Job Description

Reports to: Conservator

Status: Consultant

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 by investing in artists and the performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research, child well-being and greater mutual understanding among diverse communities.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Conservation Technician Consultant will be an independent contractor with expertise to support and assist the Conservator in the preservation and maintenance of the historic art collection and exhibits. The Conservation Technician Consultant will contribute to specific conservation projects by providing hands-on care, monitoring and documentation of the collection in alignment with project objectives and timelines. This is a contract position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute conservation and maintenance projects focused on cleaning, dusting and vacuuming objects such as metal, wood, stone, plaster, ceramics, glass, paper and textiles, in accordance with conservation protocols and project timelines.
• Ensure that all project activities adhere to proper handling protocols, providing recommendations to staff as necessary to ensure project alignment with best practices.
• Conduct and deliver detailed evaluations and reports on the condition of museum interiors and collections at defined project intervals, with a focus on environmental controls and pest management programs.
• Manage inventory and maintain conservation equipment and supplies required for project completion, ensuring operational readiness.
• Under Conservator supervision, execute conservation treatments within areas of expertise for display, loan, storage and research purposes.
• Produce and deliver accurate documentation of collections, including condition reporting and maintaining up-to-date records in The Museum System (TMS) database, ensuring that all entries comply with project standards.
• Adhere to workplace health and safety standards within conservation labs and work areas, ensuring that all materials are handled in accordance with preservation policies and established practices.
• Coordinate with the Collections team and other stakeholders to manage the safe handling, protection and relocation of objects, as outlined in project plans.
• Assist with photo shoot supervision, pre-construction preparation and other related tasks as requested by Collections team members.
• Perform other consultancy projects and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Passion for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage.
• Proactive and practical in approach, consistently seeking effective solutions.
• 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.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Anticipated hourly rate is $21.00-$27.00, and the final rate will depend on experience. This role is not eligible for benefits.

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.

Excellence: We will insist on the highest standards of performance in fulfilling our mission.

Openness and Imagination: We value imagination and creativity, the ability to think in new ways about the work we do.

Collaboration: We value a collaborative and supportive environment in which to advance our mission and objectives.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We believe in the essential value that a diverse set of perspectives, experiences and abilities brings to the table.

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.

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