Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Job opportunity at National Conservation Service, London 2. Position Announcement: Objects Conservator, Biltmore, Asheville NC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Lucy Charles Posted: Wednesday July 30, 2025 7:34 AM Subject: Job opportunity at National Conservation Service, London Message: Join Our Team: Book & Paper Conservator We're seeking a proactive and dynamic Book and Paper Conservator to join our busy London studios, working on a diverse range of archive and library items for a wide range of institutions. About the Role This is a fantastic chance to immerse yourself in a busy studio contributing to both hands-on treatment and essential preventative projects. You'll be working on a wide variety of materials carrying out a variety of remedial treatments, with a specialist focus on structural book treatments when required. The level and seniority of the role will be based on experience. An example of some of the main tasks are: * Condition assessment and documentation * Performing complex conservation treatments, including cleaning, repairs, stabilisation, resewing and recovering, adhering to the highest professional standards. * Developing and implementing preventative conservation strategies as necessary, such as digitisation and rehousing * Working collaboratively with a team of experienced conservators and other specialists. * Contributing to project planning * Maintaining accurate treatment records and photographic documentation. What We're Looking For * A post-graduate degree or equivalent qualification in Book and Paper Conservation. * Proven experience working on a broad spectrum of archive and library materials, ideally within a busy studio. * Exceptional practical skills in conservation treatments, demonstrating precision and attention to detail. * A strong understanding of conservation ethics and principles. * Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach. * Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to work effectively as part of a team and liaise with clients. * The ability to manage your time effectively and work to deadlines. Why Join Us? National Conservation Service offer a stimulating and supportive work environment where you'll have the opportunity to work on unique and historically significant items, working in our London studios at Hackney and Mayfair. You'll be part of a dedicated team committed to excellence in conservation, with opportunities for professional development and continuous learning. Depending on skills, experience and ICON Accreditation status, the salary range would be between £32,000 to £42,000 fte. Please note that only applicants with a valid work visa for the UK can apply, all applicants will be asked to provide proof of their legal right to work in the UK. If you are interested in the role please send expressions of interest and a CV to [email protected] <[email protected]> ------------------------------ Lucy Charles Conservation Business Manger National Conservation Service London UK [email protected] www.ncs.org.uk ------------------------------ 2.From: Nancy Rosebrock Posted: Wednesday July 30, 2025 11:31 AM Subject: Position Announcement: Objects Conservator, Biltmore, Asheville NC Message: Biltmore, a National Historic Landmark in Asheville, NC, invites applicants for the position of Objects Conservator. Through an extraordinary collaboration with architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, George Washington Vanderbilt founded Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, in the late nineteenth century. At its core is a renowned masterpiece of American design, the 250-room Biltmore House. The house is situated on approximately 8,000 acres in the mountains of western North Carolina and houses a vast collection of fine and decorative arts. Biltmore remains privately owned by his descendants and has been open to the public since 1930. It is one of the most visited historic sites in the United States. Application Timeline Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis for immediate hire, so we encourage candidates to apply early. The position will close when we have a strong applicant pool from which we feel we can select a candidate. For more information and to apply, please visit Objects Conservator -Full Time <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/biltmore.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Biltmorecareers/job/Objects-Conservator--Full-Time_JR102274__;!!AICBUC8eM8hH!kClJt4SVKAEiUD4Vh1sNWtviuY1dOfG3ZNtqsTEOzcOluDUhsPUd5-IDS-K79ARQjwsyqR0GQgNxahttP64H32WKuw$> Salary range for this position is $52,020-79,560 Benefits include the following: Employer-subsidized comprehensive medical plan Life, dental, disability, and supplemental insurance programs Paid sick/emergency leave (up to 56 hours annually) Paid holidays (up to 80 hours annually - available upon hire) Paid vacation (40 hours available upon hire; additional 40 hours after 1 year of service) Eligibility to contribute to 401(k) retirement savings plan Year-round access to gardens and grounds of the estate 40% discounts at estate food & beverage and retail locations Complimentary tickets based on the number of hours worked Service recognition Participation in the Southern Highlands Attractions Card & Ticket Exchange program Access to Employee Assistance Network, Biltmore Cares Chaplains program, and Eblen Charities Job Description The Objects Conservator is a year-round, full-time professional position reporting to the Director of Conservation and Collections, working as part of a team of museum professionals to ensure the long-term preservation of Biltmore's collections. The Objects Conservator is responsible for the conservation treatment and preservation of objects in Biltmore's permanent collection. Other duties include supervising staff and interns; planning for and responding to emergency collection incidents; preventive collection care; staff training; collection maintenance; providing advice, guidance and consultation with staff in other departments, as well as outside entities; and conducting collections research as appropriate. In addition, the Objects Conservator will provide general assistance and support for the department and company leadership as required. Essential Job Duties: 1. Research, examine, assess and perform conservation treatment of collection objects with an emphasis on fine art, utilitarian and decorative objects in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation's Ethics and Standards guidelines and including written and photographic documentation. 2. Participate in developing/updating the disaster preparedness plan for collection objects and work with relevant departments and external entities to plan for the possible execution of the plan. 3. Provide advice and consultation with staff in other departments including curatorial, collections management, exhibitions, engineering, housekeeping, archives/library and corporate. 4. Assist the Director of Conservation and Collections with setting policies regarding the care, handling and treatment of objects. 5. Guide and assist with the maintenance and preventive care, preparation, mounting and installation of collections on display and in storage. 6. Provide appropriate training to all Biltmore staff who work around collections for the proper care and handling of collection objects including Engineering, Floral, Housekeeping, Security, Interpretive Hosts and Museum Services staff. 7. Complete all work with attention to safety and use appropriate PPE in compliance with OSHA regulations. 8. Supervise staff, including technicians, interns, graduate fellows, and outside contractors who may be hired to work on/with collection objects. Independent Decision Making: 1. The Objects Conservator will have autonomy to make treatment decisions for objects in need of conservation assessment and repair, seeking assistance and/or opinions from others as needed. 2. The Objects Conservator will be responsible for maintaining, updating and communicating the department's disaster preparedness plan and object handling training materials. Qualifications: 1. Master's degree in conservation from a recognized conservation training program, with an emphasis on objects conservation. Strong knowledge of the care and treatment of metals and other inorganic materials is required. 2. Minimum of seven (7) years of post-graduate experience conserving objects. Equivalent combination of education/experience will be considered. 3. Demonstrated knowledge of concepts, principles and methodologies associated with the conservation of objects, and highly skilled in applying concepts, principles, and methodologies to examine, analyze, study, evaluate, treat, and preserve objects. 4. Demonstrated ability to perform high-quality conservation treatments on a wide variety of objects, with an emphasis on decorative objects, with a high level of independence. 5. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are a must; able to convey information clearly and concisely both in written and spoken form; comfortable communicating conservation issues with a large audience with various levels of familiarity with the field of conservation. 6. Commitment to continuing education and professional development in the field of conservation and related fields of study. 7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Photoshop and proficient photography skills required. 8. Strong planning, time management, and organizational skills; ability to prioritize work and adapt as needed. Proactive, exercises good judgment; creatively problem solves. 9. Demonstrated commitment to delivery of world class internal/external guest service. 10. Ability to work professionally and effectively as part of a diverse team at all levels is required. Physical Requirements: 1. Great attention to detail, and demonstrated manual dexterity and excellent judgment in applying conservation treatment techniques. 2. Efficiency and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment. 3. Ability to work in both a lab setting and in the field; standing/walking and/or sitting for extended periods of time as needed. 4. Ability to climb ladders and scaffolding is required. 5. May be exposed to fumes, dust, dirt, pollen, chemicals, and/or other particulates; position requires the ability to wear a respirator as necessary when working with certain chemicals. 6. The incumbent will need to travel between locations on the estate and will be required to have or be able to obtain a valid North Carolina driver's license. NOTE: A review of this description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and requirements are essential job functions. This description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervising manager/director. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. ------------------------------ Nancy Rosebrock Director of Conservation and Collections Biltmore Asheville United States ------------------------------ You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions. To unsubscribe from this community discussion, go to https://community.culturalheritage.org/HigherLogic/eGroups/Unsubscribe.aspx?UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e&GroupKey=757a8f16-505f-4323-8e74-e376757aa9f7.
