Description
The Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Center (W+AACC) seeks a full-time Conservator and Head of Lab for our Atlanta facility. Specialty for this position is open, with a preference for paper or paintings. We welcome applicants regardless of their race, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, or protected class.
The Conservator and Head of Lab is responsible for the conservation laboratory including staff, interns, and students that work in the lab, all aspects of the conservation and preservation work of the lab, and operation of the lab. This role combines hands-on conservation treatment with administrative leadership, ensuring that collections receive the highest standard of preservation care while supporting institutional priorities. The Conservator and Head of Lab is a senior member of the staff and reports to the Executive Director.
The Conservator and Head of Lab works closely with colleagues in W+AACC’ s paper, paintings, objects, frames and furniture, and analytical departments in both Williamstown and Atlanta to develop and perform cross-discipline, collaborative treatment and care for art and cultural heritage that is the key mission of the organization.
The Conservator and Head of Lab will supervise an experienced team of four conservators in paper, paintings, and objects and two conservation technicians, working within an established laboratory structure and in close collaboration with the Executive Director, administrative, and senior staff.
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ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
W+AACC is a non-profit organization comprised of regional conservation centers in the Northeast and Southeast. Our state-of-the-art conservation centers enjoy strong relationships with local museums and institutions of higher education. The Williamstown Center is located on the campus of the Clark Art Institute, while the Atlanta Center is located in an offsite facility of the High Museum of Art. W+AACC’s mission is to protect, conserve, and maintain heritage objects from all cultures. With a membership of more than fifty organizations, W+AACC is the largest regional conservation center in the country.
Our conservators adhere to the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice as formulated by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC), the national membership organization of conservation professionals.
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ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Oversee the daily operations of the conservation laboratory to accomplish the Center’s objectives. Manage, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and interns, including making recommendations regarding hiring, promotion, and disciplinary actions. Set priorities, direct workflow, monitor quality and productivity.
- Plan, cost, coordinate, and implement strategies pertaining to the care of cultural heritage materials for the Center's clients, including examinations and condition assessments, treatments, condition surveys, institutional assessments, and recommendations for the display, handling, storage, and transport of objects.
- Serve as a member of the senior staff. Work with the Executive Director and other members of the senior staff to contribute to the development of W+AACC’s vision, strategy, and operational procedures for an industry leading organization. Align department’s annual goals and team member expectations in support of the organization’s overall goals.
OTHER LAB HEAD DUTIES
- Maintain awareness of current conservation principles and best practices
- Work with senior staff and the Executive Director to develop and implement policies and procedures of the organization
- Develop budgets, manage expenditures, and contribute to grant writing and fundraising proposals
- Lead or assist with large-scale conservation projects, research programs, or education initiatives
- Represent W+AACC in meetings with other professionals, potential clients, and donors
- Set standard for exceptional client service and delivery and ensure team is providing exceptional client services; expanding and growing existing relationships and obtaining referrals for new clients
CONSERVATOR DUTIES
- Examine objects presented for conservation care and prepare examination and condition reports
- Conduct sufficient research, in consultation with the owner/curator, to understand objects and support recommended treatment protocols
- Perform scientific and technical analyses using imaging, microscopy, spectroscopy, and other analytical tools as appropriate
- Design and recommend treatment proposals for objects with time and cost estimates
- Perform conservation treatments and preservation procedures as described in approved proposals and following current best professional practices
- Design/perform a range of surveys, institutional assessments, and consultations
- Communicate with collection stewards regarding projects, in concert with W+AACC administrative staff
- Participate in interdepartmental projects, acting as project lead as needed.
- Develop protocols and environmental and material standards for the display, handling, storage, and transport of materials
- Manage and oversee subcontractors as needed for projects
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- A Master’s degree in conservation or equivalent educational experience
- Minimum of five years of post-graduate professional conservation experience
- Demonstrated readiness to assume laboratory leadership responsibilities, including leading, managing, and developing a team
- Skilled in project management
- Excellent communication skills
- Exhibit exceptional professional presence, confidentiality, and judgement in all interactions
- Displays flexibility and openness in daily work and encourages others to stay open to change and improvement
- Demonstrates and promotes respect toward coworkers
- Demonstrated success in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects.
- Ability to thrive in a team environment with a “can do” attitude in helping one another to provide an exemplary level of service
- Digital literacy and comfort with standard office software (email, spreadsheets, databases, and document tools)
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Possess credentials permitting legal work in the United States
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
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COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Annual salary of $85,000-$95,000, commensurate with experience
- $5,000 relocation allowance
- Excellent benefits package is offered including health, dental, paid holidays,paid time off, paid sick time
- A professional development allowance and five dedicated days annually for research and professional development
- W+AACC covers half of the annual cost of membership in the American Institute for Conservation
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TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter, CV or résumé, a portfolio of three conservation projects, and contact information for three professional references. Materials should demonstrate relevant conservation experience and preparedness for laboratory leadership. References will be contacted only for finalists.
Send materials to: WACC@WilliamstownArt.org
Questions may be directed to:
Briann Greenfield, Executive Director
BGreenfield@WilliamstownArt.org
Review of applications will begin June 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
