*HISTORIC ST. MARY’S CITY COMMISSION*

*St. Mary’s City, MD USA*



Historic St. Mary’s City is seeking a Conservator to care for its
collection of approximately six million archaeological artifacts.  Applications
are being accepted now.  Review of applications will begin August 15th.  Salary
range is US$55,000-$62,000.



Please send a cover letter and resume with the names and contact
information for three professional references to:



Porzia Purves:

[log in to unmask]

(240) 895-4960



*Organization Description:*

Historic St. Mary's City (HSMC) is a museum of living history and
archaeology located on the site of Maryland’s first capital
(1634-1695).  Decades
of research are the foundation of outdoor exhibits constructed in a
beautiful tidewater landscape.  Recreated structures in the historic town
center, a Woodland Indian hamlet, a tall ship, and a tobacco plantation
staffed by costumed or uniformed interpreters help visitors understand the
stories of Maryland’s founding. Reconstruction of the Brick Chapel of 1667
stands a symbol of the religious freedom established by the Lords Baltimore
in the seventeenth century.



HSMC is one of Southern Maryland’s leading tourism attractions and hosts an
active school tour program.  The museum’s collections are a resource for
professional archaeologists, scholars, and college students.  The HSMC
colonial archaeology field school, the longest running field school in the
nation, attracts students from all over the United States as well as from
other countries. The museum is an independent agency of the State of
Maryland, within the Office of the Governor.



*Job Summary:*

Reporting to the Director of Research and Collections, the Conservator will
undertake the direct treatment and preventive conservation care of objects
in consultation with the Curator of Collections. This individual will work
closely with other museum personnel to conserve the museum’s archaeological
artifacts and archives to prepare them for exhibition and/or long-term
storage.



Essential Functions:

The Conservator accomplishes examination, preventive maintenance, and
treatment of the Museum collections

•        Conducts examination, documentation, analysis, and artifact
treatment within the collection following established conservation
procedures, methodologies, and professional ethics.

•        When necessary, based on the conservation needs of an artifact,
develop new conservation techniques and procedures in consultation with the
Curator of Collections and Director of Research and Collections.

•        Maintains detailed before, during, and after treatment records
including both written and photographic documentation.  All photography and
imagery will be kept in digital format according to professional  procedures
and standards.

•        Promotes the importance of conservation within the museum and in
an outreach capacity whenever possible.

•        Responsible for completing associated documentation, analysis, and
research as well as working with curatorial and collections staff on
handling, storage, exhibition, and loan of the collections.

•        Contributes to outreach efforts and also mentors and supervises
interns and volunteers.

•        Performs examination of non-archaeological museum objects as
required and prepares documentation, including written and photographic
reports.

•        Performs preventive conservation and maintenance in coordination
with the Curator of Collections, including Integrated Pest Management,
environmental monitoring, and emergency planning for collection galleries,
exhibitions on the property of HSMC, and storage areas.

•        Performs technical study and analysis of materials and methods of
manufacture, including imaging and analytical techniques related to
research by the collections and archaeological staff.

•        Collaborates with Curator of Collections on organization and
maintenance of storage and objects on display including routine cleaning
procedures for objects out of display cases.

•        Plans exhibition mounting with Exhibition Design as needed.

•        Ensures maintenance of lab equipment and supplies.

•        Establishes lab procedures following professional standards

•        Conducts objects handling training with staff, students,
volunteers, etc.

•        Pursues professional development and maintains participation in
professional organizations.

•        Participates in relevant museum meetings.

•        Adheres to professional standards for ethical practice in
accordance with the American Institute for Conservation.

•        Identifies and suggests methods to improve standards related to
department or museum practices or procedures.

•        Performs related duties as required.



*Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities:*

The incumbent should possess

•     Working knowledge of acceptable practices for conservation and
maintenance of objects.

•        Working knowledge of archaeological methods and practices.

•        Continuing professional development in the conservation field.

•        Working knowledge of analytical equipment and methods, including
but not limited to FT-IR, SEM, XRF, digital radiography, optical
microscopy, chloride analysis, metals sample preparation, and film/digital
photography.

•        Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.

•        Development of educational materials/activities for public
outreach.

•        Familiarity with accepted practices for achieving and insuring
safety in the laboratory.

•        Familiarity with a wide variety of materials including metals and
organics as well as knowledge of archaeological conservation methods
pertaining to excavated finds.

•        Ability to work productively with senior staff who have highly
specialized knowledge of their areas of responsibility; a team builder.



*Education and Professional Experience:*

•        A master’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited
conservation training program in the United States or abroad.  A
Conservation degree with specialization in objects, particularly
archaeological and ethnographic materials, or related field is preferable,
and four years of experience beyond internship level.



•        The candidate must be a good standing member of the American
Institute for Conservation, and be able to demonstrate the required
professional experience required for this position.  The candidate must be
able to show that they are working toward or have gained their professional
associate status with the AIC in the next few years.



•        Demonstrated knowledge of established and emerging methods for
treatment, preventive care, and analysis of museum objects.



*Compensation:*

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, and
competitive with comparable positions at other regional non-profit
organizations of comparable size.  The museum offers a generous benefits
package as well the opportunity to inspire and enlighten visitors and staff.



Historic St. Mary’s City is an equal opportunity employer and encourages
applications from all qualified candidates, including minority candidates.


-- 
____________________________________________

Travis G. Parno, Ph.D., RPA
Chief Archaeologist
Historic St. Mary's City
P.O. Box 39
St. Mary's City, Maryland 20686
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(240) 895-4975

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