Job Listing: Preservation Technician
March 24, 2021
George Washington's Mount Vernon - Mount Vernon, VA
Closes - Open until filled
Position Title – Preservation Technician
Salary - $19.00 - $25.00/hour, based on skills and experience
Job Type - Full-time
For more info and to apply, CLICK HERE.
The Historic Preservation and Collections Department is seeking an organized, reliable, and adaptable full-time Preservation Technician. This role is charged with supporting the overall mission of the preservation program to conserve, maintain, and study the historic resources of Mount Vernon, with a particular focus on coordinating and executing maintenance, repair, restoration, and preservation relating to the Mansion, outbuildings and other historic structures at Mount Vernon. The Preservation Technician will also assist with research and documentation, facilitate use of the architecture collection, assist with administrative and outreach efforts, as well as collaborate with colleagues across the Estate.
Expected salary for this position is $19.00 - $25.00/hour, based on skills and experience.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Undertakes recurring maintenance projects in the Historic Area, and coordinates and monitors work conducted by staff of other departments and contractors, in addition to assisting the Preservation staff with execution of such work. Projects will include annual outbuilding painting and staining, Mansion exterior restoration, and targeted plastering and masonry work
- Carries out a daily program of inspecting and cleaning selected features of the outbuildings or Mansion, consisting of both interior and exterior architectural elements and acts as a point of contact for the care and maintenance of those structures. Performs targeted deep cleaning and prepares spaces for after-hours tours and special events as needed
- Works with members of the architecture team on annual inspections of the historic structures, both interior and exterior; prepares written plans for their care; and contributes to the development of a prioritized work plan
- Executes administrative tasks as assigned
- Assists with research and documentation of the construction and preservation history of the estate’s historic structures; produces archival documentation of restoration projects through writing reports and schedules, taking digital images, preparing drawings, and adopting new documentation technologies as necessary
- Undertakes other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent. BA or coursework in historic preservation or closely related field preferred
- Excellent communication and organization and an ability to work on a team
- Flexibility, reliability, and punctuality
- Familiarity with 18th-century building materials and methods
- Fluency in Spanish, both understanding and speaking desired
- Demonstrated experience in using a range of hand tools and proficiency with painting. Experience in the following skill areas preferred: carpentry, plastering, or masonry.
- Professional experience in a museum or historic house setting preferred
- Demonstrated experience in architectural research using a variety of sources preferred
Special Requirements:
- Ability to work beyond a normal working day as needed
- Ability to work at least one weekend day as part of the regular workweek
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Ability to bend and crawl
- Ability to climb and balance on ladders
Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.