Conservation Technician

The Conservation Technician is a professional position working under the direction of Biltmore's conservators as part of a team of museum professionals to ensure the long-term preservation of objects in Biltmore's collections.  The Conservation Technician will assist Biltmore’s  Conservator(s) in a wide variety of duties with an emphasis on preparing collection objects for permanent storage.  Other duties include documentation, preventive care, maintenance and conservation consulting on all the collections, and collections research where appropriate. In addition, the incumbent will provide general assistance and support for leadership, the department, and company as required.

Please note that a resume and cover letter are required to be considered for this position.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Assist in the preparation of objects in Biltmore’s collection for move to a new storage facility including cleaning, documentation, photography, re-housing, packing, etc.
2. Assist in the maintenance and care of collections on display and in storage. 
3. Assist with response to collection incidents. 
4. Assist with the examination, assessment, documentation and conservation treatment of collection objects and other historic materials in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation’s technical and ethical standards and guidelines including written and photographic documentation. 
5. Assist with research, technical studies, documentation, and creative problem solving as related to the treatment of collections. 
6.  Complete all work with attention to safety and use appropriate PPE in compliance with OSHA regulations.
 

Independent Decision Making:

1. The Conservation Technician will have autonomy to make basic decisions after consultation/training from staff conservators for objects in need of conservation assessment and repair.
2. This position manages their work priorities based on project work, urgency, and work quantity. It is expected that work flow needs will change frequently, so time management and adaptability are vital to successful completion of the position. This position will receive guidance on priorities from direct supervising Conservator, but management of individual tasks is expected to be conducted independently.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s Degree required. Additional education, training, and/or certification(s) are strongly preferred. Ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (fine art, art conservation, art history, etc.). 
2. At least two (2) years of related experience required. Equivalent combination of education/experience will be considered. Prior experience in a conservation lab or museum setting is preferred. 
3. Experience in preparing a large and varied collection of objects for permanent storage or a move is strongly preferred.
4. Familiarity with concepts, principles and methodologies associated with the conservation of historic materials and objects, and skilled in applying concepts, principles, and methodologies to examine, analyze, study, evaluate, treat, and preserve objects is preferred. 
5. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are a must; able to convey information clearly and concisely in both written and spoken form.
6. Proficiency in MS Word, Outlook preferred; ability to quickly learn Biltmore’s systems, protocols and processes required; knowledge of photographic and/or other object documentation technology is preferred. 
7. Strong planning, time management, and organizational skills; ability to prioritize work, and adapt as needed. 
8. Keen attention to details with focus on quality and service; creatively problem solves. 
9. Proactive, exercises good judgment; comfortable working independently within a strong team setting. 
 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Attention to detail, and demonstrated manual dexterity and excellent judgment in applying conservation treatment techniques. Visual acuity, depth and color perception is necessary.
2. Efficiency, and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
3. Ability to work in both a office setting and in the field, standing/walking and/or sitting for extended periods of time as needed is required.
4. Ability to climb ladders and scaffolding is required.
5. May be exposed to fumes, dust, dirt, pollen, chemicals, and/or other particulates; position requires the ability to wear personal protection equipment, including goggles, gloves, masks and a respirator as necessary.
6. The incumbent will need to travel between locations on the estate and will be required to have or be able to obtain a valid North Carolina driver’s license.