Seattle Art Museum Emerging Museum Professional Internship

Applications Due: February 12, 2025

Position Start: April 2025 (est.)

Position End: APRIL 2026 (est.)

TITLE: Emerging Museum Professional, Conservation

DEPARTMENT STAFF MENTOR: The Jane Lang Davis Chief Conservator

FLSA Status: Temporary, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $23 per hour

Benefits: As a full-time benefits eligible employee, you will be able to enroll in medical (through Kaiser), dental (through Delta Dental of WA), vision (through Vision Service Pan), and basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D (through LifeMap), as well as a Flexible Spending Account (through Navia Benefit Solutions). FT Staff also have the option to elect Short Term Disability or Supplemental Dental Insurance (through Aflac). FT Staff can participate in SAM’s 403b retirement plan, and begin receiving a guaranteed 3% employer contribution following 1 year & 1,000 hours worked. FT Staff have access to paid time off for vacation, sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty per accrual and pro-rated schedules. SAM observes 12 holidays each year, and offers FT Staff 1 paid floating holiday of their choice. FT Staff can opt into a 50% subsidized unlimited Orca card. FT Staff also receive a Patron level membership to SAM, and a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums, as well as access to an onsite fitness facility, SAM’s museum library, a no-cost Employee Assistance Program resource, a 20% discount at the SAM Museum Shop and a 10% discount at SAM’s MARKET cafe, and 8 Home Free Guarantee cab rides home per year.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Seattle Art Museum connects art to life. SAM strives for its employees, volunteers, and interns to reflect the community in which it exists. Emerging Museum Professional (EMP) internships are intended to open career pathways for individuals who bring dynamic backgrounds and diverse perspectives to their work in art, museums, or community engagement.

Educational advancement is a key consideration for all EMP internships. This opportunity will provide in-depth museum experience and hands-on training most appropriate for those considering graduate-level study in art conservation.

EMERGING MUSEUM PROFESSIONAL, CONSERVATION

This intern will work on a broad range of hands-on conservation and preservation activities within the museum. These may include:

• Preventive conservation of collections, monitoring and maintenance of display and storage environments, and examination, documentation and conservation treatment of works of art.
• Direct experience working on collection objects under the supervision of a staff conservator and in close consultation with other museum stakeholders.
• Conservation treatments on paintings, sculptures, or other objects in SAM’s collection.
• If circumstances permit, the intern may also conduct research into works of art and share their findings with SAM and other audiences.

EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENT:

35 hours per week, for up to 12 months with a possible extension subject to funding. Weekly schedule is flexible within Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm office hours.

Due to the hands-on nature of this internship, work will primarily be on-site at SAM Downtown, Seattle Asian Art Museum, and/or Olympic Sculpture Park.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assess and document the condition of works of art, including written and photographic documentation into TMS database.
2. Perform and document treatment of works of art under direct supervision from conservation staff and in consultation with project curators. Depending on current departmental priorities, treatment may include stabilization or other treatment of larger groups of objects, assistance with group treatments, or more in-depth, comprehensive treatments of fewer works of art.
3. Research materials, techniques, and provenance of particular works of art when appropriate. Consult with project curators and other stakeholders throughout the process.
4. Assist with framing adjustments and the preparation of archival display materials.
5. Test, document, and plan exhibition display materials.
6. Assist with general studio activities such as cleaning individual work area and shared work areas after use. Identify necessary supplies and work with coordinator to procure them.
7. Share findings and outcomes of work with colleagues at SAM and, where permitted, with general and professional audiences through public presentations or other means.
8. Participate in department meetings, workshops, classes, or other opportunities as possible.
9. Develop and deliver a presentation related to your internship work or professional interests.
10. Complete a one-page reflection, blog post, or interview about your internship experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Necessary training in art handling, conservation methods, use of database and other conservation protocols will be provided during the internship.

1. Knowledge of materials and techniques related to artistic production, archival collections storage, and/or conservation treatment.
2. Sufficient scientific knowledge for undertaking examination, analysis, and condition documentation for art objects.
3. Proficiency in general computer use, including Microsoft Office suite and database entry. Experience with TMS, PastPerfect, or similar software is preferred, but not required.
4. Proficiency in digital image software (Adobe Photoshop or similar).
5. Art historical knowledge and demonstrated interest in museum matters.
6. Highly developed hand skills and good judgement.
7. Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to clearly articulate goals, progress, and outcomes to a professional audience.
8. Ability to work both independently on projects and as a team member for department priority tasks and group projects.
9. Adherence to the code of ethics governing the American Association of Museums and the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.
10. Clear understanding of and ability to discuss concepts related to racial equity, intersectionality, and social justice.
11. Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information.
12. Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
13. Ability to work accurately with close attention to detail.
14. Ability to ask for help and accept supervision and evaluation of your work.
15. Ability to work with co-workers, vendors, and volunteers professionally and tactfully.
16. Ability to adhere to museum policies and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.

EDUCATION & REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

This Emerging Museum Professional internship is intended for a candidate with demonstrated interest in professional work as an art conservator. Candidates who are current applicants or interested in applying to an art conservation graduate training program are strongly preferred.

At minimum, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent knowledge of art history, science, fine art, or similar field is required. Candidates with working experience in art fabrication, studio assistants, or other related trades are also encouraged to apply.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Exposure: Work areas are primarily inside, in a climate-controlled environment with light background noise. Work is occasionally performed at other indoor and outdoor sites.

Hazardous Materials: The Conservation Intern should be prepared to work with conservation and artists’ materials, and they may be required to use appropriate personal protective equipment when working with toxic or hazardous art or collections materials. The employee may expect moderate exposure to solvent fumes that are being used in a controlled environment in the conservation studio but will be provided with all necessary PPE and trained in the safe use of these chemicals.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES REQUIRED FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Stationary Work:  Approximately 40% of time is spent stationary while working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 60%) is spent moving around the work area. Extended periods of standing may be required when assisting with conservation projects.

Communication:  Clear and effective communication with volunteers, donors, members, the public, and co-workers is necessary.

Moving:  The ability to move up to twenty pounds on occasion is necessary for moving files, equipment, and supplies. Ability to use small hand tools is required for treatment work on art.

Office Work:  Ability to effectively and regularly operate a computer, keyboard, and other office productivity machinery, such as copy machines and printers, and ability to inspect, prepare, and use paperwork, files, equipment, and supplies is necessary.

APPLICATION PROCESS (APPLICATION DEADLINE: Feburary 12 AT 5 PM)

Applications are only accepted via the online form at https://seattleartmuseum.applytojob.com/apply.

Application materials in PDF format may also be sent to [email protected].

Each application should include:

• Application Form (completed online)
• Resume, which describes experiences you believe are relevant to this internship and your professional goals. This may include professional experience, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, community service, and academic projects.
• A Cover Letter detailing:
  • Your past experiences with art conservation or museum collections work
  • Your goals for further education and professional training in conservation
  • How you consider yourself meeting the specific criteria outlined in this job description
• Two references or letters of recommendation, ideally from teachers, supervisors, or mentors. Recommendations may be emailed directly to [email protected], with the applicant name noted in the Subject line.

For additional information or to request reasonable accommodations for the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (206) 654-3188 or at [email protected]

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Celebrating difference. At Seattle Art Museum, our members, visitors, and local community come from all walks of life, and so do our employees, volunteers, and interns. The plurality of our identities and experiences strengthens our mission: connecting art to life. Our mission and vision call us to be responsive to a multitude of cultural contexts and lived experiences, and as such, our Strategic Plan directly addresses the role art plays in empowering and elevating social justice movements, and promoting structural change to further equity in our society. SAM is particularly dedicated to racial equity in the workplace, because we know that people of color are the most impacted when it comes to both historical and present inequities. We know that equity is not a single fixed destination, it’s ongoing reckoning. As SAM continually strives to be a more inclusive and equitable workplace, we are particularly interested in engaging with those who have been historically underrepresented in the museum field. We are dedicated to building a diverse workplace, and a sense of belonging for each and every employee, because we know our organization is at its best when we celebrate difference.

SAM is an equal opportunity employer. We are an equal opportunity employer, and consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, sensory, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship or immigration status, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. SAM is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures, and will consider candidates for employment who may need a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job. Please contact the Human Resources Department at HR@seattleartmuseum.org for additional information, or to request reasonable accommodations for the application or interview process.

We encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to building a diverse workplace, and a sense of belonging for each and every employee, because we know our organization is at its best when we include, celebrate and embrace difference. We encourage you to submit an application, even if your experience doesn’t feel like a 100% match with the position. We know applying for a job can be intimidating, and research tells us that womxn and folks of color are less likely to apply if they don't see themselves meeting or exceeding every single qualification listed. We encourage you to apply, even if you feel unsure about whether you meet every requirement in this job post. You could very well be a great fit for this role or others.

Criminal background check. Employment at SAM is contingent upon successful clearing of both a federal and state criminal background check.

Want to learn more? If you haven't already, check out our Careers page for more on working at SAM.

Though we'd love to be able to reply to every question that crosses our desk, due to the high volume of applications we receive, our HR team is unfortunately unable to offer a response to inquiries requesting search status updates, inquiries about hiring timeline, or requests to be put in touch with directly with the Hiring Team. If your experiences and capabilities are well suited to an open role, our Recruiter or the Hiring Manager will reach out directly to schedule an interview. Thanks for your understanding!