Assistant Conservator of Textiles; Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

The Assistant Conservator of Textiles is responsible for enhancing the protection and preservation of Colonial Williamsburg’s cultural assets by, in consultation with the specialist curator and Conservator of Textiles, examining textiles from the Foundation’s collection; designing and proposing treatment protocols, and carrying out conservation treatments. The Assistant Conservator carries out condition assessments and treatments in accordance with exhibition objectives.

Essential Functions:

1. Performs treatments on the Foundation’s collection using recognized conservation techniques in compliance with the Code of Ethics of the American Institute for Conservation and in consultation with curatorial staff. Examines textiles, prepares written treatment proposals, performs treatments, and prepares treatment reports complete with photo-documentation. Confers with supervisor, conservation staff, and curators on complex projects. Collaborates with other conservators to treat or advise on care of composite objects.

2. Conducts conservation assessments of the Foundation’s costume and textile collection. Works to prepare streamlined reports for treatment prioritization.

3. Establishes and documents preservation state and condition of textiles as requested; including those being considered for accession, deaccession, exhibition, and loan.

4. Assists in management of day-to-day operation of textile conservation lab including ordering supplies and materials, handling paperwork, and maintaining lab space and equipment.

5. Assists in the supervision and training of technicians, interns, and volunteers in the textile lab.

6. Maintains awareness of state-of-the-art techniques in the conservation field.

7. Carries out research and related analysis to support treatment projects, test new materials, applications, or methodologies as other responsibilities allow.

8. Fabricates object housing, exhibition supports including mannequins, and packs/moves textiles as needed.

9. Prepares and delivers public and professional lectures and demonstrations on conservation theory and techniques.

10. Publishes new research in book or article form as other responsibilities allow.

11. Performs other related duties as required.

Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter.

Required Experience and Education:

Graduate level study in conservation plus two years conservation experience in recognized institutions — or the equivalent technical education and experience.

Qualifications:

1. Detailed knowledge of textile media and technologies.

2. Knowledge of the environment and environmental/materials interactions.

3. Detailed knowledge of conservation materials and experience in applying state-of-the-art conservation methodologies.

4. Highly developed hand skills.

5. Scientific knowledge sufficient for undertaking in-depth examination and analysis of objects, performing treatments and following necessary literature and reports.

6. Demonstrable history of proposed, completed, and documented treatments

7. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

8. Shares workspace respectfully with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Supervisory and administrative experience.

2. Membership in a professional conservation organization