Paintings Conservator

The Colonial Williamsburg Company is seeking a highly skilled Paintings Conservator to join our team. As a key member of our Museums, Preservation and Historic Resources division, you will be responsible for enhancing the protection and preservation of our cultural assets by supervising the operation of the paintings conservation laboratory.

1. Propose and carry out conservation treatments for paintings and other painted media from our collections, in consultation with curatorial staff.
2. Conduct condition assessments and treatments in accordance with exhibition objectives and research priorities.
3. Oversee the conservation treatments and career development of laboratory staff, conservation technicians, interns, and volunteers.
4. Provide conservation training for other Foundation staff as needed.
5. Conduct and document conservation assessments of objects as requested, including paintings being considered for accession and deaccession.
6. Manage the day-to-day operation of the paintings lab, including treatment time management, ordering supplies and materials, and maintaining lab space and equipment.
7. Research and develop new approaches to treatment as needed and appropriate.
8. Supervise and instruct laboratory staff, interns, and volunteers as circumstances require.
9. Collaborate with Museums, Preservation and Historic Resources division staff and assist other conservators on assigned projects.
10. Prepare and deliver public and professional lectures, demonstrations, and training sessions on conservation theory and techniques.

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

1. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including professional presentations.
2. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
3. Detailed knowledge of traditional decorative, fine, and folk arts.
4. Ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
5. Detailed knowledge of conservation materials and experience in applying state-of-the-art conservation methodologies.
6. Highly developed hand skills.
7. Scientific knowledge to enable undertaking in-depth examination and analysis of objects, performing treatments, and producing and following necessary literature and reports.