Archaeological Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 89 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 Preventive Conservation Aide plays a vital role in protecting and preserving Colonial Williamsburg’s cultural assets. This position focuses on routine cleaning, inspections, and maintenance using conservation-safe methods, as well as assisting with collections care and handling. All work follows established procedures to ensure the long-term preservation of the collection.

Essential Duties:

• Perform routine cleaning of assigned sites using conservation-safe methods and following Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (CWF) standards.
• Follow established checklists to ensure work is thorough, consistent, and meets preventive conservation goals.
• Assist in inspecting collections, buildings, equipment, and interior environmental conditions, reporting unusual findings to a supervisor.
• Use tools, chemicals, and equipment according to safety, conservation, and manufacturer guidelines; maintain familiarity with Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Keep shared work and storage areas organized and stocked with approved supplies and tools.
• Assist colleagues and supervisors with non-routine cleaning projects and preventive maintenance tasks.
• Support exhibition installation, preventive maintenance closures, and collection handling after receiving required training.
• Participate in safety, security, and preventive conservation training as assigned.
• Assist with preparation and cleanup for special events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:
•High school graduate or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in housekeeping/general services.
• Museum collections experience.

Key Skills / Competencies:

• Willingness to learn safe operation of cleaning and maintenance equipment.
• Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively in person and in writing.
• Basic comfort with computers and willingness to learn essential software for email, scheduling, and communication.
• Ability to read and follow directions on cleaning supplies and chemicals.
• Reliability in working both independently and with a team.
• Good time management; able to use materials and equipment efficiently and with care.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned, up to an eight-hour shift.

• Valid driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record as measured against Colonial Williamsburg’s criteria.

• Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months
• May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months
• May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Physical and Environmental Demands:
•Will include Standing, Walking, Reaching, and mobility of hands/fingers
•Will require lifting of 10 - 25 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs or more, with assistance.

Typical Work Schedule:
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM 5 day schedule over 7 days per week. Alternating weekends. Occasional late events.

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: $14.42 to $21.63