Description

Requisition Id: 2026-50
Job Status: Temporary Full-Time
Hours & Days of Work: 35 hours per week
Minimum Rate: $37.69
Maximum Rate: $47.08
Target Start Date: 08/10/2026
Target End Date: 09/18/2026

• Respect: We foster belonging and appreciate each other.
• Openness: We interact with an open mind and thoughtful engagement.
• Collaboration: We believe in the power of together.
• Accountability: We own our actions and outcomes.

• Assesses condition, diagnoses conservation problems, and performs conservation treatment on works of art on paper in the permanent collections or temporary custody of the Gallery to prevent damage, retard deterioration and to improve the structural stability and the appearance of the object, by carrying out some or all of the following steps:
• Conducting technical examinations of the work.
• Commissioning and coordinating scientific analysis from external sources, and interpreting results.
• Determining conservation measures to be applied and advising curator, artist and/or custodian of appropriate treatment and/or preservation plan(s); providing justification, objectives, potential risks and expected outcomes as part of plan.
• Developing procedures and techniques, as required, based on research, controlled testing and consultation.
• Monitoring results of treatments for reference and development of future conservation processes.
• Producing reports and maintaining permanent records of examination, scientific investigation and treatment, in written and/or pictorial format.
• Performs technical examinations of works of art on paper to define the preservation and conservation implications for acquisition, loan and exhibition.  May identify reproductions, fakes, or forgeries.  Documents findings and prepares reports for purposes of financial appraisal and for submission to the Cultural Property Export Review Board.
• Defines conservation criteria to be met for framing, mounting, handling, packing, crating, storage, shipping, security measures, exhibition and loan parameters for individual works of art or collections.
• Defines conservation specifications for relative humidity, temperature and light for all areas in the building where works of art are located.  Monitors actual conditions.  Administers light exposure guidelines for works of art.  Liases with appropriate colleagues to ensure requirements are met and problems are corrected.
• Defines conservation criteria to be met in the design, planning and installation of exhibitions and individual works of art.  Liases with appropriate colleagues to ensure requirements are met.
• Defines preservation criteria to be met by external groups/clients using gallery spaces and facilities for special events, photography and filming.
• Monitors the condition of works of art on display through regular gallery inspections and through investigation of Protection Services Occurrence Reports.  Initiates corrective action as necessary.
• Identifies and promotes conservation issues and concerns by participating in various Gallery groups, teams, and committees as departmental representative.
• Conducts conservation clinics and private consultations with individuals and organizations.  Co-ordinates and supervises use of specialized equipment and facilities by sister institutions and external conservators.  Advises on fees to be charged as per department fee schedule.
• Acts as a consultant/specialist on behalf of the Gallery by: responding to inquiries from collectors, artists, the public and other institutions regarding materials and preservation of works of art; referring inquiries to other specialists as required; representing the Gallery to sister institutions or other external organizations regarding conservation issues and practices; conducting lectures and seminars and publishing articles on various conservation topics.
• Maintains awareness of developments in policies, practices, techniques and materials in conservation through research, written correspondence, membership in professional organizations and participation at lectures, conferences and training seminars.  Assesses relevance and impact of information on Gallery conservation standards and practices and negotiates changes as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Masters degree in conservation from a recognized university or college, plus a number of years related experience in an art museum, or equivalent combination of education and years of directly related experience with the conservation of fine art on paper.
• Excellent knowledge of conservation principles, practices, materials and techniques.
• Excellent knowledge of health and safety legislation, regulations and practices.
• Knowledge of materials and techniques, aesthetic and historical significance of works of art.
• Knowledge of the “Code of Ethics and Guidance for Practice” of the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property (CAC) and of the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators (CAPC).
• Ability to perform delicate operations affecting the condition and appearance of works of art; excellent hand-eye co-ordination and manual dexterity.
• Ability to conduct research according to established scientific practice; to synthesize and interpret information.
• Ability to operate specialized technical and scientific equipment.
• Excellent trained, visual discrimination abilities.
• Ingenuity and creative problem-solving skills
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, consultation and negotiation skills.

• Discounts to GoodLife Fitness.
• Free tickets to every major exhibit at AGO.
• Discounts to major attractions as a part of the Provincial/City Reciprocal Programs.
• Free admission to the AGO for friends and family, discounts at the gift shop, bistro, and Learning Centre.