Preventive Conservation Technician

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation•Williamsburg, VA

5d•$16 - $23

About The Position

The Preventive Conservation Technician carries out day-to-day efforts to protect and preserve Colonial Williamsburg’s cultural assets by implementing preventive conservation procedures. The role is responsible for collections care, cleanliness, and monitoring in assigned areas. The technician performs routine cleaning and condition inspections; monitors environmental conditions in storage and display areas; maintains sensors, recording instruments, and permanent data records; and documents work and conditions according to established protocols. The position also supports conservation projects, exhibitions, object handling and movement, storage and exhibition-support fabrication, conservation treatment documentation, lab maintenance, and reproduction repairs. Additional duties include ordering and tracking supplies, maintaining tools and equipment, following safety and security procedures, communicating with other departments, monitoring activities that may affect collections, and participating in training and emergency preparation and recovery. The schedule is 40 hours per week, generally 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with one weekend per month and some late events during the year. The role may require approved overtime during peak periods.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Three or more years of experience handling, cleaning, and/or caring for museum collections.
Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and an acceptable driving record under Colonial Williamsburg Foundation criteria.
Provide a five-year Motor Vehicle Record before employment.
Be at least 21 years of age.
Have no more than one moving violation or at-fault accident within 12 months.
Have no more than two moving violations or at-fault accidents within 36 months.
Have no serious motor vehicle violations, including excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, or a suspended or revoked license.
Ability to use hand tools and power equipment necessary for collections care in a museum setting.
Ability to communicate effectively, including offering and following instructions.
Ability to use a computer and learn software for email, report writing, data and image collection, scheduling, and other communication.
Ability to work independently and as a team member and/or leader.
Ability to use time and limited resources effectively and care appropriately for facilities, materials, equipment, and supplies.
Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned, for shifts of up to eight hours.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

Responsibilities

Perform routine cleaning of collections and surrounding areas according to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation conservation standards.
Maintain checklists and records of work performed at each site.
Inspect the condition of collections and buildings in assigned areas.
Monitor relative humidity, temperature, and light levels in storage and display areas.
Set up and maintain sensors and recording instruments, and compile permanent data records.
Document conditions according to conservation department protocols.
Carry out collections-care and preventive-conservation projects while meeting established deadlines and quality standards.
Assist with administrative tasks, including ordering supplies and maintaining supply inventory.
Use tools, chemicals, and equipment according to safety, conservation, and manufacturer guidelines.
Maintain orderly shared work and storage areas, equipment backpacks, and carts.
Follow safety and security procedures and maintain familiarity with current safety data sheets and other required records.
Participate in required annual training.
Provide guidance to other team members as needed in the absence of the Supervisor, Preventive Conservation.
Assist with exhibition installation and preventive-maintenance closings.
Attend training in collection handling and moving.
Assist with conservation treatment and documentation, object numbering, lab maintenance, and repair of reproductions.
Fabricate storage systems and exhibition supports, and pack and move objects as needed.
Ensure preventive conservation is addressed while monitoring contractors, special programs, events, receptions, filming, and other activities involving Colonial Williamsburg assets.
Maintain two-way communication between the Conservation Department and other departments whose activities may affect collections.
Participate in emergency preparation and recovery activities.
Maintain awareness of current techniques in preventive conservation.
Perform other duties as required.