Position description: The Restoration Specialist works directly with the Vice President forPreservation and under the direct supervision of the Manager of Restoration in the Department of Archaeology and Restoration. In addition to supporting the overall mission of the department to preserve the historic resources of Mount Vernon, the Restoration Specialist is charges with working with staff in the Collections, Operations and Maintenance, and Interpretation Departments to coordinate and carry out maintenance, repair and restoration projects relating to the Mansion and other 18th century structures.
The Mount Vernon estate welcomes over one million visitors annually. As such, the Mansion and other historic structures require vigilant and ongoing maintenance to keep them clean, orderly, and in repair.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Assists in preserving the historic structures and architectural collections of Mount Vernon.
Carries out a daily program of inspecting and cleaning selected features of the Mansion and other historic structures; primarily consisting of architectural elements such as mantels, chair rails, door and window frames, hand rails, baseboards and wall surfaces.
Conducts bi-annual inspections of he historic buildings, both interior and exterior, and follows up with recommendations for their care.
Coordinates a comprehensive program for maintaining the historic structures.
Carries out or coordinates with other staff in maintenance tasks such as re-painting and making minor repairs to woodwork and plaster.
Assists the Manager ofRestoration in carrying out larger restoration and conservation projects, and coordinates such projects with in-house carpenters and masons.
Facilitates, supervises and assists outside contractors, vendors and conservators in accessing spaces in the historic structures.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
BA degree in historic preservation or closely-related field, with hands-on training in architectural preservation/conservation practices and historic building trades.
Demonstrated experience in using a range of hand tools and proficiency in at least one of the following skill areas: preservation carpentry (preferred), plaster, masonry, or painting.
Excellent communication, project management, and diplomatic skills.
Flexibility, reliability, and the ability to work beyond a normal work day.
Ability to successfully complete a security background check.
Professional experience in a museum or historic house museum setting preferred.
Knowledge of current museum practices and collections care preferred.
