Clemson University is seeking a conservator to assist with the conservation of the American Civil War submarine H.L. Hunley (1864), its associated artifacts, as well as other specialized projects at the Center. The conservator will work in the conservation and maintenance of materials and collections managed by the Warren Lasch Conservation Center (WLCC), working closely with the conservation, archaeological and conservation science teams.
Warren Lasch Conservation Center:
The WLCC at the Clemson University Restoration Institute in North Charleston is a facility dedicated to advance knowledge and best practices in the analysis, conservation and restoration of materials of historical significance, focusing primarily on artifacts in, and recovered from maritime environments. Our expertise is based on years dedicated to the analysis, preservation and stabilization of the H.L Hunley submarine (1864) and its associated artifacts housed at the WLCC since 2000. We value an integrated approach where conservation practice, archaeology and materials science work together to solve preservation challenges. The facility also houses a state-of-the-art materials analysis and characterization laboratory. For the past 8 years, the WLCC has coordinated an extensive collaborative project with the National Park Service (NPS) designing and applying new treatment approaches to historic outdoor items at two major heritage sites in Charleston, SC.
Both our experience working on complex conservation projects, and our innovative and collaborative approach to conservation, have broadened our area of inquiry to include materials in historic preservation which are been shared with the worldwide scientific community. As a result of our recognized expertise, especially in metal conservation and our growing international reputation, the WLCC was selected to host the triennial meeting of the ICOM-CC Metal Working Group, METAL 2010, in Charleston, SC. It marked the first time the international conference was held in the United States.
- Requirements:
A Masters degree in the cultural heritage field is required; a Masters in conservation will be preferred with a minimum of 3 years specialized experience in materials conservation. Applicants must have a broad knowledge of conservation and stabilization techniques of marine archaeological objects and the skill to apply this knowledge to highly degraded and complex materials of all sizes. - The successful candidate should be able to elaborate, execute and supervise the Center’s conservation projects and ensure compliance with established laboratory procedures.
- This position requires general knowledge of organic and inorganic chemistry, a good understanding of materials science, and experience in the use of standard and more complex laboratory equipment. Exceptional manual dexterity and care in performing conservation treatments are required, as well as moderate-to-high physical ability to handle large artifacts and equipment.
Individuals seeking this position should have the required knowledge to carry out current data collection methods pertinent to conservation and archaeology and maintain a project database that inventories and registers the location and status of all artifacts, samples, and other technical information. - The successful applicant must be able to maintain a working relationship with individuals from academia, government agencies, and the private sector, and communicate effectively in both oral and written English. Additional requirements: Manual dexterity, Ability to carry out finite work for long periods of time, Ability stand for long periods of time, Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to wear respirators and other required PPE, Good overall physical health.
Job duties would include but are not limited to:
1- Conduct established conservation procedures including examination and treatment of artifacts of a variety of materials and contexts;
2- Identify conservation problems, implement solutions under established conservation guidelines, and make recommendations for resolving difficult or unusual problems in conservation of artifacts;
3- Collaborate with other staff on large scale artifact documentation and treatment activities;
4- Participate in the background research, technical studies, and experimental work to determine the appropriate surface preparation, coating, corrosion inhibition and passivation needed to treat outdoor metal objects and structures;
5- Maintain laboratory upkeep and assist in the ordering of supplies and equipment and maintenance and inventory of materials;
6- Organize, produce and maintain reports of treatments, updates on project status, and dissemination of conservation work.
Applications received by November 10th, 2016 will be given full consideration. To apply submit a cover letter, a CV and 3 academic/professional references to Dr Stéphanie Cretté at scrette@clemson.edu.
Or apply online at http://www.clemson.edu/employment/prospective/findjobs.html under external applicant staff job board.