QAR Conservator

Salary Grade: GN09
Recruitment Range: $36,677 - $46,203

This position will be located at:
Office of State Archaeology
Greenville, NC 27601
Department Information:
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' (DNCR) vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Our mission is to improve quality of life by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature throughout North Carolina. The Department works to stimulate learning, inspire creativity, preserve the state's history, conserve the state's natural heritage, encourage recreation and cultural tourism, and promote economic development. Our goal is to promote equity and inclusion among our employees and our programming to reflect and celebrate our state's diverse population, culture, and history by expanding engagement with diverse individuals and communities. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Description of Work:

The QAR Conservator position at the QAR Lab, within the Office of State Archaeology (OSA) in DNCR’s Historic Resources Division, is critical to meet the goals of DNCR’s Queen Anne’s Revenge Project (QAR). Duties of this position include conservation, documentation, analysis and research of artifacts, and preparation of the archive (artifacts and records) prior to transfer or loan to the long-term repository NC Maritime Museum. OSA bears primary responsibility for protection and interpretation of thousands of historic shipwrecks and other underwater archaeological sites in our state, including the famous Queen Anne’s Revenge near Beaufort, NC.

The position is critical for progressing active treatment of artifacts. The QAR Conservator will be an archaeological conservation professional and will have education and experience in the conservation of archaeological materials from a marine environment from recovery to conservation of collections once transferred to a museum. The employee will work cooperatively with the OSA QAR Project team and with other DNCR staff, partners, and volunteers. The QAR Conservator will undertake all aspects of documentation (including photography and illustration), examination, conservation, analysis, and study of archaeological artifacts recovered from a marine underwater environment, from recovery in the field to conservation as needed after transfer to the museum. Duties will include but not be limited to: first aid and documentation of recovered artifacts, examination and assessment of artifacts including by x-radiography; treatment of artifacts recovered from a marine environment using established and approved methods; maintenance and operation of conservation lab facilities and equipment; compliance with DNCR and ECU environmental health and safety requirements; maintaining written, computer, and photographic documentation of artifacts and their treatments; reporting on the condition of artifacts; preparation of archive (artifacts and records) for transfer to museum; supervision and training of student interns and volunteers; participation in public education and outreach activities, such as lab tours, presentations, seminars, and web site. The QAR Conservator will be a member of the QAR Lab team in Greenville, NC, located at East Carolina University’s West Research Campus. The QAR Conservator may be required to work away from the QAR Lab, for example: at other DNCR locations, at other organizations and institutions to give talks, or present show and tell demonstrations (on average one day a month). Therefore, good oral and written communication is a must. Some weekend work may also be necessary – on average 2-3 times a year. During field recovery operations, the QAR Conservator may be required to work away from base for several days, even weeks at a time. The QAR Conservator will report to the QAR Senior Conservator.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

• Demonstrated experience in archaeological laboratory projects such as processing, analysis, conservation, and curation of archaeological artifacts recovered from underwater environments.

• Demonstrated experience with chemical safety procedures.

• Experience with personal computer applications, particularly with word-processing, spreadsheet, and/or database management programs.

• Must be able to work in all environments on land and at sea and be able to use personal protective equipment as appropriate for noisy, and/or dusty, or other chemical hazardous conditions.

• Must be able to lift heavy objects using various mechanical devices and use of industrial shop equipment.

• Must have a valid North Carolina Driver's License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment.

• Must be able to work at various DNCR locations as well as work on the weekends and away from base for several days, even weeks at a time, when needed.

Management preferences:

• Demonstrated experience of conserving large archaeological artifacts (e.g. cannon, anchors, ship’s timbers).
• Experience with image processing software, such as but not limited to Photoshop and Agisoft.
• Experience with analytical techniques, such as but not limited to XRF, SEM, and FTIR.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Master's degree in North American archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of archaeological experience.

or

Bachelor's degree in North American archaeology, anthropology, or a related field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of archaeological experience.

Management preferences:

• Completion of a minimum of 9 semester hours (or equivalent credits) of conservation coursework at the graduate level.