, and the Museum's opportunities for professional development.

• Disseminate activities and findings on various platforms, including public and professional lectures, and print and digital publications.

• Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree—or equivalent experience—in a relevant field such as fine arts, sculpture, metalworking, silversmithing, etc.

• Thorough knowledge of a broad range of artists' materials used to create three-dimensional works of art and their properties, the principles behind the safe and proper handling and installation of works of art

• Skill and experience in a variety of metalworking and fabrication techniques including cold working and hard soldering of brass with an air-acetylene torch

• Skill and experience with lathe and other machine-shop tool operations

• Studio art skills in a variety of materials

• Two years’ experience as a mount maker/preparator preferred

• Proven project-management skills and ability to work effectively and collaboratively in partnership with other colleagues.

• Excellent hand skills, attention to detail, and ability to produce consistent results required

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills required.

• Energy, motivation, and willingness to learn new techniques

• Ability to work efficiently in high pressure situations, and adaptability to