Conservation Specialist for Paintings

The Conservator of Paintings is a key role in the preservation and protection of Colonial Williamsburg's cultural assets. As a senior member of the conservation team, you will be responsible for supervising the operation of the paintings conservation laboratory and overseeing the conservation treatments and career development of laboratory staff.

Primary functions include proposing and carrying out conservation treatments, researching and developing new approaches to conservation treatment, and ensuring that all work is carried out in accordance with exhibition objectives and research priorities.

You will work closely with curatorial, archive, and library staff to determine examination and treatment priorities based on object needs, exhibition schedules, and loan requirements.

Additionally, you will provide conservation training for other Foundation staff as needed and conduct and document conservation assessments of objects as requested.

The ideal candidate will have a graduate degree in conservation and at least seven years of experience in a recognized institution, with a demonstrable history of proposed, completed, and documented conservation treatments.

Key qualifications include excellent communication skills, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, and detailed knowledge of traditional decorative, fine, and folk arts.

Preferred qualifications include supervisory and administrative experience, membership in a professional conservation organization, and a history of publication pertinent to the area of specialization.

• Examines paintings and other painted media from the collections and prepares written treatment proposals, performs treatments, and prepares treatment reports complete with photo-documentation.
• Performs, requests, and/or interprets instrumental analysis as needed to facilitate understanding of technology of the object, its conservation history, and current condition.
• Works with curatorial, archive, and library staff to determine examination and treatment priorities based on object needs, exhibition schedules, and loan requirements.
• Provides conservation training for other Foundation staff as needed.
• Conducts and documents conservation assessments of objects as requested.
• Manages day-to-day operation of paintings lab including treatment time management, ordering supplies and materials, handling documentation and other paperwork, and maintaining lab space and equipment.
• Researches and develops new approaches to treatment as needed and appropriate.
• Supervises and instructs laboratory staff, interns, and volunteers as circumstances require.
• Works collaboratively with Museums, Preservation and Historic Resources division staff and, upon request, assists other conservators on assigned projects.
• Prepares and delivers public and professional lectures, demonstrations, and training sessions on conservation theory and techniques.
• Publishes new research as other responsibilities allow.