Job Description

Position:

Whitten & Proctor Fine Art Conservation seeks a painting conservator for a leadership role in our Houston studio. We seek a devoted and curious person with a sense of humor and, ideally, a love of spicy foods and warm, humid weather. 

Houston:

Houston, Texas, is the fourth-largest and one of the most culturally diverse cities in the nation. A foodie’s paradise, Houston is known for its rich and accessible visual and performing arts community, with world-class museums, theaters, and parks. It also features more affordable housing and a lower cost of living than most major US cities.

Business culture Work environment:

Whitten & Proctor Fine Art Conservation is a dynamic painting conservation practice serving a diverse clientele of private collectors and institutions. We treat a wide variety of paintings, perform surveys, and provide condition reports for purchase and loan. The conservation studio is housed in a mid-century modern structure converted to a 2000 sq ft studio in 2007. There is also a spray booth, work space, and storage area in an auxiliary building on the property. The studio is well-equipped and brightly lit with shaded west-facing windows, full-spectrum ceiling fixtures, and a large north-facing window and skylight. 

 Job description:

 ▪ Design and carry out examination and conservation treatment of paintings 

▪ Prepare time and cost estimates for conservation projects

▪ Communicate with clients regarding inquiries and projects, in coordination with the Registrar

▪ Conduct research to understand artworks and to support recommended treatment protocols

▪ Perform onsite field work, which may involve surveys, examinations, treatments, and consulting

▪ Work with colleagues in other specializations and oversee interns and contract conservators as needed 

▪ Represent the studio at meetings with potential clients, donors, and other professionals

▪ Stay current with developing technologies, best practices, and innovation in the field

▪ Assist in hiring new staff

There are 2-4 conservators working in the studio and a studio manager/registrar who works with the conservators to photograph, write condition reports, make appointments, track treatments, and order supplies. 

The chosen conservator will report to the two principal conservators. We seek a colleague who is organized and willing to apply themselves in a team environment. The position is collaborative with the existing team, but we see this conservator in a supervisory role. Their responsibilities will include direct interaction with the clientele and the ability to formulate and carry out treatments independently. Whitten & Proctor encourages and supports continued professional development and service to the community. The conservator will have the opportunity to work on world-class artworks and design interesting and creative treatments. 

Qualifications/skills:

• A master’s degree from a graduate conservation program,
• 5 years post-graduate work, OR a combination of strong pre-program experience and at least 2 years post-graduate experience, is preferred.

We are seeking a candidate with critical thinking skills to formulate successful treatment plans and an understanding of the aesthetics of paintings from the 15th century to modern and contemporary. The candidate will bring knowledge of and experience with new cleaning systems, excellent verbal and writing skills, and should be fully proficient in English. 

Work Schedule:

35-hour work week Monday–Friday

Paid holidays and vacation.

Salary: 

• Starting salary, $70,000-$85,000 annual, based on experience level,
• Annual bonus, based on performance.
• Generous benefits.
• Whitten & Proctor encourage and support Professional development.

Job posting opening date: May 22, 2025

Closing date: June 30, 2025

Please send your updated Resume and a Cover Letter to HR@whittenandproctor.com

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