The Conservator/Scientist will assist with the conservation of the submarine H.L. Hunley (1864), its associated artifacts, as well as other specialized projects. The conservator will work in the conservation and maintenance of materials and collections managed by the WLCC, working closely with the conservation, archaeological and scientific teams of the WLCC.
Position Description Archaeological/Marine Conservator
Warren Lasch Conservation Center – Clemson University
Charleston, South Carolina
JOB SUMMARY:
The Conservator will assist with the conservation of the submarine H.L. Hunley (1864), its associated artifacts, as well as other specialized projects. The conservator will work in the conservation and maintenance of materials and collections managed by the WLCC, working closely with the conservation, archaeological and scientific teams of the WLCC.
JOB DUTIES:
Conduct established conservation procedures including examination and treatment of artifacts;
Identify conservation problems, implement solutions under established conservation guidelines, and make recommendations for resolving difficult or unusual problems in conservation of artifacts;
Collaborate with other staff on large scale artifact documentation, treatment, storage and display development activities;
Maintain laboratory upkeep and assist in the ordering of supplies and equipment and maintenance and inventory of materials;
Organize, produce and maintain reports of treatments, updates on project status, and dissemination of conservation work.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A Master’s degree in the cultural heritage field is required.
Applicants must have a broad knowledge of conservation and stabilization techniques of marine archaeological objects and the skill to apply this knowledge to highly degraded and complex materials of all sizes. This position requires general knowledge of organic and inorganic chemistry, a good understanding of materials science, and experience in the use of standard and more complex laboratory equipment.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
A Masters in conservation will be preferred with a minimum of 3 years specialized experience in materials conservation.
JOB KNOWLEDGE
Firm Job Knowledge – Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to use in varied situations
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Supervisory Duties – Not responsible for supervising employees.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Budget Responsibilities – No fiscal responsibility for the department’s budget.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Exceptional manual dexterity and care in performing conservation treatments are required, as well as moderate-to-high physical ability to handle large artifacts and equipment.
Physical Requirements detail: Manual dexterity; Ability to carry out finite work for long periods of time; Ability stand for long periods of time; Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; Ability to wear respirators and other required PPE; Stand for prolonged period; Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period; Walk or move about; Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc.; Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder); Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl); Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself; Recognize or inspect visually; Move, transport, raise or lower; Extends hands or arms in any direction; Perceive, observe, clarity of vision.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Exposure to dust/fumes; Wet or humid; Noise; Vibration; Mechanical hazards; Chemical hazards; Electrical hazards; Overnight Travel.
WORK SCHEDULE:
Standard Hrs: 37.5; Band: 00; Competitive salary commensurate with experience and market values.
DEPARTMENT MARKETING STATEMENT
Clemson University is seeking a conservator to assist with the conservation of the American Civil War submarine H.L. Hunley (1864) and its associated artifacts. The conservator will work in the conservation and maintenance of materials and collections managed by the Warren Lasch Conservation Center (WLCC), working closely with the conservation, archaeology and conservation science teams.
Warren Lasch Conservation Center:
The WLCC at the Clemson University Restoration Institute in North Charleston is a facility dedicated to advance knowledge and best practices in the analysis, conservation and restoration of materials of historical significance, focusing primarily on artifacts in, and recovered from maritime environments. Our expertise is based on years dedicated to the analysis, preservation and stabilization of the H.L Hunley submarine (1864) and its associated artifacts housed at the WLCC since 2000. We value an integrated approach where conservation practice, archaeology and materials science work together to solve preservation challenges. The facility also houses a state-of-the-art materials analysis and characterization laboratory. For the past 9 years, the WLCC has coordinated an extensive collaborative project with the National Park Service (NPS) designing and applying new treatment approaches to historic outdoor items at two major heritage sites in Charleston, SC.
Both our experience working on complex conservation projects, and our innovative and collaborative approach to conservation, have broadened our area of inquiry to include materials in historic preservation which are been shared with the worldwide scientific community. As a result of our recognized expertise, especially in metal conservation and our growing international reputation, the WLCC was selected to host the triennial meeting of the ICOM-CC Metal Working Group, METAL 2010, in Charleston, SC. It marked the first time the international conference was held in the United States.
JOB LOCATION:
Warren Lasch Conservation Center at Clemson University
North Charleston, South Carolina
https://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/conservation/
BENEFITS INFORMATION:
Employees who are in time limited positions will earn one and one-quarter days of Annual and Sick Leave per month for a total of thirty (30) days per year. Eligible part-timers will earn days on a pro rata basis.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
The successful candidate should be able to elaborate, execute and supervise the Center’s conservation projects and ensure compliance with established laboratory procedures.
Individuals seeking this position should have the required knowledge to carry out current data collection methods pertinent to conservation and archaeology and maintain a project database that inventories and registers the location and status of all artifacts, samples, and other technical information.
The successful applicant must be able to maintain a working relationship with individuals from academia, government agencies, and the private sector, and communicate effectively in both oral and written English.
International candidates are welcome to apply. Appropriate visa assistance will be provided.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
November 10, 2017
Please direct any questions to Dr. Stéphanie Cretté at scrette@clemson.edu
Apply online at:https://cujobs.clemson.edu/psc/ps/JOBS/EXT/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1
CLOSING STATEMENT:
Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information. Clemson University is building a culturally diverse faculty and staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and encourages applications from minorities and women.