POSITION DESCRIPTION: OBJECTS CONSERVATOR

Transcription

1 POSITION DESCRIPTION: OBJECTS CONSERVATOR 53 Victoria Avenue Chatswood NSW 2067 Australia t f w Title Division/Department Reports to Location Objects Conservator () Objects and Outdoor Heritage Team, Conservation Division Senior Objects Conservator ICS, 53 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood PURPOSE The Objects Conservator is responsible for managing and working on projects in the ICS Objects and Outdoor Heritage Team. The incumbent manages projects, advises on all technical aspects of objects conservation, writes project reports, guides other team members, liaises with clients, and collaborates with other ICS conservation teams to achieve company goals. ENVIRONMENT International Conservation Services provides a diverse range of services for the conservation of heritage and cultural material. Our clients range from government through institutions and corporations to private individuals. ICS has a staff of employed in conservator, administration and management roles. The Objects and Outdoor Heritage has a staff of 3-5, varying according to workload and employment of casual staff from time to time. See the Organisation Chart for further information. Conservation work undertaken by the Objects and Outdoor Heritage Team includes a wide range of work for public institutions and private clients covering metal objects, sculptures, monuments and memorials, organic and plastic objects, ceramics, stone and glass objects, and archaeological and industrial artefacts. The team also regularly consults on and writes condition assessments, maintenance plans and treatment proposals. This position is based in Chatswood, Sydney, and the majority of work will occur in or around Sydney. There will also be opportunities or requirements for travel to site-based projects around Australia. C:\Users\d.west\Desktop\PD Objects Conservator 8 May 14.docx 1

2 KEY RELATIONSHIPS Supervision This position reports to the Senior Objects Conservator. From time to time the Graduate Objects Conservator may supervise conservation technicians and casual staff for specific jobs. The Objects Conservator will regularly supervise other conservators and conservation technicians and casual staff for specific jobs. Collaboration and Communication Internal: Conservation team staff ICS Management team Administration staff Conservation Technicians Conservation staff of other ICS Teams External: Clients and prospective clients, from the private, corporate and government sectors Sub-contractors Suppliers MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES At the Graduate Conservator and Conservator levels: Undertake treatments Undertake conservation treatments to a high technical standard in accordance with the AICCM Codes of Ethics and Practice. Assess and quote on objects received for treatment at ICS or visited on site as required. Implement appropriate treatment methodologies for a wide range of projects, with guidance and advice from a conservator or senior conservator. Conduct research to achieve outcomes on more difficult projects as required. Manage treatments to achieve timely and profitable completion to the satisfaction of clients and ICS management. Draft invoices, maintain relevant work documentation and records, and contact clients on job completion as required. Liaise and work with other ICS teams and divisions to achieve high quality treatment outcomes. Teamwork Actively contribute to the smooth functioning of the team, eg. through participation at team meetings, advising on treatment methodologies, suggesting improvements in work practices, etc. Collaborate with team members to build skills for self and others in technical, professional, management and interpersonal areas. C:\Users\d.west\Desktop\PD Objects Conservator 8 May 14.docx 2

3 Actively engage in personal professional development, eg. through on-the-job acquisition of expertise, formal training, and through professional activities, organisations and events. Engage in lab maintenance on a regular basis. Work effectively and efficiently with ICS administration staff to support the smooth operation of business processes. Client Relations Obtain a clear understanding of client expectations in relation to treatment outcomes, and consult with other conservators or clients as required. Be aware of and advise ICS Management on ways of enhancing client value and potential to improve client service. Promotion of ICS Be aware of and advise ICS management on ways of enhancing client value and identifying opportunities that promote growth. Represent ICS at conferences and in other forums, presenting papers, talks and advice as required. Build the reputation of ICS by providing, developing and promoting the high quality service of provided by ICS. Additional responsibilities at the Conservator level: Management of treatments Advise on, guide and implement appropriate treatment methodologies for a wide range of projects, including complex treatments, disaster response and preventive conservation. Advise and guide staff carrying out conservation treatments, both within the team and in collaboration with other teams as required. Client Relations Effectively manage client expectations in relation to treatment outcomes as required. ACCOUNTABILITIES AND CHALLENGES Major challenges at the Graduate Conservator and Conservator levels include: Planning and working on a wide variety of treatments in an environment where schedules may be changed to accommodate other unexpected, urgent work. Managing work to complete projects on time and within budget. Working in a range of on site environments with exposure to weather or other site-specific restrictions, including public art collections, outdoor monuments, building sites, and archaeological sites. Engaging with ICS strategic goals as a way of contributing to enhanced work practices and improved job outcomes. All conservators employed by ICS are required to abide by the AICCM Codes of Ethics and Practice, and commit to achieving and/or retaining professional membership of the AICCM. Additional challenges at the Conservator level include: Working in an environment where there is a high degree of client consultation and interaction on a wide range of objects and conservation issues. C:\Users\d.west\Desktop\PD Objects Conservator 8 May 14.docx 3

4 Being responsive to the needs and expectations of clients, whilst working within the guidance of internationally recognised standards and professional codes of ethics for the conservation of cultural and heritage material. Providing practical and timely solutions to sometimes complex conservation challenges. AUTHORITY TO ACT At the Graduate Conservator and Conservator levels: The incumbent has a degree of autonomy in the management and direction of their own work, as agreed with the Team Leader. There is no financial delegation attached to this position. At the Conservator level: The incumbent is expected to undertake overall management of jobs for which they are responsible, as agreed with the Team Leader. PERFORMANCE All staff are involved in an annual performance assessment and career review that focuses on key outcomes and results identified for their position. Performance will be assessed in relation to achievement of the Major Responsibilities outlined above, along with KPIs for utilisation rates and job outcomes. SAFETY AND WELLBEING RESPONSIBILITIES All staff must: Take reasonable care of, and cooperate with actions taken to protect, the health and safety of both themselves and others. Report all accidents, incidents and hazards to their supervisor as soon as is practicable, both verbally and in writing using the appropriate form. Be familiar with, and work in accordance with, the requirements of the 2011 Work, Health and Safety (WHS) Act and Regulations, and the ICS WHS Manual. Supervisors and managers must: Do whatever is reasonably practical to ensure that both the workplace and the work itself are safe, in consultation with staff affected. Actively seek to identify improvements to current WHS practices. ORGANISATION CHART See attached. C:\Users\d.west\Desktop\PD Objects Conservator 8 May 14.docx 4

5 KEY SELECTION CRITERIA Skills and knowledge 1. Thorough and up to date knowledge of the physical and chemical construction of metal, ceramics, stone, glass, plastics and organic materials, and their characteristic deterioration mechanisms. 2. Strong technical expertise in objects conservation and ability to analyse and develop appropriate treatment methodologies for different object types. 3. Strong interpersonal skills that foster good management and excellent teamwork. 4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing. 5. Proficient use of business technology including Microsoft Office software and digital photography. Personal attributes 6. Strong commitment to client service and building effective working relationships with both clients and ICS staff. 7. Ongoing engagement with changes in current conservation practice, and willingness to consult on the development of appropriate treatments. 8. Outcome-focused, with a helpful attitude and excellent work ethics. 9. Enthusiasm for contributing to and furthering the work and aims of ICS. 10. Strong, demonstrated commitment to the AICCM Codes of Ethics and Practice and the Burra Charter. Experience 11. Graduate Conservator: 0-2 years experience in relevant positions after graduation with an appropriate tertiary qualification. Conservator: minimum 3 years experience as a conservator after graduation with an appropriate tertiary qualification, including performance of technically challenging conservation projects. 12. Demonstrated experience of successfully contributing to and working within a team environment. 13. Demonstrated ability to complete work on time. 14. Previous experience of working in the private conservation sector will be valued. Qualifications 15. Tertiary qualifications in conservation, with specialisation in objects conservation. 16. Drivers Licence APPROVALS AND REVISION Written by Ruth Thompson, Operations Manager Approved by David West, Executive Director Approval date 13 May 2014 Revision dates C:\Users\d.west\Desktop\PD Objects Conservator 8 May 14.docx 5