Conservation Technician

Title: Conservation Technician

Location: Shangri La, 4055 Pāpū Circle, Honolulu, HI

Reports to: Conservator

Status: Part time, non-exempt (must have ability to be in person)

How to apply: Click here to apply. Please send a résumé and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

BACKGROUND

Shangri La is a vibrant compound situated on a spectacular, 5-acre, oceanside property in Honolulu. It integrates a 14,000-square-foot house with multiple outbuildings, comprising a series of interlocking spaces, both indoors and out: rooms, courtyards, lanais, terraces, gardens and numerous water features. The property includes spaces for reflection and for gatherings.

Historically operated exclusively as a museum to showcase some of its collection of 2,500 objects from diverse Muslim cultures, Shangri La is in the midst of a strategic transformation that envisions the institution as a global center for personal and societal transformation.

Shangri La is owned and operated by the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), whose mission is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Shangri La, DDF operates five national grantmaking programs as well as Duke Farms, a New Jersey-based center for applied conservation and sustainability. The activities of DDF, which is headquartered in New York City, are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. To learn more, visit www.dorisduke.org.

POSITION

The Conservation Technician supports the preservation and care of the historic art collection and exhibitions. This position plays an integral role in advancing the mission of Shangri La by ensuring the long-term stability, safety and accessibility of the collection. Through hands-on conservation work, documentation and preventive care, the Conservation Technician helps safeguard cultural assets for current and future audiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carry out preventive conservation tasks including cleaning, dusting and vacuuming of collection objects made from a range of materials, such as metal, wood, stone, plaster, ceramics, glass, paper and textiles, in accordance with conservation protocols.
• Ensure that all activities related to collection care adhere to established handling procedures, and provide input to support alignment with professional best practices.
• Monitor and document the condition of museum interiors and collections at regular intervals, with a focus on environmental controls and pest management programs.
• Manage inventory and maintain conservation equipment and supplies to ensure availability and functionality for ongoing work.
• Assist with conservation treatments of objects for display, loan, storage and research purposes.
• Accurately document the condition of objects and treatment processes in The Museum System (TMS) database, maintaining up-to-date and standardized records.
• Follow workplace health and safety standards in all conservation workspaces, ensuring that all materials are handled in accordance with preservation policies and established practices.
• Support the safe handling, protection and relocation of objects.
• Assist with photo shoot supervision, pre-construction preparation and other related tasks.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of preventive conservation practices, materials and handling techniques for diverse object types.
• Hands-on experience with object cleaning and minor treatments under supervision.
• Familiarity with environmental monitoring and pest management strategies in a museum or collection care setting.
• Proficiency in collections management software (preferably TMS) or ability to learn it.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experienced in physically handling historical materials and digital photography.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Thrives in a dynamic environment and driven to maximize impact.
• Exhibits sound judgment, high integrity and discretion at all times.
• A degree or certificate in conservation, museum studies, art history or a related field is preferred. Equivalent practical experience will be considered.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Anticipated hourly rate is $21.50-$27.00, and the final rate will depend on experience.
• Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k).

OUR VALUES

The following values underpin everything we do in pursuit of our mission across the Doris Duke Foundation:

Integrity: We must be honest and ethical in all that we undertake. As a private foundation, we are accountable to the many stakeholders affected by our work.

Excellence: We will insist on the highest standards of performance in fulfilling our mission, will ground our work in best practices and will make decisions based on the best available information.

Openness and Imagination: We will be a listening and learning organization that is responsive to ideas and opinions from a variety of sources. We value imagination and creativity, the ability to think in new ways about the work we do and how we do it.

Collaboration: We value a collaborative and supportive environment in which to advance our mission and objectives. Creating a working environment that promotes trust, honesty and respect within our organizations is as important as earning the trust and respect of our colleagues and peers in the fields in which we work.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We believe in the essential value that a diverse set of perspectives, experiences and abilities brings to the table. Our commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice is an ongoing, active engagement reflected in our funding areas, grantees, museums, centers, board and staff. At the core of our work is a dedication to serving and learning from organizations and individuals addressing inequities and working toward a more just, healthy and inclusive society. (Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and how we incorporate this value into our work.)

The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.

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