Conservation Technician Paper & Photographs

The National Gallery of Ireland (‘the Gallery’) is Ireland’s major national cultural institution devoted to the collection and care of fine art. Comprising almost 17,000 paintings, drawings, watercolours, miniatures, prints, sculpture and decorative arts, the institution's extensive holdings include masterpieces by many of the most celebrated figures in the history of western European art. In addition, the Gallery houses the most representative collection of historic Irish art. Funded mainly by the State, the Gallery employs more than 180 staff and provides free access to the public 361 days a year. In 2022, the Gallery received numerous awards and accreditations. These included the Triple Lock Standard, which recognises Irish charities that have achieved excellence in governance, financial reporting, transparency and ethical fundraising.

The Gallery wishes to recruit a Conservation Technician Paper & Photographs (‘Conservation Technician’) to provide technical support for the care of the National Gallery’s collections of works of art on paper, including photographs, and library and archival collections, within the work program delivered by the Conservation Department.

The Conservation Technician will prepare artworks for exhibitions, display, loan and storage. The post holder will deliver technical solutions supporting preservation and conservation treatments of works on paper. Reporting to the Head of Conservation or nominated deputy, the Conservation Technician will:
•           Assist Paper Conservators with the examination and documentation of artworks.
•           Prepare artworks for public view by providing mounting, framing and display solutions.
•           Prepare and pack artworks for preservation, exhibition and display, storage and transport.
•           Advise on and assist with the installation of works on paper, ensuring their safety, report on their condition, and identify and correct any problems with the set up.
•           Update conservation reports.
•           Input conservation and technical information on the Gallery’s collection management system (TMS).
•           Work closely with the Art Handling & Loans Manager in relation to store management.
•           Work closely with the Library & Archive team in relation to the preservation, display and storage of our library and archive collections.
•           Perform routine house-keeping tasks in the conservation workshop, such as keeping studio work areas clean and tidy and ensuring equipment is safely put away after use
•           Maintain and support an organised workplace including equipment maintenance.
•           Act as courier and travel with artworks, if required.
•           Contribute to and participate in collection emergency preparedness and disaster recovery.
•           Provide general technical support to the painting conservation team, if required.

The successful candidate will have:
•           Experience as a conservation technician working with works of art on paper or BA degree in paper conservation.
•           One to three years’ relevant work experience, preferably in a gallery/museum setting.
•           Experience preparing works of art to conservation standard, cutting mounts, de-framing/framing of artworks using hand and power tools.
•           Proven experience working with and handling fine art on paper
•           A practical and pragmatic approach to problem solving.
•           Experience in the handling, packing and installation of artworks.
•           Experience documenting artworks.
•           Effective planning skills with the ability to work well under pressure and prioritise workload to meet deadlines.
•           Proven ability to work effectively individually or as part of a team.
•           Good IT skills including experience with databases and core Microsoft packages.
•           Excellent communication skills to maintain an effective working relationship with colleagues by contributing to a positive organisational culture based on mutual respect, collegiality, collaboration and openness.
•           Willing to learn new skills and techniques.
•           An interest in and commitment to the work at the National Gallery of Ireland.

Note: This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. The job description may be subject to review in the view of new structures and / or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with NGI screening, security and Garda vetting procedures.

Conditions of employment

This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. This may be subject to review in view of new structures and/or the changing needs of the Gallery.  All employees are required to be compliant with NGI screening and Garda Vetting procedures. The post will be subject to a satisfactory medical check and successful completion of a successful probationary period. Applicants must be fluent in English and be eligible to work in Ireland.

Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:
(a)        A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or
(b)        A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
(c)        A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
(d)        A non-EEA citizen who has a stamp 41 or a Stamp 5 visa;

1 Please note that a 50 TEU visa, which is a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is acceptable as a Stamp 4 equivalent.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer.


Grade and Salary: Salary is in accordance with point 1 of the Executive Officer (PPC) pay scale €35,687 per annum as per 1 January 2024 pay adjustments.

Duration: Specified Purpose Contract of 13 months

Working hours: Full time, 5 days a week – 35 hours per week (net of breaks). The position is based on-site. Please note, flexibility is required and the successful candidate may be required to work occasional late evenings and weekends.

Candidates should note the National Gallery of Ireland complies with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations and guidelines on Public Service pay and conditions of employment.
           
Any personal data that you provide when applying for this position shall be processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice.

How to apply: Please upload a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Candidates are also required to submit a portfolio in PDF Format. Candidates should note that panels may be formed from which future positions may be filled.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 31 May 2024

Interviews will be scheduled in June 2024.

At the National Gallery of Ireland, we value equity, diversity and Inclusion we recognise the benefits it can bring to our staff and our visitors interactions. We celebrate difference and want our people to be representative of all communities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please do not hesitate to let us know.

The National Gallery of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer