Job Details

Title:                    Conservation Technician Consultant 

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

Reports to:        Conservator

Job Type:            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. 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.

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.
• 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.
• Make sure that all project activities adhere to proper handling protocols, providing recommendations to staff as necessary to ensure project alignment with best practices.   

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. As a group of private foundations, 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.