The Museum Conservation Labs at the National Park Service (NPS) Harpers Ferry Center (HFC) seek to host one art conservation post-graduate fellow for a 12-month placement working in Book and Paper conservation beginning in January of 2026 and ending in the December of 2026 (exact dates are flexible).

The fellow will work on a project to conserve books and pamphlets from the Russian Bishop’s House at Sitka National Historical Park. The Russian Bishop’s House is one of the few surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. It served as the house for Russian Orthodox Bishops in North America from 1843 until 1969. The house was restored by the NPS to the 1853 period to serve as a museum and the books have been on long term exhibit in the house. The books are original to the house and many are rare or one of a kind with drawings and marginalia from students. The conservation fellow will complete all aspects of the conservation treatment, including: cleaning to reduce surface soil, mold, discoloration and staining; mending and filling to repair tears and losses; rebinding to allow the books to function well; and protective custom enclosures or covers to prevent future wear.

The Museum Conservation Labs at HFC support all park sites that maintain museum collections through preventive care, preservation planning, and by performing conservation treatment on artifacts from throughout the National Park Service. There are five labs at HFC focusing on textiles, book and paper, wooden artifacts, metals, and organic objects. The fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with all HFC conservators and benefit from shared spaces and resources.

Essential Job Functions may include the following:

The fellow will work and communicate directly with the HFC book and paper conservator to complete object examination, digital imaging, research, and conservation treatment. The labs are outfitted with XRF, FTIR, microscopy, microchemical testing, and Oddy testing stations. Additional duties include preventive conservation, and participation in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and facility tours conducted throughout their term. Fellows will capture images and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit Instagram posts highlighting their experience on the HFC Conservation Instagram account.

The fellow will submit proposals to present on the project for the American Institute for Conservation annual meeting, or similar venue, as well as present for staff and community at the park.

There will be an opportunity to travel to Sitka National Historical Park to assist with preventive conservation on site and share findings from the project. Trips will be fully reimbursed with standard government per diem while onsite.

LOCATION

Harpers Ferry Center – Willow Springs Facility, 31 Maple Tree Dr, Charles Town, WV 25414

Although the conservation labs are a part of Harpers Ferry Center they are located 6 miles from Harpers Ferry, WV in Charles Town, WV. Although only 70 miles from Washington, D.C., the area is a grouping of small communities with plenty of historic and outdoor attractions, but limited public transportation – your own transportation is required.

Contract Timeline:

12-month placement January of 2026 and ending in December of 2026. Exact start and end dates will be determined with the chosen candidate.

Full time; 40 hours per week.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Wage: $30/hr

• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance premiums are covered 100% by GBI. Available on the first day of the month following the start of employment.
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays;
• Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match;
• Access to Pro Deals;

Requirements/Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, employees must be able to satisfactorily carry out each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education: A qualified applicant must have a graduate degree from a recognized program in Art conservation with a specialization in Book conservation. International candidates will not be considered unless they currently possess a visa to work in the United States. Applicants up to five years out of their program will be considered.

This position is designed to be benchwork treatment-focused and as such, most work will be done in the lab.

Experience:

• Outstanding hand skills and meticulous attention to detail;
• Familiarity with current conservation materials, methods, and ethics (AIC membership is a plus);
• Proficiency with digital imaging;
• Excellent communication and writing skills;
• Proven time management and teamwork skills;
• Must be well-organized and open to a work environment which requires flexibility.

Background Check: Successful completion of a criminal background check is required as a condition of employment for this position.

Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

NOTE: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Disclaimer: Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.