Conservation Technician, Costume Mounting

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.

AGO Values:

• 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.

We are currently seeking a Temporary Full-Time Conservation Technician, Costume Mounting to join our Conservation team. Under the direction of the Head of Conservationthe incumbent will provide technical support to the AGO Conservation Department, with a focus on textiles and costume mounting. They will coordinate workflow for display projects involving costumes and textiles. Under the guidance of a conservator, preserves the physical integrity of both incoming and outgoing objects through risk mitigation, safe handling, safe storage, and by creating appropriate supports for handling, storage and display. Provides gallery maintenance.

What is this position responsible for?

• In collaboration with conservators and curators, prepares costume for exhibition and catalog photography. Plans, designs, adjusts and prepares complex 3D mounts and mannequins for contemporary and historic dress, including the construction of custom replica garments.; Mounts and dismounts garments according to museum standards; may assist in conservation treatments under the guidance of a conservator.
• Determines or proposes appropriate housing materials and techniques and reviews with conservators, curators and registrars as appropriate; constructs supports such as dust covers, padded hangers, boxes, and trays for garments and fashion accessories for purposes of handling, shipping and for interim and occasionally long-term storage.
• Assists with the dressing of mannequins, installation of mounts, and .Records technical information concerning the mounting of individual garments.
• Prepares space to properly receive and store items in the textile lab. Provides appropriate storage of the objects. Assesses handling and preservation requirements, informs conservator of items requiring immediate attention. Assumes housekeeping responsibilities in the textiles lab where there is a potential for impacting collections and loans.
• Assists with workflow in the textiles lab by tracking, sequencing and scheduling tasks—using TMS and other available computer software as appropriate. Requests and coordinates transfer of works to and from the textiles lab.
• Oversees conservation interns and fellows in collaboration with conservators.
• Proposes and undertakes preservation projects to improve the standard of care for collection materials and follows-up on outcomes.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

What are we looking for?

• Post secondary education in Fashion Design, or equivalent training in sewing, dressmaking and design and two (2) years of experience working in costume for the performing arts (seamstress, hat maker etc.)
• Post secondary education or technical certification from a Conservation or Museum Technology Program
• Training or experience in museums, knowledge of preventive conservation principles
• Knowledge of the history of costume and / or the evolution of dress silhouettes
• Knowledge of menswear and tailoring
• Demonstrated pattern-cutting ability with a high standard of sewing and construction
• Experience creating handling and display mounts and dressing mannequins
• Experience working on large fashion/costume exhibitions and an extensive knowledge of display mannequins. Experience creating handling and display mounts and dressing mannequins
• Training or experience in museums an advantage
• Knowledge of the history of costume and / or the evolution of dress silhouettes
• Excellent hand skills to manipulate materials appropriately
• Knowledge of the practices, techniques, standards, and professional literature, of both conservation and collections management, especially as related to textile-based materials.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately assess the condition of an artwork, identifying existing damages and physical insecurities.
• Demonstrated ability to determine safe handling techniques; demonstrated ability to safely manipulate a variety of different objects independently; ability to train others in handling objects.
• and dressing mannequins
• Excellent hand skills to manipulate materials appropriately.
• Experience working with a variety of computer software packages including databases (especially those designed for collections management), excel spreadsheets, and packages designed for collection surveys.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, for effective coordination of colleagues and excellent customer service.
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation, regulations and practices.

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 prefer to submit an application in person, please leave it at the Shipping Dock (next to the Jackman Hall entrance on McCaul Street), addressed to the People Division. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM.

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.