​​Preventive Conservation Technician​

About the role

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that preserves and restores 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia's colonial capital. The position is located within the Foundation's Preventive Conservation Department.

Responsibilities

• Perform regular, routine cleaning of collections and surrounding areas according to CWF conservation standards.
• Maintain records of work performed via checklists at each site.
• Inspect the conditions of the collections and buildings in assigned areas.
• Monitor environmental conditions (relative humidity, temperature, light levels) in storage and display areas.
• Set up and maintain sensors and recording instruments and compile permanent data records.
• Document conditions according to conservation department protocols.
• Carry out collections care and preventive conservation projects, meeting deadlines and quality standards as established by MPHR.
• Afford administrative tasks such as ordering supplies and maintaining supply inventory.
• Use tools, chemicals, and equipment according to safety, conservation, and manufacturer guidelines.
• Maintain orderly shared work and storage areas.
• Maintain equipment backpacks and carts.
• Follow all safety and security procedures.
• Maintain familiarity of current SDS and other records as required.
• Participate in annual training as required.
• In the absence of the Supervisor, Preventive Conservation, provide guidance to other team members as needed.
• Assist with exhibition installation and preventive maintenance closings.
• Attend training for collection handling and moving.
• Assist with conservation treatment and documentation, object numbering, lab maintenance, and repair of reproductions.
• Fabricate storage systems, exhibition supports, and pack/move objects as needed.
• Ensure preventive conservation is addressed while monitoring contractors, special programs, events, receptions, filming, and other activities that involve Colonial Williamsburg’s assets.
• Maintain open, two-way communication between the Conservation Department and other departments whose activities may impact the collection.
• Participate in emergency preparation and recovery activities.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED.
• Three or more years of experience in handling, cleaning and/or caring for museum collections.
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's criteria.
• At least 21 years of age.
• No more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months.
• No more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months.
• No serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Key Skills / Competencies

• Ability to use hand tools and power equipment necessary for collections care in a museum setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including offering and following instructions.
• Ability to use a computer and to learn essential software use for email, report writing, data and image collection, scheduling and other communication.
• Ability to work independently and member and/or leader of a team.
• Ability to make best use of time and limited resources, using facilities, materials, equipment, and supplies efficiently, effectively and with reasonable and appropriate care.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned, up to an eight hour shift.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Stand: Constantly
• Walk: Constantly
• Sit: Frequently
• Use hands/fingers: Frequently
• Climb or balance: Frequently
• Stoop/kneel/crawl: Frequently
• Reach with hands/arms: Constantly
• Talk or hear: Constantly
• Lifting up to 10 lbs: Constantly
• Lifting up to 25 lbs: Constantly
• Lifting up to 50 lbs (with assistance): Occasionally
• Lifting up to 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
• More than 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
• Work near moving mechanical parts: Occasionally
• Fumes/airborne particles: Frequently
• Extreme cold: Rarely
• Extreme heat: Rarely

Typical Work Schedule

40 hours a week, full time. 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM Monday-Friday, working one weekend a month. Some late events throughout the year.

Compensation Disclaimer

The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.