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RESEARCH & PRESERVATION SPECIALIST I

Conservator

Recruitment #21-005408-0001

Introduction

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) is the state agency dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of Maryland’s past. Through research, conservation, and education, the Maryland Historical Trust assists the people of Maryland in understanding their historical and cultural heritage. Part of the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP), the Maryland Historical Trust serves as Maryland’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

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 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 8 million artifacts. Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum (JPPM) connects people to the past through history and archaeology and supports the preservation of Maryland's cultural and natural resources. www.jefpat.org

GRADE

13

LOCATION OF POSITION

10515 Mackall Road, St. Leonard, MD 20685

Main Purpose of Job

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

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

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:  Applicant must have a degree in the conservation of objects from an accredited conservation degree program. 

Experience: Applicant must have three years of practical experience treating archaeological materials. This includes artifact documentation, performing analytical tests, preparing treatment proposals, interventive and passive treatments, packing or mounting artifacts for transport, storage or display, and preparing reports. 

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The Preferred Candidate should possess the following:

  • Experience with taking and processing photographs
  • Experience with Windows Office Suite (Word, Excel and Access) or other equivalent computer software
  • Prior training in health and safety and the use of lifting and moving equipment.
  • The ability to be able to lift 50 pounds, work on ladders or in crouching positions.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.  Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.  We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position.  It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service needs to be provided before hire. 

All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.  We will not consider information submitted after this date. 

The on-line application process is STRONGLY preferred.  If you are not able to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire (by the closing date) to:

Department of Budget and Management

Recruitment and Examination Division

301 W. Preston St., Suite 608

Baltimore, MD  21201

Attn:  For inquiries regarding this recruitment, please call 410 767-4850

Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the on-line or paper application.  As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-767-3623.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. 

Bilingual applicants are also encouraged to apply.

TTY  Users: call via Maryland Relay




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