Conservator of Paintings

Description

Part-time, Nonexempt, 21 hours/week, $59.52/hour

Background 

Internationally  recognized as a premier museum and research center, The Frick  Collection is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and  outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts. The  collection originated with Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919), who bequeathed  his home, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts to the public for  their enjoyment. The museum’s holdings—which encompass masterworks from  the Renaissance through the nineteenth century—have grown over the  decades, more than doubling in size since the opening of the museum in  1935. A critical component of the institution is the Frick Art Research  Library, founded in 1920 by Helen Clay Frick, daughter of the museum’s  founder. One of the world’s top art history research centers, it has  served students, scholars, and members of the public free of charge for  generations. 

Between 2020 and early 2024, the Frick  underwent a comprehensive renovation, during which time it was open in a  temporary home, Frick Madison. The museum and library reopened to the  public in April 2025. In addition to special exhibition galleries and  education spaces, enhanced visitor amenities and accessible spaces have  been added. 

Workplace Culture 

At the  Frick, we pride ourselves on promoting an open and welcoming workplace  culture that supports a work-life balance. The Frick strives to provide  its employees with competitive salaries and exceptional benefits in a  beautiful and pleasant work setting, while offering an excellent  opportunity to appreciate some of the world’s finest works of art. 

The  Frick Collection provides equal opportunity to all employees and  applicants for employment without regard to personal characteristics  such as race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability,  pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual  orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil  partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic  predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status,  domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver  status, or other characteristics protected by law. This policy applies  to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited  to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer,  leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels. 

Position Summary 

The  Frick Collection seeks a part-time Conservator of Paintings to join the  Conservation Department. This is an inaugural position in the newly  renovated museum. Candidates should have expertise in the conservation of European paintings from the 15th to early 20th century. Knowledge in  the treatment of panel paintings is also desired. Experience in the  installation of contemporary paintings for temporary exhibitions is  helpful. The applicant must demonstrate a firm grasp of theoretical  principles in traditional painting techniques and historical restoration  practices. 

The Conservator of Paintings will work under  the supervision of the Chief Conservator in carrying out treatments,  conducting technical studies, assisting with exhibition preparation and  installation, preparing loan evaluations, making acquisition  assessments, and conducting materials research. The candidate should be  well versed in appropriate conservation documentation and preventative  measures and adept at advising on framing, packing, and storage. As an  important member of the team, the Conservator of Paintings will  participate in engagement activities that raise the profile of the  department for patrons and the general public and will carry out  research for presentation and publication.

The  Conservator of Paintings will work with all members of the Conservation  Department and with colleagues across the museum and library, including  curatorial, registration, education, facilities, media production, and  database management. This position requires a collaborative colleague to  assist in other wide-ranging responsibilities, among them, proficiency  in the use of analytical techniques (including XRF, radiography, and  microscopy), contributing to museum policies and procedures, and  supporting the preservation of the historic Frick mansion.  

Requirements

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent  beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is  close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.  

The  education and/or experience requirements listed below are generally  representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability to successfully  perform the essential duties of this position.  

• Master’s degree in Art Conservation with a focus in paintings conservation. 
• Minimum of 7 years of post-graduate experience in paintings conservation. 
• Excellent hand skills. 
• Knowledge of collection databases, imaging techniques, and documentation methodologies. 
• Strong art historical background in European painting from the 15th to 20th century. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the  ability to write technical reports and conservation documentation in  English. 
• Strong organizational and time-management skills. 
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. 
• Attention to detail with the ability to prioritize while handling multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to be proactive, use independent judgment, and take initiative. 

Physical Requirements 

The  candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the  position. If requested, reasonable accommodations can be made to enable  employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their  job, absent undue hardship. 

Physical requirements are comparable to most office roles.  

In addition the Paintings Conservator must have the ability to:  

• interact in-person with colleagues, vendors, and visitors.  
• use common office tools and machines (computer, phone).  
• transport and operate equipment. 
• traverse and navigate throughout the offices, building(s) in- and  out-doors, galleries, different levels of the building, and storage  areas to complete tasks (includes climbing steps, ladders, and  scaffolding; lifting objects and containers up to 40 lbs.). 
• travel domestically and internationally. 
• Adhere to appropriate safety protocols when working with hazardous materials. 

Employment Status and Compensation 

This is a part-time nonexempt role. Compensation: $59.52/hour. 

Twenty-one hours typically reflects a three-day work week.  Annual nonexempt base salary is up to $65,000. 

The  institution engages vendors/contractors for large scale conservation  and maintenance projects and art moves which may be scheduled outside of  the regular business day. The Conservator of Paintings may be needed to  provide in-person support of these activities and may be called upon to  work onsite outside of regular business hours. Generally, there is no  remote work option for this role except on a very occasional basis. 

Benefits in Employment with the Frick Collection 

Sick  time: part-time employees accrue sick leave up to 56 hours/year in  accordance with the New York City Earned Sick Time Act.  

Paid Holidays: part-time employees receive paid time-off when they would  normally be scheduled to work on holidays the museum is closed to the  public. These include New Year's Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Martin  Luther King Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. 

Retirement: The Frick supports all employees and interns in planning for retirement  by offering participation in a Tax Deferred Savings Plan – 403(b). 

Wellness Programs at the Frick include an Employee Assistance Plan, a discount  on Citi Bike memberships and a discount on bike helmets.  

Meal and Museum Shop discount: The Frick maintains a Seamless/GrubHub Corporate Account for all in-office food  ordering. Employees working on-site may access an $8/day discount toward  meal delivery from Seamless. This benefit is per employee per shift and is not transferable.  All employees may access a discount on  Museum Shop purchases and in our onsite café and restaurant during  opening hours.  

Application Process

Please include detailed cover letter and résumé.  

Apply here or send cover letter and résumé to:

Chief Conservator 

The Frick Collection 

1 East 70th Street 

New York, NY 10021 

This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.