Preservation Technician

Historic Oakland Foundation (HOF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1976 as the “friends of” group for Oakland Cemetery. Our mission is to partner with the City of Atlanta to preserve, restore, enhance, and share Oakland Cemetery with the public as an important resource and an island of tranquility in the heart of the city. Oakland Cemetery is a garden oasis, historical repository, cultural resource, and leader in restoration and cemetery interpretation.

HOF is accepting applications for the post of a Preservation Technician. This position will be responsible for conducting restoration efforts at the 48-acre cemetery, to include work on historic monuments, walls, walkways and buildings using preservation-based techniques.

Role and Accountabilities:

  • Carry out routine restoration projects such as repairs to monuments, walls and other projects, both independently and in group settings, in a diligent and efficient manner using appropriate materials, tools and techniques.

  • Work under direct supervision and in collaboration with Preservation Specialist and Director of Preservation on complex and large-scale conservation projects such as mausoleum repair, retaining wall rebuilding, and monument repairs.

  • Monitor workshop inventory and advise the Preservation Specialist when materials and tools need to be replaced.

  • Monitor overall conditions of the cemetery, especially after storm events, special events or other opportunities for damage to the historic resources. Report damages to Preservation Specialist.

  • Participate in preservation Outreach and Education initiatives and work with volunteers, students, and the community.

  • Provide support to the Director of Programming, Operations Manager, and Director of Horticulture, as needed.

  • Accomplish all other tasks as directed by the President & CEO, CFO/COO, and the Director of Preservation.

Education and Experience:

  • Completion of high school or a GED

  • Valid Drivers License

  • Prior experience in masonry, construction, or other similar trades-based field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Required:

  • Ability to work closely and cooperatively in small teams of 2-3, follow project scopes, and deliver work on time and budget

  • Familiarity and comfort with hand tools and power tools, including grinders, generators, hammer drills, etc.

  • Willingness to learn new techniques, possibly by attending seminars, conferences or courses related to preservation

Desired:

  • Experience and understanding of historic masonry: mixing lime mortar, pointing, leveling walls and/or stones, cleaning using non-damaging techniques, brick and stone laying, headstone repair, etc.

  • Familiarity with safe techniques for using tripods, scaffolding, and other hoist equipment.

  • Experience restoring cemeteries or historic structures/landscapes

  • Willingness to train, monitor, and supervise other Preservation Technicians.

The person in this position will be in the field and may be required to lift heavy objects such as stones, masonry materials and tools.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should email their letter of interest and resume to careers@oaklandcemetery.com.

Historic Oakland Foundation, 374 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Position Classification:

This position is hourly (40 hours a week). Salary is $16-19/hr commensurate with experience.