This is technical work in the preservation and care of historic interiors and associated art collections at Miami-Dade County's Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

An employee in this class is responsible for the cleaning, care and condition monitoring of Vizcaya's historic interiors and associated collections of antique furniture, carpets, oil paintings and decorative objects. Responsibilities include restoring and inspecting artwork, controlling inventory of art collections, storage, cataloguing, rehousing of collection objects, and preparing maintenance reports. The incumbent applies knowledge in the proper care and handling of fragile and delicate museum items. Supervision is received from an administrative or technical superior who reviews work through personal conferences and written reports for achievement of desired goals and objectives.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Performs hands-on cleaning of furnishings and associated decorative objects in historic interiors, using knowledge of professional standards for collection care.

Assists Collection and Archives Manager in inventory, cataloguing, storage and rehousing of collections materials.

Maintains housekeeping manual for proper care and maintenance of historic interiors and collections.

Advises superiors on condition of collections, possible causes of any problems and possible avenues of solving the problems.

Accompanies on-site subcontractors and assists, as needed, in conservation treatment of objects.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of collection preservation and restoration.

Considerable knowledge of collection care maintenance.

Knowledge of public relations principles and techniques.

Ability to apply the principles and practices of art collection maintenance.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, artists and a variety of other public and private officials.

Ability to coordinate repair and maintenance of an artwork collection.

Ability to research artwork projects and prepare reports.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.