Conservation Technician, Textiles

Conservation Technician, Textiles (Regular, Part-Time)Conservation CenterReporting to the Senior Conservator, Textiles the Conservation Technician, Textiles assists Textile Conservators with various tasks related to exhibition, preventive conservation, and mounting of LACMA’s permanent collection of textiles, costumes, upholstered furniture, and modern and contemporary fiber artworks. The Conservation Technician is brought in as needed, to take on available projects. ResponsibilitiesPrepares condition reports and additional documentation. Assists with the installation and deinstallation of flat and three-dimensional textiles and costumes. Assists with rehousing textiles for transportation and storage.

Performs minor treatments, stabilization of textiles, costumes, and related works of art in the museum’s permanent collection requested for exhibition and loan, under close supervision of the textile conservators. Assists with designing and fabricating mounts and supports for in-house and touring exhibitions, and outgoing loans. Works collaboratively with other conservators, museum staff, and external experts to coordinate conservation efforts and address specific project needs. Monitors and maintains exhibition gallery spaces including microclimates, dusting and /or micro-vacuuming of exposed textiles, costumes and their display platforms, and responding to incident reports.

Assists with integrated pest management (IPM) and pest abatement of artworks with anoxia or freezing as needed. The Conservation Technician may assist conservators at off-site storage to perform condition reports and conduct remedial conservation treatments. The Conservation Technician may act as a courier for art, domestically and internationally, overseeing the handling in transport and installation. BenefitsThe expected hourly rate for this Los Angeles, CA based position is $35. 00, subject to change.

QualificationsGraduation from an accredited fine art curriculum Minimum 2 years of experience in either a fine art museum or an equivalent combination of training and experienceHand and machine sewing, dyeing with synthetic and natural dyes, fabric painting, patternmaking and needleworkBackground in art handling/preparation - textiles, fashion, studio artsExperience handling fine art and knowledge of current conservation and preservation standards, practices, and ethics is preferred. Ability to work independently and maintain effective relationships with other departmental staff and the public. Must be able to lift at least 20-40 lbs. , and stand for long periods when working on large artworks.

Basic computer skills (e. g. word processing) and ability to work with collection management software (e. g. TMS)Ability to drive and access to a motor vehicle