Architectural Preservation and Research Assistant

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic preservation institution in Virginia is seeking an Architectural Preservation and Research Associate to support its efforts in managing and documenting historical structures. Key responsibilities include coordinating preservation projects, conducting building assessments, and managing architectural collections. Candidates should have a relevant four-year degree and experience in historic preservation. Exceptional communication and organizational skills are essential for collaboration with a dedicated team. This role involves both office and external work environments.

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• 2+ years of professional experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and assist with preservation projects.
• Coordinate and manage project documentation.
• Assist with condition assessments of buildings.
• Manage preservation paint program.
• Document architectural fragment collection.

Skills

Knowledge of architectural styles

Documentation of historic structures

Investigation techniques

Proficiency with design and imaging software

Excellent communication skills

Strong organization skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Four-year undergraduate degree in historic preservation or architectural history

Tools

Documentation software

Job description

Overview

Who We Are
Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is a 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About The Position

The Architectural Preservation and Research Associate will support the Architectural Preservation and Research team by managing and assisting with: project documentation and reporting; management of work on properties throughout the Historic Area; building inspections; documentation of and research on accessioned objects in the architectural collections; architectural research and documentation.

Main Duties

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage and assist with the on- and off-site management of the Department of Architectural Preservation and Research projects and initiatives across the Foundation.
• Coordinate, document, and manage projects as assigned. Includes providing project updates and information for activity reports.
• Maintain ongoing, upcoming, and completed project lists as assigned.
• Manage the preservation paint program and update Historic Area paint records.
• Assist with condition assessments of original and reconstructed buildings and some modern facilities throughout the Foundation; gather information on buildings and their maintenance systems in support of the condition assessments.
• Assist with building closings, including documentation and coordination between the Department of Architectural Preservation and Research and other internal groups.
• Assist with the documentation and organization of the architectural fragment collection, including but not limited to database input, cataloging, photography, research, and written reports.
• Assist with architectural research and documentation projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties as required.

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.

Required Education and Experience

• Must have a four-year undergraduate degree in historic preservation, architectural history, or closely related field.
• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.

• Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months
• May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months
• May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience.
• Knowledge of 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century architectural styles and construction techniques; proficiency with design and imaging software; experience documenting historic structures; knowledge of investigative techniques; experience with the care and management of museum collections.

Key Skills / Competencies

• Knowledge of 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century architectural styles and construction techniques.
• Experience documenting historic structures.
• Investigative techniques.
• Archival materials, cataloguing, and conducting primary research.
• Proficiency with design and imaging software.
• Proficiency with hand- and computer-aided documentation.
• Experience with the care and management of museum collections.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong organization and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Work is performed in a combination of office and external environments. The position may require walking, standing, and occasional bending or light lifting. The role may involve exposure to materials, tools, and environmental conditions typical of historic structures and their restoration.