Artifact Conservator

https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TALLAHASSEE-DOS-LABORATORY-TECHNICIAN-IV-45000298-FL-32301/1271420200/

Requisition No: 848514 

Agency: Department of State

Working Title: DOS – LABORATORY TECHNICIAN IV – 45000298

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 45000298 

Salary:  $37,420.00 annually 

Posting Closing Date: 04/10/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Department of State

Laboratory Technician IV

Division of Historical Resources

Bureau of Archaeological Research

Open Competitive

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Six (6) years of direct work experience in Anthropolgy, Musuem Studies, History or closely related field; OR a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropoloy, Museums Studies, History or closely related field and two (2) years experience working in a conservation laboratory; OR a Master’s degree in Anthropology, Museum Studies, History or closely related field. 
  • Knowledge of conservation techniques required for the treatment of archaeological objects
  • Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures

Preferences:

  • Knowledge of the archaeology of Florida or the Southeast region of the United States
  • Experience using collections management systems
  • Experience engaging with the public in a museum/collection setting

Special Note:

Responses to qualifying questions must be clearly supported in your employment history.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Bureau of Archaeological Research is responsible for the stewardship of archaeological resources on state-owned and managed lands and sovereignty submerged waters in Florida. The Collections and Conservation Section maintains the state’s archaeological collections, which consists of millions of objects representing over 14,000 years of Florida’s history. A successful applicant will assist with the conservation of an average of twenty-one objects a month, ranging from historic period ceramics, wooden canoes to large metal anchors. Responsibilities include:

  • Conserving marine and terrestrial archaeological objects, including metal, ceramic, and organic artifacts
  • Processing, organizing, and documenting archaeological objects, ensuring accurate record-keeping and database management within the Collections Management System
  • Collaborating with the conservation team to monitor facility and equipment maintenance, including procuring supplies, scheduling equipment inspections, and maintaining a clean and organized laboratory workspace
  • Participating in public outreach initiatives to promote the Collections and Conservation Section, including conducting laboratory tours and representing the Bureau at external events
  • Instructing and training conservation interns and volunteers with the Historic Conservator
  • Other duties as required

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Basic archaeological conservation knowledge of marine and terrestrial objects, including documentation and photography
  • Knowledge of conservation materials, chemicals, safety procedures, and best practices
  • Ability to travel and work outdoors when required
  • Strong computer literacy focused on the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 2016 or later, and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds and climb ladders

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS: A Level 2 criminal background check is a condition of employment.  If selected for this position, you must provide your fingerprints.  We will send your fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a criminal background check.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

We are committed to enhancing our workforce through the employment of Veterans, individuals with disabilities and seek qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds, abilities, skills, and talents to join our workforce.

Male applicants born on or after January 1, 1960, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: https://www.sss.gov

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. 

ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSERVATOR

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