Senior Paintings Conservator & Lab Leader

Sunseeker Property Service; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

The Conservator of Paintings at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation leads the conservation laboratory, overseeing treatments, condition assessments, and staff development. You will propose and carry out conservation measures to protect our 18th-century paintings and related media.

This role requires a graduate degree in conservation with several years of proven experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work with curatorial teams to set priorities and deliver results.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in conservation plus seven years conservation experience in recognized institutions.
• Demonstrable history of proposed, completed and documented conservation treatments.

Responsibilities

• Examines paintings and prepares treatment proposals with photo documentation.
• Interprets instrumental analysis to inform conservation decisions.
• Manages day-to-day operation of paintings lab, including time management and supplies.
• Supervises staff, interns and volunteers, providing training and feedback.
• Delivers public lectures, demonstrations, and training on conservation theory and techniques.
• Prepares and maintains treatment reports and documentation for exhibitions and loans.

Skills

Excellent communication

Written communication

Team leadership

Conservation assessment

Education

Graduate degree in conservation

Job description

The Conservator of Paintings at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation leads the conservation laboratory, overseeing treatments, condition assessments, and staff development. You will propose and carry out conservation measures to protect our 18th-century paintings and related media.

This role requires a graduate degree in conservation with several years of proven experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work with curatorial teams to set priorities and deliver results.