DOS - HISTORIC CONSERVATOR - 45000351

Requisition No: 886336 

Agency: Department of State

Working Title: DOS - HISTORIC CONSERVATOR - 45000351

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 45000351 

Salary:  $41,161.92 - 46,592.04 annually 

Posting Closing Date: 11/16/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Department of State

Historic Conservator

Division of Historical Resources

Bureau of Archaeological Research

Open Competitive

Minimum Qualifications:

• Six (6) years of direct work experience in Anthropology, Museum Studies, History or closely related field; OR a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Anthropology, Museums Studies, History or closely related field and three (3) years’ experience working in an archaeological conservation laboratory; OR a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the listed fields and one (1) year of experience working in an archaeological conservation laboratory.
• Documented experience in the treatment of Archaeological objects from both marine and terrestrial contexts.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures.
• Current Resume and Cover Letter

Preferences:

• Experience working with a variety of materials including, but not limited to, metal m wood, and ceramics.
• Experience conserving wooden objects recovered from submerged contexts.
• Skilled in the use of electrolysis to treat metal objects.
• Experience giving tours to the public and attending public outreach events
• Knowledge of Florida archaeology and/or Southeastern US archaeology.

Special Note:

Responses to qualifying questions must be clearly supported in your employment history.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Bureau of Archaeological Research is responsible for the stewardship of archaeological resources on state-owned and managed lands and sovereignty submerged waters in Florida. The Collections and Conservation Section maintains the state’s archaeological collections, which consists of millions of objects representing over 14,000 years of Florida’s history. A successful applicant will conserve a variety of objects ranging from historic period ceramics, wooden canoes, to large metal anchors and cannons. Responsibilities include:

• Conserving marine and terrestrial archaeological objects, including metal, ceramic, and organic artifacts
• Processing, organizing, and documenting archaeological objects, ensuring accurate record-keeping and database management within the Collections Management System
• Monitoring facility and equipment maintenance, including procuring supplies, scheduling equipment inspections, and maintaining a clean and organized laboratory workspace.
• Participating in public outreach initiatives to promote the Collections and Conservation Section, including conducting laboratory tours and representing the Bureau at external events
• Responding to inquiries and requests for assistance regarding conservation to Department staff, other state and federal agencies, and the general public. Assuming primary responsibility for coordinating conservation of artifacts not held in title by the Division of Historical Resources.
• Other duties as required

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to conserve marine and terrestrial objects independently, including documentation and photography.
• Broad knowledge of conservation materials, chemical, safety procedures, and best practices.
• Knowledge of conserving metal artifacts through electrolysis
• Strong computer literacy focused on the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 2016 or later, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and climb ladders
• Ability to travel and work outdoors when required.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS: A Level 2 criminal background check is a condition of employment.  If selected for this position, you must provide your fingerprints.  We will send your fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a criminal background check.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

We are committed to enhancing our workforce through the employment of Veterans, individuals with disabilities and seek qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds, abilities, skills, and talents to join our workforce.

Male applicants born on or after January 1, 1960, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: https://www.sss.gov

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.