What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aide, Preventive Conservation (Custodial) position at Colonial Williamsburg?
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 the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 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, 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 Giffin 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
Carries out the day-to-day efforts ensuring the protection and preservation of Colonial Williamsburg’s cultural assets by implementing preventative conservation procedure. To accomplish this, the Preventive Conservation Aide is responsible for performing routine cleaning, inspecting and maintenance and assisting with collections care and handling tasks as required.
- Perform regular, thorough cleaning of assigned sites and areas according to CWF established standards. Follow, complete, and help develop checklists to ensure that work is of the highest standard.
- Inspect the condition of collections, buildings, interior environment, and equipment. Report significant or unusual conditions to supervisor.
- Use tools, chemicals, and equipment according to safety, conservation, and manufacturer guidelines. Maintain orderly shared work and storage areas. Maintain equipment backpacks and carts, ensuring continuous inventory of approved cleaning supplies and tools.
- Follow all safety and security procedures, including use and disposal of cleaning supplies and chemicals. Maintain familiarity of current SDS and other records as required. Participate in annual training as required.
- Work with supervisor, colleagues, and contractors to perform non-routine cleaning jobs, such as interior window washing, floor waxing, etc. If approved to drive, make local deliveries and pick-ups as assigned.
- Assist with exhibition installation and preventive maintenance closings. Attend training for collection handling and moving.
- Assist in monitoring contractors, special programs, events, receptions, filming and other activities that affect Colonial Williamsburg’s assets.
- Participate in emergency preparation and triage of the Foundations emergency plan.
- Assist with preparation and cleanup for special events.
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications:
- Must be able to operate maintenance equipment.
- Ability to communicate effectively and follow instructions orally and in writing. Ability to use a computer and to learn essential software use for email, scheduling and other communication.
- Ability to read and understand directions on cleaning supplies and chemicals.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
- Ability to make best use of time and limited resources, using facilities, materials, equipment, and supplies efficiently, effectively and with reasonable and appropriate care.
- Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned, up to an eight-hour shift.
Required and Preferred Education and Experience:
Required: High School diploma or GED.
Preferred: Experience in housekeeping/general services, museum collections experience. Valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record as measured against Colonial Williamsburg’s criteria.
