CONSERVATION LAB TECHNICIAN – Atlanta, GA

CONSERVATION LAB TECHNICIAN – Atlanta, GA

The Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Centers (W+AACC) seeks a Conservation Lab Technician for our Atlanta lab.  We welcome applicants regardless of their race, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, or protected class. 

 

The start date for this opportunity is negotiable but the preference is for this position to begin in August 2026.  

 

The selected individual will support the conservators in a variety of duties relating to the preservation and conservation of works of art and cultural heritage. They will assist with preparation of conservation materials; art movement storage, and handling; care and maintenance of studio tools and equipment; and conservation treatment of objects under the supervision of the conservator. The conservator will join a collaborative and experienced team of paper, paintings, and objects conservators, technical, and administrative staff.  The Lab Technician will report to Lab Head.  

 

 ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW 

 

W+AACC is a non-profit organization comprised of regional conservation centers in the Northeast and Southeast.  Our state-of-the-art conservation centers enjoy strong relationships with local museums and institutions of higher education. The Williamstown Center is located on the campus of the Clark Art Institute, while the Atlanta Center is located in an offsite facility of the High Museum of Art. W+AACC’s mission is to protect, conserve, and maintain heritage objects from all cultures.  With a membership of more than fifty organizations, W+AACC is the largest regional conservation center in the country.  

 

Our conservators adhere to the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice as formulated by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC), the national membership organization of conservation professionals.    

 

   

DUTIES  

 

Under the supervision of the Head of Lab, the successful candidate will:  

 

  • Work with conservators and colleagues to safely unpack, document, store, and repack artworks  
  • Follow established tracking procedures for movement of objects between storage and workspace areas 
  • Prepare artworks for storage, examination, and treatment, ensuring proper handling and support at all stages 
  • Construct and modify storage housings and working supports to facilitate safe storage, transport, and treatment activities 
  • Organize conservation supplies, materials, and storage areas 
  • Perform routine care and maintenance of conservation studio tools and equipment 
  • Assist with large-scale conservation projects, including the care and maintenance of outdoor sculpture 
  • Support conservation treatments by carrying out assigned procedures under close supervision of conservators 
  • Gain hands-on experience with conservation treatments in a supervised laboratory environment 
  • Adhere to all health and safety protocols, including those related to the handling of hazardous materials 

 

OTHER DUTIES 

  • Participate in interdepartmental projects 
  • Participate in staff meetings   
  • Contribute to project management and maintain accurate records and documentation, including through effective use of databases 
  • Perform other duties as assigned 

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS 

  • Demonstrated knowledge of art practices, art history, materials, or related fields, typically gained through academic study, training, or equivalent hands-on experience 
  • Experience handling delicate, valuable, or complex objects in a museum, studio, laboratory, or similar hands-on environments 
  • Working knowledge of equipment, materials, and techniques used in housing, storing, and displaying art and cultural heritage objects   
  • Familiarity with of object photography preferred but not required   
  • Ability to handle objects of all media, delicate scientific instruments, and hazardous materials with extreme care   
  • Skill in using hand tools and artists’ materials with strong visual acuity and manual dexterity 
  • Interest in learning conservation techniques, use of laboratory equipment, and environmental monitoring tools   
  • Ability to follow detailed instructions and work effectively with staff and colleagues   
  • Physical ability to work on large projects indoors and outdoors; use ladders and scaffolding as needed; stand for extended periods; and lift up to 40 lbs   
  • Willingness to travel offsite for project work, including multi-day overnight trips   
  • Ability to thrive in a team environment with a “can-do” attitude and commitment to high-quality service   
  • Demonstrates flexibility and openness in daily work  
  • Demonstrates respect and professionalism toward coworkers   
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license; access to a car preferred   
  • Authorization to work legally in the United States 

 

  COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

  • Annual salary of $46,000  
  • Excellent benefits package is offered including health, dental, vision, 403B with employer match, paid holidays, paid time off, paid sick time 
  • A professional development allowance and 2.5 days annually for professional development 
  • W+AACC covers half of the annual cost of membership in the American Institute for Conservation 

  

TO APPLY 

 

 Applications should include a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references.  

 

 Direct application materials and inquiries to:  WACC@Williamstownart.org 

 

 Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.