Assistant Conservator, Arms & Armor [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. 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

As the Assistant Conservator for Arms and Armor, you will contribute to the care, treatment and study of objects within the Arms and Armor collection. You will evaluate, examine, treat, and document objects within the department’s collections. You will collaborate with Curators and Scientists and act as an allied professional within the wider conservation field through the publication and presentation of your work within professional forums. You will be working with a variety of object types and materials, including edged weapons, armor, historic firearms, and related materials. The collection is primarily metals, but work will include some organic materials including leather and wood.

This is a position with an established end-date or time frame. The established end-date for this role is March 31st, 2029.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Evaluate and examine the condition of objects from the Arms and Armor collection for prospective treatment, outgoing or incoming loans, potential acquisitions, or for the contribution of scholarly pursuits.

• Under the council of senior Conservators, perform and document conservation treatment of objects.

• Represent a conservation perspective during all stages of a reinstallation planning process.

• Continue to learn the theory and operation of relevant and appropriate analytical instruments.

• Participate in professional meetings, give public talks on area of expertise, and provide added content for departmental communications and social media.

• In collaboration with the wider department, develop environmental and material standards for the display, storage and transportation of art. Stay up to date on developing technologies, ethics and best practices within the field.

• Support the professional development of interns and fellows.

• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree from a recognized conservation program in objects conservation

• 1 year of working experience within Conservation area of focus

• Excellent examination skills with understanding of a variety of fabrication techniques.

• Demonstrated experience in performing basic conservation treatments

• Basic photography and proficiency in using imaging programs for documentation. Experience with TMS and good record keeping skills preferred.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to physically participate in conservation treatments, including hand skills, lifting and movement of objects, and working at height on ladders.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with ability to receive/give productive feedback/criticism.

• The Museum may recommend that a new hire at Assistant Conservator level be awarded credit for time worked in the same or similar role with comparable responsibilities as outlined in the Regulations for Curatorial, Education, Library, Conservation, and Scientific Research employees.

COMPENSATION RANGE:

• Pay Range: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 / Annually

The advertised pay scale reflects the good faith minimum and