Conservator, Works on Paper

35 hours per week

ART + AUDIENCE + LEARNING

Located in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, attracting approximately one million visitors annually. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces.

We are currently seeking a Conservator, Works on Paper, to join our Conservation team. Under the direction of the Head of Conservation the incumbent will prolong the physical and aesthetic life of works of art on paper through documentation, preventive care, conservation treatment, research, and education. Promote and advocate the preservation of works in the collection or in the temporary custody of the Gallery. Provides advice and expertise concerning the aesthetic, conceptual and physical characteristics of works of art.

The rate of pay for this position is: $77,932 – $97,388 per annum.

What is this position responsible for?

• Assesses condition, diagnoses conservation problems, and performs conservation treatment on works of art on paper in the permanent collections or temporary custody of the Gallery to prevent damage, retard deterioration and to improve the structural stability and the appearance of the object
• Performs technical examinations of works of art on paper to define the preservation and conservation implications for acquisition, loan and exhibition. May identify reproductions, fakes, or forgeries. Documents findings and prepares reports for purposes of financial appraisal and for submission to the Cultural Property Export Review Board.
• Conducts conservation clinics and private consultations with individuals and organizations. Co-ordinates and supervises use of specialized equipment and facilities by sister institutions and external conservators. Advises on fees to be charged as per department fee schedule.
• Acts as a consultant/specialist on behalf of the Gallery by: responding to inquiries from collectors, artists, the public and other institutions regarding materials and preservation of works of art; referring inquiries to other specialists as required; representing the Gallery to sister institutions or other external organizations regarding conservation issues and practices; conducting lectures and seminars and publishing articles on various conservation topics.
• Maintains awareness of developments in policies, practices, techniques and materials in conservation through research, written correspondence, membership in professional organizations and participation at lectures, conferences and training seminars. Assesses relevance and impact of information on Gallery conservation standards and practices and negotiates changes as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What are we looking for?

• Master’s degree in conservation from a recognized university or college, plus five years related experience in an art museum, or equivalent combination of education and years of directly related experience with the conservation of fine art on paper.
• Excellent knowledge of conservation principles, practices, materials and techniques.
• Excellent knowledge of health and safety legislation, regulations and practices.
• Knowledge of materials and techniques, aesthetic and historical significance of works of art.
• Knowledge of the “Code of Ethics and Guidance for Practice” of the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property (CAC) and of the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators (CAPC).
• Ability to perform delicate operations affecting the condition and appearance of works of art; excellent hand-eye co-ordination and manual dexterity.
• Ability to conduct research according to established scientific practice; to synthesize and interpret information.
• Ability to operate specialized technical and scientific equipment.
• Excellent trained, visual discrimination abilities.
• Ingenuity and creative problem-solving skills
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, consultation and negotiation skills.

What are the benefits of working at the AGO?

• Discounts to GoodLife Fitness.
• Free tickets to every major exhibit at AGO.
• Discounts to major attractions as a part of the Provincial/City Reciprocal Programs.
• Free admission to the AGO for friends and family, discounts at the gift shop, bistro, and Learning Centre.

If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, apply now!

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility:

At the AGO, we lead global conversations from Toronto through extraordinary collections, exhibitions, and programs, reflecting the diverse community we serve. Committed to fostering inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, we embed these values into our strategic plan and ongoing priorities.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications online at https://jobs.jobvite.com/ago/jobs/viewall. If you would prefer to submit your application in person, please address it to the People Division and leave it with our Shipping Dock, located at the Jackman Hall entrance on McCaul Street. You may drop off your application between 8:30AM and 4:00PM, Monday through Friday

We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Art Gallery of Ontario is an Equal Opportunity Employer.