Colonial Williamsburg Foundation · 1 day ago
Assistant Conservator of Paper
Williamsburg, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expColonial Williamsburg Foundation is a prominent educational and cultural institution dedicated to preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg. The Assistant Conservator of Paper is responsible for the protection and preservation of the Foundation's paper collection, conducting treatments, assessments, and collaborating with curatorial staff.
Museums and Historical SitesNon ProfitTour Operator
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
Qualification
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
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
Must reside in or be ready to relocate to Virginia
Preferred
Supervisory and administrative experience
Familiarity with workplace safety practices
Membership in a professional conservation organization
Company
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is an outdoor museum that offers historical and archeological experiences as well as guided tours.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Cliff Fleet
President and CEO
Sani Silvennoinen
Chief Development Officer/Senior Vice President for Development
Recent News
2025-06-21
2025-03-29
Company data provided by crunchbase