Conservator, Textiles
Description
Requisition Id: 2025-35Number of Positions: 1
Job Status: Temporary Full-Time
Hours & Days of Work: 35 hours per week
Minimum Rate: $42.82
Maximum Rate: $53.51
Target Start Date: 04/07/2025
Target End Date: 09/30/2026
Conservator, Textiles
Temporary Full-Time
Temporary Full-Time
(35 hours per week)
ART + AUDIENCE + LEARNING
Located in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, attracting approximately one million visitors annually. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces.
We are currently seeking a Conservator, Textiles to join our Conservation team. Under the direction of the Head of Conservation, the incumbent will prolong the physical and aesthetic life of works of art through documentation, preventive care, conservation treatment, research, and education. They will promote and advocate the preservation of works in the collection or in the temporary custody of the Gallery and provide advice and expertise concerning the aesthetic, conceptual and physical characteristics of works of art.
What is this position responsible for?
- Performs technical examinations of textiles to define the preservation conservation implications for acquisition, loan and exhibition. . 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 to stabilize the condition of or improve the appearance of textiles and performs those treatments. Identify storage needs of collection and develop a business case for addressing need.
- Advises on conservation specifications for all areas in the building where works of art are located or for the shipping of art. Monitors conditions as needed.
- Identifies and promotes conservation issues and concerns by participating in various Gallery groups, teams, and committees as departmental representative. Participates in collaborative projects with other conservators.
- Assigns and monitors work performed by contract conservators, conservation technician, students and interns; provides training and resolves work-related problems. Participates in the selection process as required.
- Maintains permanent records, in written and pictorial formats, or professional findings, research and actions; produces reports appropriate reports appropriate to end use.
What are we looking for?
- Master’s degree in conservation from a recognized university or college, plus five years related experience in an art museum, or equivalent combination of education and years of directly related experience working with textiles in a museum or Gallery setting.
- Excellent knowledge of conservation principles, practices, materials and techniques of textiles
- Demonstrated experience and advanced knowledge of sewing techniques, garment construction, weaving structure, dyes and colorants, and textile mounting techniques.
- Excellent knowledge of health and safety legislation, regulations and practices.
- Knowledge of materials and techniques, aesthetic and historical significance of works of art.
- Demonstrated 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 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.
What are the benefits of working at the AGO?
- 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.
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, apply now!
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility:
At the AGO, we lead global conversations from Toronto through extraordinary collections, exhibitions, and programs, reflecting the diverse community we serve. Committed to fostering inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, we embed these values into our strategic plan and ongoing priorities.
To Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications online at https://jobs.jobvite.com/ago/jobs/viewall. If you would prefer to submit your application in person, please address it to the People Division and leave it with our Shipping Dock, located at the Jackman Hall entrance on McCaul Street. You may drop off your application between 8:30AM and 4:00PM, Monday through Friday.
We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Art Gallery of Ontario is an Equal Opportunity Employer.