Architectural Preservation and Research Assistant

About the role

The Architectural Preservation and Research Associate supports the Architectural Preservation and Research team at Colonial Williamsburg, a leading historic preservation institution. The position involves managing and assisting with various projects and initiatives across the Foundation's Historic Area.

Responsibilities

• Manage and assist with the on- and off-site management of Department of Architectural Preservation and Research projects and initiatives.
• Coordinate, document, and manage projects as assigned.
• Provide project updates and information for activity reports.
• Maintain ongoing, upcoming, and completed project lists as assigned.
• Manage the preservation paint program and update Historic Area paint records.
• Assist with condition assessments of original and reconstructed buildings and some modern facilities.
• Absorb information on buildings and their maintenance systems in support of condition assessments.
• Absorb documentation and coordination between the Department of Architectural Preservation and Research and other internal groups during building closings.
• Document and organize the architectural fragment collection, including database input, cataloging, photography, research, and written reports.
• Assist with architectural research and documentation projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Education and Experience

• Must have a four-year undergraduate degree in historic preservation, architectural history, or a closely related field.
• Must have a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months.
• May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months.
• May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience.
• Knowledge of 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century architectural styles and construction techniques.
• Proficiency with design and imaging software.
• Experience documenting historic structures.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques.
• Experience with the care and management of museum collections.

Key Skills / Competencies

• Knowledge of 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century architectural styles and construction techniques.
• Experience documenting historic structures.
• Investigative techniques.
• Archival materials, cataloguing, and conducting primary research.
• Proficiency with design and imaging software.
• Proficiency with hand- and computer-aided documentation.
• Experience with the care and management of museum collections.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong organization and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Work is performed in a combination of office and external environments.
• The position may require walking, standing, and occasional bending or light lifting.
• The role may involve exposure to materials, tools, and environmental conditions typical of historic structures and their restoration.