Preserving an Atlanta Icon
Some jobs let you maintain a building. This one lets you help preserve a piece of Atlanta history.
Originally conceived in 1928 and opened on Christmas Day in 1929, the Fox Theatre has become one of Atlanta's most treasured landmarks. When the building faced demolition in the 1970s, Atlantans rallied around the "Save the Fox" campaign, helping preserve the Theatre and its extraordinary architecture for future generations.
Today, that preservation continues one careful detail at a time.
As our Part-Time Restoration Technician, you'll work alongside the Restoration Manager to help care for the historic finishes, decorative surfaces, furnishings, and architectural details that make the Fox Theatre unlike anywhere else. From decorative plaster and faux finishes to historic furniture and preservation documentation, your work will play a hands-on role in protecting the character and craftsmanship of this iconic building.
If you're someone who appreciates historic places, takes pride in skilled craftsmanship, and believes the details matter, this could be a pretty remarkable place to put your talents to work.
What You'll Do
Preserve & Restore Historic Finishes
- Assist the Restoration Manager with the care and repair of historic finishes and painted surfaces throughout the Theatre.
- Perform in-house repairs using appropriate preservation techniques.
- Apply your skills in decorative plaster, lath, and faux-finish repair.
- Support larger restoration and preservation projects, including work performed by specialized restoration vendors.
Care for Our Historic Collection
- Assist with the care of the Fox Theatre's historic furniture collection.
- Perform routine cleaning and inspections.
- Help document collection conditions and preservation activities.
- Support pest-management efforts designed to protect historic furnishings and materials.
Capture the Work
Preservation isn't only about the work we complete today. Good documentation helps preserve knowledge for tomorrow.
- Assist with documenting restoration and preservation projects.
- Photograph project conditions, work in progress, and completed work.
- Contribute to clear and accurate written project documentation.
Pitch In Where Needed
- Perform non-preservation painting as needed, typically in office and backstage areas.
- Assist with other work that supports the Restoration Department and the needs of the Fox Theatre.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
What You'll Bring
We're looking for someone who combines hands-on technical ability with patience, attention to detail, and respect for historic craftsmanship.
Required Skills & Abilities
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- High proficiency in the repair of decorative plaster and finishes.
- Working knowledge of historic preservation practices.
- Ability to read and interpret standard operating procedures, manuals, schedules, and related materials.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and work-order systems.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities.
- Ability to safely work from ladders and scaffolding.
- Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position described below.
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or GED, along with some technical education or college-level education.
- Two to three years of professional experience involving skills such as:
- Decorative plaster repair
- Decorative painting
- Gilding
- Stenciling
- Glazing
- Color matching
- Plaster patching
- Wood-surface repair
- Basic wall painting
- Baker's scaffold construction
We'd Especially Value
- Experience working in a historic building or similar environment.
- Familiarity with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
- Experience documenting preservation or restoration projects.
- Strong writing skills and basic photography skills.
- Ability to work effectively and professionally with vendors and contractors.
Physical Requirements
This is an active, hands-on role. To perform the essential functions of the position, the Restoration Technician must be able to:
- Frequently move throughout the Theatre, including between multiple floors and up and down stairs.
- Safely ascend and descend ladders and work from scaffolding.
- Lift materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Push, pull, or move objects weighing up to 100 pounds with assistance when necessary.
- Perform work requiring extended periods of physical activity or exertion.
- Maintain the visual, auditory, and tactile attention necessary to safely and accurately perform detailed restoration work.
Other Requirements
- Must be able to work extended or irregular hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
- Successful applicants must be able to pass a post-offer, pre-employment background check.
Where You'll Work
Because you can't restore an historic theatre from your living room, this is an on-site position.
Most work will take place at the Fox Theatre, with occasional off-site responsibilities that may include education and training, site visits, meetings, and warehouse oversight.
The role may require work indoors or outdoors and in varying temperatures and conditions. Depending on the project, you may encounter dust, noise, temperature fluctuations, humidity, fumes, moving equipment, and other conditions associated with restoration and maintenance work.
Schedule
The Fox Theatre comes alive nights, weekends, and holidays, and occasionally our restoration work does too.
This position requires the flexibility to work extended or irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
Why This Role Is Special
There is something uniquely rewarding about helping preserve a place that generations of Atlantans have enjoyed and worked to protect.
Here, your craftsmanship won't simply maintain a workplace. It will help carry a landmark forward.
If you have the technical skills, an eye for detail, respect for historic craftsmanship, and enthusiasm for preserving an extraordinary Atlanta institution, we'd love to hear from you.
Employee Benefits
- Discounted Parking
- Parking Stipend
- Eligibility to Participate on the Fox Theatre Retirement Plan
