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 4,500
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. We work across three areas: arts &
culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Shangri La, DDF operates five national
programs as well as Duke Farms, a New Jersey-based center for applied conservation and
sustainability. Headquartered in New York City, DDF’s activities 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.
POSITION
The Conservation Technician supports the preservation and care of Shangri La’s historic art
collection and exhibitions in a setting that includes museum interiors, outdoor spaces and an
active calendar of programs, convenings and events. This position plays an integral role in
advancing the mission of Shangri La by ensuring the long-term stability, safety and accessibility
of the collection. Through hands-on conservation work, documentation and preventive care,
the Conservation Technician helps safeguard cultural assets for current and future audiences
and enables their thoughtful integration into Shangri La’s programming. Success requires
practical problem-solving, close collaboration with colleagues and an understanding that
collections care supports Shangri La’s broader role as a place for cultural engagement and
exchange.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Conservation and Collections Care
o Carry out preventive conservation tasks including cleaning, dusting and
vacuuming of collection objects made from a range of materials, such as metal,
wood, stone, plaster, ceramics, glass, paper andtextiles in accordance with
conservation protocols.
o Follow established collections-handling procedures, sharing observations or
concerns with supervisors to support alignment with professional conservation
standards.
o Assist with conservation treatments of objects for display, loan, storage and
research purposes.
o Assist with photo and video shoot supervision, pre-construction preparation and
other related tasks.
o Collaborate with Content & Engagement and Operations colleagues to support
cross-functional activities including events, exhibitions and artist residencies,
coordinating collection care and on-site programs through proactive
communication and problem-solving.
Documentation, Systems and Tools
o Monitor and document the condition of museum interiors and collections
regularly, with a focus on environmental controls and pest management
programs.
o Maintain inventory, conservation equipment and supplies to ensure availability,
safe use and functionality for ongoing work.
o Accurately document the condition of objects and treatment processes in The
Museum System (TMS) database, maintaining complete, current and
standardized records.
o Support the Conservator by establishing and maintaining shared work plans to
support cross-functional collaboration and planning.
o Participate in team, department and foundation-wide meetings, including
monthly and weekly staff meetings.
Safety Standards
o Follow workplace health and safety standards in all conservation workspaces,
and handle materials in accordance with preservation policies and established
practices.
o Support the safe handling, protection and relocation of objects.
o Perform other work, including special projects, as assigned.
