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Photo Lab Associate Jobs in Topping, VA (NOW HIRING)

Photo Lab Associate information

What is the difference between Photo Lab Associate vs Photo Printer?

AspectPhoto Lab AssociatePhoto Printer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; basic photography knowledgeHigh school diploma; familiarity with printing equipment
Work EnvironmentPhoto labs, retail stores, camera shopsPrinting facilities, retail stores, photo labs
Employer & Industry UsageRetail chains, camera stores, photo labsPhoto printing shops, retail stores, labs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Photo Lab Associate and a Photo Printer is that the associate performs a variety of photo processing tasks, including customer service and photo editing, while a Photo Printer primarily focuses on operating printing equipment to produce high-quality prints. Both roles often work in retail or photo lab environments and require similar basic credentials. The choice depends on whether you prefer a broader role in photo processing or a specialized focus on printing tasks.

What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often specialized in fields like clinical, industrial, or biomedical laboratories, with salaries reaching over $70,000 annually for those with advanced skills and certifications. Factors such as experience, location, and specific industry can influence earning potential for lab technicians, including Photo Lab Associates who may earn higher wages with specialized training or supervisory roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Photo Lab Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Photo Lab Associate, you need attention to detail, basic photographic knowledge, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with photo editing software, digital imaging systems, and lab processing equipment is typically required. Strong customer service, organization, and problem-solving skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure high-quality photo products, efficient workflow, and customer satisfaction.

What does a photo lab technician do?

A photo lab technician operates and maintains photographic equipment, processes film and digital images, and produces prints or enlargements. They ensure quality control, handle customer orders, and may use software for editing images in a retail or professional lab environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Photo Lab Associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Photo Lab Associates often encounter challenges such as handling a high volume of customer orders, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and maintaining quality standards under tight deadlines. Managing these challenges effectively requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to quickly learn how to operate and maintain lab equipment. Clear communication with team members and customers is also essential to ensure orders are processed correctly and any issues are resolved promptly. Staying up-to-date with new photo processing technology and company protocols can further help associates perform their roles efficiently.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To be a Photo Lab Associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Basic knowledge of photography, familiarity with photo editing software, and attention to detail are important skills; some positions may require prior experience or certification in photography or related fields.

What are Photo Lab Associates?

Photo Lab Associates are retail employees who specialize in operating photo processing equipment and providing customer service related to photographic products. They assist customers with printing photos, creating photo gifts, and using self-service kiosks, as well as ensuring the quality and timely production of orders. Photo Lab Associates also maintain the cleanliness and functionality of photo lab equipment, keep inventory stocked, and help resolve any issues with photo orders. This role requires attention to detail, basic technical skills, and strong customer service abilities.

What jobs can you get with an Associates in photography?

An associate's degree in photography can qualify you for roles such as photo lab technician, portrait photographer, or assistant photographer. These positions often involve working in studios, labs, or retail settings, and may require knowledge of photo editing software and camera equipment.
What cities near Topping, VA are hiring for Photo Lab Associate jobs? Cities near Topping, VA with the most Photo Lab Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Photo Lab Associate job openings in Topping, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Conservator of Paper

Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

$19.47 - $29.28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Colonial Williamsburg rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 29 rated museums


Job description

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, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, 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 Griffin 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
The Assistant Conservator of Paper is responsible for enhancing the protection and preservation of Colonial Williamsburg's cultural assets by, in consultation with the specialist curators and Associate Conservator, Paper, examining paper objects from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's collection, designing, and proposing treatment protocols, and carrying out conservation treatments. The Assistant Conservator carries out condition assessments and treatments in accordance with research and exhibition objectives.
***Must reside in or be ready to relocate to Virginia***
Essential Functions:
  1. Performs treatments on the Foundation's various paper collection objects using recognized conservation techniques in compliance with the Code of Ethics of the American Institute for Conservation and in consultation with curatorial staff. Examines objects, prepares written treatment proposals, performs treatments, and prepares treatment reports complete with photo-documentation. Confers with supervisor, conservation staff, and curators on complex projects. Collaborates with other conservators to treat or advise on care of paper objects as needed.
  2. Conducts conservation assessments of the Foundation's various paper collections.
  3. Establishes and documents preservation state and condition of paper objects as requested; including those being considered for accession, deaccession, exhibition and loan.
  4. Assists in management of day-to-day operation of paper lab including ordering supplies and materials, handling paperwork, inputting treatment information in the collections database, and maintaining lab space and equipment.
  5. Assists in the supervision and training of technicians, interns, and volunteers in the paper lab.
  6. Maintains awareness of state-of-the-art techniques in the conservation field.
  7. Carries out research and related analysis to support treatment projects, test new materials, applications, or methodologies as other responsibilities allow.
  8. Fabricates storage systems, exhibition supports, and packs/moves objects as needed.
  9. Prepares and delivers public and professional lectures and demonstrations on conservation theory and techniques. Publishes new research in book or article form as other responsibilities allow. Contributes to and/or leads public tours. Contributes to social media efforts.
  10. Performs other related duties as required.

Required and Preferred Education and Experience:
Required:
  1. Graduate degree in conservation plus two years conservation experience in recognized institutions - or the equivalent technical education and experience.
  2. Demonstrable history of proposed, completed, and documented treatments.

Preferred:
  1. Supervisory and administrative experience.
  2. Familiarity with workplace safety practices.
  3. Membership in a professional conservation organization.

Qualifications:
  1. Detailed knowledge of traditional decorative, fine, and folk art as well as library special collection and corporate archive materials and techniques with a focus on paper artifacts.
  2. Highly developed hand skills.
  3. Detailed knowledge of conservation materials and experience in applying state-of-the-art conservation methodologies.
  4. Knowledge of the environment and environmental/materials interactions.
  5. Scientific knowledge sufficient for undertaking in-depth examination and analysis of objects, performing treatments and following necessary literature and reports.
  6. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to follow instructions orally and in writing.
  7. Shares workspace respectfully with others, can work independently and with a team. Able to plan and schedule time.

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.
Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.
Range: $19.47 to $29.28
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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