Job Listing: Curator of Historic Landscapes

Name of Organization – Colonial Williamsburg

Job Title – Curator of Historic Landscapes

Type – Full-time

Apply –  Curator of Historic Landscapes | MUSEUM, PRESERVATION, CONSERVATION, EDUCATION & RESEARCH

Summary –  The Curator of Historic Landscapes will lead the research, interpretation, and preservation of Colonial Williamsburg's historic landscapes, including 18th-century landscapes, colonial revival gardens, natural woodlands, and the original streetscape. This role is critical in developing and implementing a comprehensive landscape master plan, conducting research on how humans shaped Williamsburg's landscape, and collaborating with internal teams from Landscape Services, Historic Area, Development, and other external partners. The Curator will guide garden restoration, ensure historical accuracy in landscape maintenance, and support interpretive initiatives. Additionally, the Curator will engage in public presentations, participate in professional conferences, and work with donors to secure support for landscape initiatives. The position will be integral to the development and implementation of a comprehensive landscape master plan that will guide the stewardship, restoration, and interpretation of Colonial Williamsburg's historic landscape resources, which include 18th-century landscapes, 20th-century colonial revival gardens, natural woodlands, and the original streetscape of the colonial town.

Responsibilities –

1. Acts as project manager for the creation of the Master Landscape Plan.
2. Collaborates with the Director of Landscape Services to implement the master landscape plan and ensure gardens and associated landscapes are appropriately maintained to ensure historic authenticity.
3. Provide guidance to the Director of Landscape Services on the appropriate treatment for modem infrastructure projects to ensure the use of historically appropriate materials, plants, and methods.
4. Participate in the Annual Colonial Williamsburg Garden Symposium and contribute public presentations on new research at events onsite as well as represent Colonial Williamsburg at professional conferences.
5. Coordinate with the Office of Development to interface with donors and donor groups to cultivate and steward financial support of landscape initiatives.
6. Develop initiatives that further the horticultural knowledge and function of Colonial Williamsburg.
7. Conduct research into the ways humans, both individually and as a community, shaped the landscape of Williamsburg through time, with a particular focus on the 18th century. The research should inform the public about the restoration and maintenance of Colonial Williamsburg's landscape resources.
8. Develop interpretive and programming initiatives for gardens and landscapes within the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg.
9. Work with appropriate preservation and research disciplines to develop restoration plans for historic landscapes.
10. Work collaboratively with the Department of Archaeology and the Department of Architectural Preservation and Research to develop plans for new garden restorations.
11. Oversee the research, scholarship, and public interpretation of Colonial Williamsburg's historic landscape resources.
12. Advance our horticultural knowledge through research and collaboration with the Landscape Services team and related partners across the organization.

Required and Preferred Education & Experience:

Required: Master's degree in landscape architecture, garden/landscape history, or a related field; five to seven years of experience in a similar or related position.
Preferred: Licensed landscape architect.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated research proficiency using a variety of sources; familiarity with 18th-century American or English landscape design or garden history and plant nomenclature
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other leaders and staff departments
• Ability to develop and implement improvements to historic landscapes
• Demonstrated self-directed learner with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• High level of organization and attention to details
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent leadership skills
• Excellent partnership and relationship builder