Senior Specialist, Architectural Conservation
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
Historic Environment Department
Conservation Section
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
JOB PURPOSE
· Plan, coordinate and supervise the implementation of conservation interventions on Abu Dhabi’s Historic Environment, with a particular focus on Abu Dhabi’s earthen historic buildings, including preparing and utilizing traditional materials in repair and preservation works.
· To train and supervise craftsmen and workers in the repair and conservation methods and ensure the knowledge of traditional methods for the preventive conservation and care of earthen heritage is sustained, documented, disseminated and transmitted to current and new generations of workers.
· To oversee and manage the production of traditional building materials to support conservation interventions.
· To assess sites, prepare plans and designs for conservation and oversees the execution of conservation works on projects of varying scales across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Conservation Operations
· Survey, identify, and assess the cultural significance and condition of Abu Dhabi’s historic buildings through field investigation, site inspection and monitoring, documentation, and research.
· Conduct research and/or provide advice on material analysis, treatment specifications, surveying and recording methodologies.
· Provide conservation advice and guidance on development and planning proposals affecting historic buildings of Abu Dhabi Emirate.
Oversee, coordinate and/or provide input into conservation management plans for earthen sites.
· Develop a project schedule for the inspection, repair, maintenance and conservation works of traditional earthen buildings as assigned.
· Undertake conservation appraisals, deliver and oversee conservation implementation strategies for assigned projects.
· Manage and coordinate projects, oversee selection of outsourced appointments, provide advice on the content and delivery of the project deliverables.
· Monitor the implementation of approved alterations to listed buildings and conservation areas and recommend, when required, enforcement action in the case of unauthorized works to designated assets and conservation areas.
· Liaise with external stakeholders and provide advice on developing and integrating conservation-related strategies.
· Ensure all works carried out are accurately documented, archived and made available for research and historical record keeping.
· Plan, implement and manage workshops to produce earthen building materials and other traditional materials, such as gypsum, sarooj, palm trunks and fronds for various conservation-related works.
· Monitor the quality of execution of traditional methods and of the production of traditional materials to be used in conservation works.
· Supervise craftsmen and workers in the use of traditional methods and materials to ensure accurate and timely repair and conservation of traditional earthen buildings.
· Teach craftsmen and workers the skills and methods required to repair and preserve earthen buildings
· Train craftsmen and workers in the inspection of traditional earthen buildings enabling them to identify when repair and maintenance work is needed and escalate for approval to action.
· Train and assist in training of building conservators.
· Conduct archival and technical research on earthen building techniques and materials to enable the future conservation of historic buildings in the UAE.
· Direct and coordinate or supervise the work of direct craftsmen/workers, consultants, and contractors appointed to assigned projects.
· Prepare presentations, reports and articles that are related to conducted work.
Policies, Processes and Procedures
· Participate in the development of DCT’s Conservation section policies, processes and procedures technically and operationally and ensure adherence, so that all relevant requirements are fulfilled and aligned with the operations.
· Follow all Conservation section policies, processes, procedures and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.
· Participate, contribute or take the lead in developing policies, guidelines, standards and procedures for the care, protection, conservation, and management of Abu Dhabi’s historic environment that abide by international standards and principles.
Collaboration
· Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on matters related to Conservation - Historic Buildings unit to facilitate flow of information and also to build awareness in those areas.
Day-to-Day Operations
· Supervise and coordinate field work to ensure continuity and the delivery of effective and high-quality outputs.
· Identify conservation, repair and maintenance works, advise and supervise workers in the completion of works.
· Supervise and coordinate workers, consultants and contractors and conduct hands-on technical work on historic buildings.
· Supervise craftsmen and workers in the use of traditional methods and materials to ensure accurate and timely repair and conservation of historic buildings.
· Report on a regular basis to the Conservation – Historic Buildings Unit Head on operational activities, challenges, hurdles and methods of resolution or mitigation etc. as required to keep the Line Manager informed and updated about the unit’s activities.
· Prepares progress and status reports by analyzing and summarizing the information and work of assigned projects.
· Manage information produced to document work carried out.
· Formulate weekly and monthly plans and ensure alignment with the section and the Section objectives.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, COMPETENCIES
Educational Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in architecture/Archaeology/ Historic Preservation (Heritage Conservation) or other field related to the built environment (geology, material sciences engineering).
· Master’s degree in architecture/Archaeology/ Historic Preservation (Heritage Conservation) or other field related to the built environment (geology, material sciences engineering).
· Apprenticeship in traditional earthen architecture or conservation and or equivalent in work experience preferred.
Years of Experience
· For Bachelor’s degree Holders: minimum 5 years of experience in built heritage conservation with minimum 3 years of field experience in earth architecture construction and conservation.
OR
· For Post Graduate Holders: 3 years of experience in conservation of built heritage with field experience in earthen architecture construction and conservation.
Nature of Experience
Experience in conservation works for earthen buildings.
Knowledge of local architecture and construction materials and techniques.
Proven knowledge and practical experience of traditional earthen building construction materials.
Proven knowledge and practical experience of repair and prevention methods for traditional earthen buildings.
Proven experience of teaching others the traditional techniques and methods for the preservation and repair of traditional earthen buildings.
Strong observational skills to assess preservation and repair needs.
Skill in writing technical reports in English.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in English.
It is preferred to be able to communicate effectively in Urdu or Arabic or both.
Strong organizational skills.
Strong communication and negotiation skills.
Skill in reading architectural drawings.
Other competencies required:
Drivers’ license
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Photography, Microsoft Suite