Assistant Conservator – Alamo Trust, Inc.
Listing Start Date: February 5, 2025
Expires: April 5, 2025
ORGANIZATION
Alamo Trust, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, contracted by the Texas General Land Office to manage the Alamo complex and tell the story of the Alamo to millions of visitors each year. Our mission is to create an unforgettable experience for visitors to learn about the Alamo’s 300-year history, and to honor those who gave their lives here in the battle for Texas independence. Alamo Trust, Inc. staff manage all aspects of the daily operating functions and visitor experience at the Alamo. The organization is led by an Executive Director and includes departments that focus on Archaeology, Historical Research, Collections, Conservation, Education and Living History, Facilities, Finance, HR, IT, Marketing, Security, Visitor Services, and Retail Contractors.
POSITION SCOPE
Alamo Trust (ATI) Conservation Department is offering a full-time position of Assistant Conservator to join the team. This position will focus primarily on the ongoing conservation treatments of the two iconic artifacts, The Alamo and The Long Barracks, objects, diorama and conservation laboratory tasks. The work includes both interior and exterior environment, and is designed to be a heavily mentored position for a graduate of a Masters level conservation program (or working towards a Masters level in conservation).
The ATI Conservation Department is based in the Ralston Family Collection Center on the grounds of the Alamo World Heritage Historic Site in San Antonio, Texas. The Head Conservator (who is a Professional Associates of AIC) has been conserving the Alamo Church and Long Barracks for over twenty years.
The position will provide an opportunity for an emerging conservator to work with the Head Conservator while developing treatment skills and conservation knowledge. This job is for an individual who likes learning new skills, working with a wide range of materials and techniques, collaborating well with others, comfortable working at elevated heights, going between the laboratory and outdoor environments. They will treat various surfaces from several historic periods. The department routinely involves the VP of Collections, Curation, Conservation and Archaeology.
The assistant conservator will primarily work on the ongoing treatments to the Alamo Church and Long Barracks, Laboratory work and various documentation.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Carry out a range of treatments to the highest professional standards and in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics.
Produce thorough and accurate documentation and photo documentation. This includes on-site condition reporting.
The conservator will participate in utilizing state-of-the-art technology and equipment.
This role will work with the collections team on collections maintenance.
The position requires conservation lab related duties including casting, analyzing and testing samples.
Participate in collaborative treatments, as necessary.
Requirements
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
An M.A. in conservation with a specialty in art conservation OR a B.A. in architecture and working towards an M.A. in conservation.
Experience with the treatment and documentation of Mission era surfaces, mortar and Limestone.
Excellent documentation and assessment skills.
Possess a wide range of hand skills, impeccable inpainting skills, and the ability to perform physical tasks both in an indoor and outdoor setting.
Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time while working on elevated equipment.
Must have one to three years’ experience in architectural conservation and conservation laboratory. Understand conservation laboratory responsibilities and maintenance.
Demonstrate ability to communicate and work effectively with staff at all levels, coordinate work with others, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and work independently.
Ability to speak Spanish, read mission era documents is a consideration but not required.
Occasional travel and overnight stays may be required.
LANGUAGE SKILLS & EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION
Must be able to speak, read, and write English
Must be able to provide documents establishing identity and eligibility to work in the United States
GENERAL INFORMATION
This is a full-time exempt position,
Work hours are standard office hours, but may require odd-hour work depending on the project
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described in this job description are representative of those that the employee will encounter and are expected to meet to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to see, be mobile, and have the ability for 2-way communication with the public and staff.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk for extended periods; reach with hands and arms; talk and listen on a regular basis. Must be able to perform under pressure, concentrate for a prolonged period and able to work long hours under stressful conditions. May be required to work some evenings and weekends.
Apply through the Trust’s website.