Tag: Archaeological Conservator

Archaeological Conservator, Yorktown Collections

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4480153/The-Mariners-Museum-and-Park/Archaeological-Conservator-Yorktown-Collections

Description

The Yorktown Collections Archaeological Conservator position is a grant-funded, 3-year position.  The conservator will undertake the assessment, direct treatment, and preventive conservation care of select objects recovered in the 1930s and 1980s from shipwrecks associated with the Siege of Yorktown (September – October, 1781) at Yorktown, Virginia within the holding of The Mariners’ Museum and Park and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR). This position has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Rediscovering Our Revolutionary Tradition, which frames the scope of work performed. The Archaeological Conservator will work under the direct supervision of the Director of Conservation and Chief Conservator and the Senior Archaeological Conservator and will consult/work with other museum personnel and  VDHR staff as needed. 

The Mariners’ Museum and Park offers an excellent benefits package to include paid sick leave and vacation, generous health insurance contributions, and a 403b retirement match. This is a full-time, salary-exempt position with an annual salary of $60,000.

No phone calls, please – only applicants being considered for interviews will be contacted.

Duties:

  • Conduct examination, documentation, and artifacts treatment following established conservation procedures, methodologies, and ethics.  
  • Maintain detailed before, during, and after treatment records including both written and photographic documentation.
  • When necessary, based on the conservation needs of an artifact, develop new conservation techniques and procedures in consultation with the Director of Conservation and/or Senior Archaeological Conservator.
  • Construct storage support systems and housing for artifacts. 
  • Assist in the maintenance/operation of laboratory equipment and facility, and participate in the ordering of supplies and additional equipment as required.
  • Promote the importance of conservation in an outreach capacity whenever possible. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Working knowledge of up-to-date practices for conservation and maintenance of objects.
  • Working knowledge of the archaeological method and practices.
  • Familiarity with a wide variety of materials including metals and organics preferred. 
  • Continued professional development in the conservation field.
  • Familiarity with analytical equipment and methods, not limited to but including FT-IR, SEM, XRF, digital radiography, optical microscopy, chloride analysis, metals sample preparation, 3-D scanning/modeling.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.
  • Working knowledge of digital photography.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Familiarity with accepted practices for achieving and ensuring safety in the laboratory.
  • Consistent capacity for respectful and professional interpersonal relations.

Education and Experience: 

  • Bachelor’s degree with a major in an art, history, archaeology or a science-related field of study.
  • A Master’s degree in object or archaeological conservation(preferred) from a recognized graduate conservation program. 
  • A minimum of four years of post-graduate conservation experience is preferred.
  • Preference will be given to those with experience in archaeological conservation.  

Conditions of Employment:

  • Must be able to pass a background and motor vehicle record check prior to employment. 
  • Applicants must currently possess the capability to work in the United States 

(2-Posts) Texas A&M’s Anthropology Department is seeking a Research Assistants to support the Principal Investigator and conservation team in the stabilization and preservation of the Revolutionary War Gunboat Philadelphia

https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/TAMU_External/job/Washington-DC/Research-Assistant_R-096642

Here’s a Glimpse of the Job

Texas A&M’s Anthropology Department is seeking a Research Assistant to support the Principal Investigator and conservation team in the stabilization and preservation of the Revolutionary War Gunboat Philadelphia. This position is located in Washington, D.C. and is grant-funded expected to conclude at the end of March 2027. The Research Assistant will assist with conservation efforts, documentation, and related project activities aimed at protecting and maintaining this historically significant artifact while supporting research, educational, and public outreach objectives.

Opportunities to Contribute

  • Repairs and stabilizes wooden and iron artifacts to ensure their long-term preservation.
  • Documents conservation activities to industry standards and communicates project work and findings to visitors and the public.
  • Trains and supervises volunteer assistants while assisting the Principal Investigator with preparing and maintaining the worksite for visitors.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Physically able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.

A well-qualified candidate for this position will also possess:

  • Hold a Class C motor vehicle license and the willingness to drive/operate a Class-C motor vehicle to and from the work site or to pick up supplies.
  • Minimum of six months experience working with maritime archaeological artifacts comprised of wood, iron, and composite materials.
  • Experience working with archaeological ship structures or disassociated ship timbers.
  • A thorough understanding of degradation processes involved with artifacts recovered from a submerged environment.
  • Ability to documentation watercraft and component parts to industry standards.
  • DSLR artifact photography and UV reflective photography.
  • A strong understanding of 18th and 19th-century ship construction.
  • Familiarity with Rhino 7 (CAD) software.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to analyze and characterize object components that have been recovered from freshwater or seawater environments.
  • Basic understanding of the use of XRF, FTIR and other analytical methods.
  • A thorough understanding of ship construction methods from the historic period with emphasis on the second half of the 18th century.
  • Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
  • Strong writing skills.

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate’s education and experience.

Please note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.

What you need to do

Apply! Submit a cover letter, CV/Resume to assist us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume. 

Why Texas A&M University? 

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.   

Anthropology, in the College of Arts and Sciences, is the study of what it means to be human in the broadest sense, through an examination of culture and society (sociocultural and linguistic anthropology), the biology and evolution of humans and our closest relatives (biological anthropology) and the study of past human communities and material culture (archaeology).  Students develop an appreciation of the value of physical and cultural differences at the local, national, and global levels, and learn critical thinking skills that support them in their careers.  

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.  

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Conservation Science Fellow: The Mariners’ Museum and Park

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4035231

Description

We are seeking a full-time Conservation Science Fellow to conduct research focused on electron microscopy and column chromatography. This two-year, grant-funded position is supported by an IMLS Leadership Grant for Museums. The successful candidate will join our growing conservation research program, located in the state-of-the-art, 20,000-square-foot Batten Conservation Complex. For more details about the laboratory’s equipment, research, and publications, please visit the link below.

The Mariners’ Museum and Park – Conservation Science Research

Project Details: 

The primary focus of this fellowship is to contribute to fundamental research and help improve the treatment of waterlogged organic artifacts such as those recovered from wooden shipwrecks. During burial, historical ships spend centuries submerged in a marine environment often surrounded by sulfur-reducing bacteria. Over time, these organisms produce hydrogen sulfide which reacts with the organic materials onsite, forming compounds which can severely damage wooden artifacts after they are dried. Therefore, extracting sulfur compounds from wood prior to drying is critical to help mitigate the potential for long-term debilitating issues. Through previous research funding from a National Center for Preservation Technology and Training grant in 2023, initial background research and preliminary sulfur extraction tests via chromatography on cellulose coupons were conducted with promising results.

To build off and expand this foundational work, this fellowship is centered on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and column chromatography of sulfur containing compounds in organic matrices. The fellow will work with the Assistant Research Scientist under the direct supervision of the Research Scientist and Senior Archaeological Conservator who are overseen by the Director of Conservation and Chief Conservator.

Application:

In addition to a cover letter and CV, candidates must include at least one reference letter from a scientist familiar with your work experience.

The intended start date for this fellowship is on or before June 1, 2026

This is a full-time, salary-exempt position with a salary of $55,000; applicants must be able to work in the United States.  No phone calls, please – only applicants being considered for interviews will be contacted. 

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Designing experiments, evaluating results as well as writing reports and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Experience with microscopy, specifically Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy.
  • Experience with chromatography and other separation techniques.
  • Familiarity with analytical equipment and methodology specific to conservation science.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Organizational skills necessary for planning/organizing professional seminars, lectures, workshops, and publications.
  • Experience in public outreach is preferred.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Familiarity with accepted practices for achieving and ensuring safety in the laboratory.
  • Consistent capacity for respectful and professional interpersonal relations.

Education and Experience: 

  • The scientist eligible for this position is a postgraduate (Master’s degree) or postdoctoral (PhD) with at least two years of research laboratory experience, ideally in materials science, organic chemistry, sulfur chemistry, analytical chemistry, or related fields required. 
  • Cultural heritage related experience is preferred, but not required.  

Conditions of Employment:

  • Must be able to pass a background check and drug screen prior to employment. 

Salary Description

$55,000 / year

Conservation Lab Manager

https://workforindiana.in.gov/job/Indianapolis-Conservation-Lab-Manager-IN-46204/1364389200/

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you’ll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites (ISMHS):
The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites (ISMHS) is a statewide museum system with 12 locations, including a central museum based in Indianapolis.  Our mission is to ignite wonder, inspire curiosity, reveal stories and create connections.  Our values are Integrity, Stewardship, Interconnectivity, and Transparency.

Role Overview:

The Conservation Lab Manager is responsible for the preventive care and physical preservation of the ISMHS collection, working in partnership with the Director of Collections to maintain optimal storage and exhibition environments.  You will oversee the daily operations of the conservation lab and serve as an active member of a collaborative team dedicated to comprehensive collections care.  Core responsibilities include preventive conservation, exhibit preparation, storage management, inventory, cataloging, and documentation for both cultural and natural history materials.

The position requires adaptability and a willingness to develop skills in conservation techniques, mount making, and data entry to support effective stewardship of the collection. Strong communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively with colleagues and cross‑functional project teams are essential.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $56,650 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

  • Coordinate and manage preservation of ISMHS collections.
  • Oversee daily operations of the conservation lab, including workplans, resource use and safety standards.
  • Supervise the Conservation Coordinator and Conservation Specialist, as well as interns and volunteers. This includes setting goals, directing workflow, developing strategies and maintaining communication between conservation staff and ISMHS colleagues.
  • Provide input on ways the conservation lab can further the strategic goals of making the ISMHS collection more visible and accessible and enhance ISMHS’ reputation in areas of expertise.
  • Facilitate the use of ISMHS collections objects for research and exhibition, including loans, by preparing artifacts for examination and handling.
  • Work on object preparation for exhibitions, including preventive conservation measures, mounting and installation.
  • Oversee the installation of collections objects in ISMHS core galleries and temporary exhibitions
  • Serve on internal teams for exhibitions and other institutional projects.
  • Assist natural science curators with data updates in the collections management system.
  • Carry out annual inventories for natural history specimens and cultural history artifacts across the museum system.
  • Assess the condition of artifacts in the collection and prepare condition reports to determine conservation needs.
  • Carry out preventive and basic conservation treatments as appropriate.
  • Monitor and assist with cleaning and maintenance of 92 County Icon sculptures; identify issues that require in-house or contract conservation and work with team to identify appropriate treatment plans.
  • Clean objects in storage and on exhibit; assist with cleaning at sites and routine cleaning at museum.
  • Prepare collections records and assist with photography sessions.
  • Facilitate contracts related to conservation and collections care.
  • Identify supplies needed for conservation lab operations and overall collections care and provide budget information to Director of Collections.
  • Communicate with staff, other museums and the general public to promote the preservation of artifacts and to promote the ethical responsibilities of museums.
  • Assist with grant proposals and other development activities as needed.

The job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may be changed or assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You’ll Need for Success:

Credentials:

  • Bachelor’s degree and advanced training in artifact handling.
  • At least three years of experience at the management level, preferably with supervisory experience.
  • Experience in the preparation of historic artifacts for storage and exhibition in a museum setting.

Additional qualifications:

  • Demonstrated skill working with delicate objects.
  • Strong interest in developing new skill sets.
  • Thorough knowledge of proper procedures related to conservation, including documentation and record keeping.
  • Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to collections conservation.
  • Knowledge of the rules, regulations and procedures related to collections conservation.
  • Working knowledge of computer databases and word processing systems; experience with collections management systems preferred.
  • Working knowledge of and ability to effectively implement supervisory and managerial principles and practices in the supervision of volunteers.
  • Ability to communicate orally and in writing with other staff, superiors and the general public
  • Valid Indiana driver’s license.
  • Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
    • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
    • 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access 

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSERVATOR

https://www.jobapscloud.com/MD/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1=24&R2=005408&R3=0001

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum (JPPM), an agency of the Maryland Historical Trust, within the Maryland Department of Planning, is recruiting for a full time, permanent Archaeological Conservator.   JPPM is located on 560 scenic acres along the Patuxent River in Calvert County, Maryland, and is the State Museum of Archaeology and a center for both regional and statewide archaeological research.  It is home to the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory (MAC Lab), which houses over 9 million artifacts.  www.jefpat.maryland.gov

The Conservator examines and documents objects, performs analytical tests, prepares treatment proposals, performs conservation treatments including mechanical and chemical treatment, package or mount artifacts for transport, storage or display, and submits full reports of all activities, thus fulfilling contractual obligations and providing revenue generation for the Conservation Program of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory.

 Position duties include, but are not limited to: 

  • Conservation Surveys: Carry out condition and conservation surveys for revenue generating projects to determine conservation priorities. 
  • Documentation and Photography: Record technical information into the conservation database for the purposes of producing Conservation Reports for clients. Take before and after treatment photographs as part of the Conservation Report submittal.    
  • Artifact Treatment: Carry out passive and interventive conservation treatments, including but not limited to mechanical cleaning, desalination, structural fills, environmental packaging and reconstruction. Ensure that all work is performed in compliance with the American Institute of Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
  • Technical Monitoring: Perform quantitative tests throughout chemically interventive treatments such as vacuum freeze drying, desalination and PEG impregnation.
  • X-radiography/Analytical Testing: X-ray artifacts in conjunction with conservation surveys or as needed to perform specific conservation treatments. Perform material characterization tests to assist archaeologists and curators in their research of artifacts or to identify materials to determine appropriate conservation treatments.
  • Personnel Interaction: Work with Head Conservator and clients to determine conservation needs and to develop appropriate conservation strategies. · Keep staff up to date regarding treatment progress and developments. Package or mount artifacts for transport, storage or display
  • General lab maintenance 
  •  Assist with JPPM sponsored events        

Archaeological Conservator

Archaeological Conservator, Florida Division of Historical Resources, Bureau of Archaeological Research. Closes 9/20/16

Assists the Historic Conservator with conserving marine and terrestrial archaeological objects.

Processes and documents archaeological objects.

Assists the Historic Conservator with facility and equipment maintenance. This duty includes procuring supplies, arranging for equipment inspections, and ensuring the laboratory workspace remains clean and neat.

Assists the Collections Manager and Historic Conservator with public outreach programs, including laboratory tours and other speaking engagements.

Assists the Historic Conservator with maintaining a safe lab environment, including safety inspections.

Assists the Historic Conservator with instructing and training conservation interns and volunteers.

Performs other related duties as requested.