The Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center is looking for a dynamic conservator to run its paintings conservation lab. As the leader of the painting’s conservation lab, the conservator will treat works from a broad range of public and private clients throughout the region. The conservator will examine paintings, prepare treatment proposals – including time and cost estimates – and conserve artifacts and collections. The conservator will provide preservation expertise and outreach, participate in the Center’s educational activities, and supervise technicians, interns and volunteers on painting conservation projects.
Annual compensation range is $75,000-$95,000, commensurate with education and experience, if approved.
History Nebraska is a statewide educational institution that connects people to the past through the conservation center, a library and research center, interpretive sites, and the state archeology and historic preservation offices.
Omaha, Nebraska, where the Ford Conservation Center is located, is a vibrant community that is consistently rated as one of the top cities to live in America. Along with its food and music scene, it’s home to the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo, and is known for its top schools and affordable housing.
In addition to a comfortable and safe community with generally short commutes, we are able to offer:
- A wide array of opportunities for professional growth, including membership to professional organizations, access to LinkedIn Learning, conference attendance, and more;
- A flexible work environment;
- Medical, dental, and vision health plans;
- 13 paid holidays a year, plus 12 paid vacation days and 12 paid sick leave days (both of which increase with tenure);
- Competitive retirement plan with 156% state match for every dollar you contribute;
- Paid term life insurance;
- Employee Wellness and Discount programs;
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility; and
- So much more!
Examples of Work
- Establishes and sets priorities for the treatment of paintings, including all aspects of maintaining the Painting Conservation Laboratory at the Ford Center.
- Examines, analyzes, researches, documents, and conserves paintings from art museums, galleries, libraries, historical societies, government agencies, and private and corporate clients throughout the region.
- Creates written and photographic documentation for conservation examinations, treatments and other activities; Maintains conservation documentation in accordance with the highest archival and digital preservation standards.
- Develops public and private client base for contractual conservation projects; Establishes and maintains good client relationships.
- Advises History Nebraska, other regional organizations, and individuals on issues relating to the long-term preservation of paintings and paintings collections.
- Builds regional understanding and awareness of conservation and preservation of cultural materials through networking and participation in educational outreach activities; Represents History Nebraska and the Ford Center at regional and national professional meetings.
- Supervises assigned staff, interns, and volunteers by providing training and guidance on all conservation-related matters; Mentors conservation technicians and actively fosters a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.
- Keeps current with developments in the field through reading, conferences, online discussions, and professional contacts; Researches new applications of materials, equipment, and techniques to carry out specialized tasks that contribute to improving the care of paintings.
- Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to: helping other departments, participating in interdepartmental committees and working groups, assisting colleagues with conservation treatments and collaborative projects, and participating in community outreach events.
Our five core values are:
- We Do It Better Every Time. We are always looking to improve. When we fail, we know why and learn from it.
- We Have Each Other’s Back. We work in groups. We candidly support one another for the betterment of the organization.
- We Own It. If we say we are going to do something, we do our best to get it done.
- We Are Curious. We never stop learning, and we encourage curiosity in others.
- We Are Inclusive. We seek multiple perspectives and value the uniqueness of each individual.
