Assistant Conservator of Paper; Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Name of Organization – Colonial Williamsburg

Job Title – Assistant Conservator of Paper

Summary – The Assistant Conservator of Paper is responsible for enhancing the protection and preservation of Colonial Williamsburg’s cultural assets by, in consultation with the specialist curators and Associate Conservator, Paper, examining paper objects from the Colonial Williamsburg 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 research and exhibition objectives.

Responsibilities –

• Performs treatments on the Foundation’s various paper collection objects using recognized conservation techniques in compliance with the Code of Ethics of the American Institute for Conservation and in consultation with curatorial staff. Examines objects, 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 paper objects as needed.
• Conducts conservation assessments of the Foundation’s various paper collections.
• Establishes and documents preservation state and condition of paper objects as requested; including those being considered for accession, deaccession, exhibition and loan.
• Assists in management of day-to-day operation of paper lab including ordering supplies and materials, handling paperwork, inputting treatment information in the collections database, and maintaining lab space and equipment.
• Assists in the supervision and training of technicians, interns, and volunteers in the paper lab.
• Maintains awareness of state-of-the-art techniques in the conservation field.
• Carries out research and related analysis to support treatment projects, test new materials, applications, or methodologies as other responsibilities allow.
• Fabricates storage systems, exhibition supports, and packs/moves objects as needed.
• Prepares and delivers public and professional lectures and demonstrations on conservation theory and techniques. Publishes new research in book or article form as other responsibilities allow. Contributes to and/or leads public tours. Contributes to social media efforts.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required and Preferred Education and Experience

Required:

• Graduate degree in conservation plus two years conservation experience in recognized institutions — or the equivalent technical education and experience.
• Demonstrable history of proposed, completed, and documented treatments.

Preferred:

• Supervisory and administrative experience.
• Familiarity with workplace safety practices.
• Membership in a professional conservation organization.

Qualifications:

• Detailed knowledge of traditional decorative, fine, and folk art as well as library special collection and corporate archive materials and techniques with a focus on paper artifacts.
• Highly developed hand skills.
• Detailed knowledge of conservation materials and experience in applying state-of-the-art conservation methodologies.
• Knowledge of the environment and environmental/materials interactions.
• Scientific knowledge sufficient for undertaking in-depth examination and analysis of objects, performing treatments and following necessary literature and reports.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to follow instructions orally and in writing.
• Shares workspace respectfully with others, can work independently and with a team. Able to plan and schedule time.