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