Conservation Fellow

Open To External And Internal Candidates • Williamsburg, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Conservation Fellow is responsible for enhancing the protection and preservation of Colonial Williamsburg’s cultural assets by, in consultation with specialist curators and conservators, performing examination, treatment, and documentation of collections artifacts, under the supervision of conservation staff. This fellowship is for a 12 month term.

Requirements

• Scientific knowledge sufficient to undertake in-depth examination and analysis of objects.
• A Master’s degree from a recognized conservation program, or equivalent apprenticeship/technical training with appropriate experience
• Knowledge of and experience working with archaeological materials.
• Experience in research, examination, conservation treatment and report writing.
• Familiarity with digital photography and Microsoft Office products.
• Highly developed dexterity to handle collections, use tools, and perform conservation treatments.
• Ability to make best use of time and resources: using facilities, materials, and equipment effectively and with reasonable and appropriate care.
• Ability to communicate effectively and follow instructions orally and in writing.
• Concentrated experience in at least one conservation specialty
• Working knowledge of acceptable practices for conservation and maintenance of objects.
• Familiarity with workplace safety practices.
• Experience with digital photography workflow.
• Ability to work independently and with a team. and the ability to plan and schedule time.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience in a conservation lab or studio, under direction of an experienced conservator.

Responsibilities

• Carries out examination and treatment of artifacts in the collection. Identifies conservation problems and implements solutions using established conservation guidelines; makes recommendations and explores resolution of difficult or unusual problems. Complies with the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics.
• Maintains documentation, including treatment proposals, treatment reports, and digital photography of objects treated.
• Prepares artifact housing, exhibition supports, and packs/moves objects as needed.
• Assists in routine operation and upkeep of the conservation lab by maintaining supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Offers outreach, including public tours.
• Assists with research and receives training in various treatment methodologies in media-specific labs. Works with preventive conservation and material analyst colleagues as appropriate.
• Assists in training and supervision of volunteers working in the lab.
• Prepare research project or paper as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees