Employer: Palace of Nestor Excavations
Location: Pylos, Greece
Contract: Short term with possibility of renewal and/or permanent position
Dates: Winter 2026 (Feb. 11-March 28, 2026)
Summer 2026 (May 18-July 4, 2026)
Fall 2026 (Oct. 5-Nov. 21, 2026)
The Palace of Nestor Excavation Project seeks a temporary experienced objects/metals conservator for hire as an independent contractor, to work in Pylos, Greece. The Palace of Nestor Excavation is an ongoing archaeological dig sponsored by the Department of Classics, University of Cincinnati, that operates in Southwestern Greece. The site dates to the Late Bronze Age (Mycenaean period) and is located near modern-day Pylos. In 2015 the excavation team uncovered the unlooted grave of a prehistoric warrior known as the Griffin Warrior (www.griffinwarrior.org). In 2018 the team began the excavation of two monumental beehive tombs (tholos tombs), which is still in progress.
The conservator will help manage the conservation laboratory (in cooperation with the staff conservator) for the Palace of Nestor excavations and will, in consultation with project directors, carry out the examination, research, and treatment of objects associated with the dig. Tasks include, but are not limited to, conservation, photography, and documentation of archaeological finds; on-site object conservation as needed; supervision of visiting conservators, interns and students; operation of a digital x-radiography machine; and overseeing the storage and packaging of objects.
The lead conservator reports to the co-director of the project, Sharon Stocker (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharon_Stocker).
Qualifications:
Experience with archaeological conservation and excavation
Experience conserving metals, ivory and bone with an emphasis on archaeological metals (excluding iron)
Good English written and verbal communication skills
Computer skills
Familiarity with scientific instrumentation
Experience with removal of objects from archaeological contexts
Ability to work independently and in a group
Some familiarity with Aegean culture
Compensation and Benefits:
Max compensation is $1800 per month gross; in addition, the conservator receives housing in an apartment in Pylos, some meals, and use of an automobile for local transport. Applicants are required to have their own health care plan.
Requirements:
MS or MA in Conservation and a minimum of three years of experience in objects conservation; experience with archaeological metal conservation; driver's license and ability to operate vehicle with a manual transmission.
To Apply:
Please submit the following items:
Current curriculum vitae
Statement of Interest
Graduate transcript (unofficial okay)
One reference and contact information for a second
Complete applications should be sent as a PDF file to Sharon Stocker at sharon.stocker@uc.edu. Applications for the winter session are due by January 15, 2026. Applications for summer and fall seasons are due by March 1, 2026.
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Kathy Hall
Senior Conservator
INSTAP Study Center for East Crete
Crete
Greece
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