Archaeological Conservator, Yorktown Collections

The Mariners' Museum•Newport News, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Yorktown Collections Archaeological Conservator position is a grant-funded, 3-year position. The conservator will undertake the assessment, direct treatment, and preventive conservation care of select objects recovered in the 1930s and 1980s from shipwrecks associated with the Siege of Yorktown (September - October, 1781) at Yorktown, Virginia within the holding of The Mariners’ Museum and Park and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR). This position has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Rediscovering Our Revolutionary Tradition, which frames the scope of work performed. The Archaeological Conservator will work under the direct supervision of the Director of Conservation and Chief Conservator and the Senior Archaeological Conservator and will consult/work with other museum personnel and VDHR staff as needed.

Requirements

Working knowledge of up-to-date practices for conservation and maintenance of objects.
Working knowledge of the archaeological method and practices.
Familiarity with analytical equipment and methods, not limited to but including FT-IR, SEM, XRF, digital radiography, optical microscopy, chloride analysis, metals sample preparation, 3-D scanning/modeling.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.
Working knowledge of digital photography.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Familiarity with accepted practices for achieving and ensuring safety in the laboratory.
Consistent capacity for respectful and professional interpersonal relations.
Bachelor’s degree with a major in an art, history, archaeology or a science-related field of study.
Must be able to pass a background and motor vehicle record check prior to employment.
Applicants must currently possess the capability to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with a wide variety of materials including metals and organics preferred.
Continued professional development in the conservation field.
A Master’s degree in object or archaeological conservation(preferred) from a recognized graduate conservation program.
A minimum of four years of post-graduate conservation experience is preferred.
Preference will be given to those with experience in archaeological conservation.

Responsibilities

Conduct examination, documentation, and artifacts treatment following established conservation procedures, methodologies, and ethics.
Maintain detailed before, during, and after treatment records including both written and photographic documentation.
When necessary, based on the conservation needs of an artifact, develop new conservation techniques and procedures in consultation with the Director of Conservation and/or Senior Archaeological Conservator.
Construct storage support systems and housing for artifacts.
Assist in the maintenance/operation of laboratory equipment and facility, and participate in the ordering of supplies and additional equipment as required.
Promote the importance of conservation in an outreach capacity whenever possible.
Perform other duties as assigned.