Job Description

NYBG Job Description

Position Summary:

The Conservator participates in overall preservation/conservation activities for all Library and Archives collection materials. The Conservator will perform a variety of skilled conservation treatments, prepare and install library materials for internal and external exhibitions. This position reports directly to the Senior Conservator; assists in collection surveys, project planning and writing proposals and participates in grant projects.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manages day-to-day operation of book and paper lab, including treatment time management, ordering supplies and materials, handling documentation and other paperwork, and maintaining lab space and equipment.
• Provides training for in-house staff, volunteers, and researchers regarding safe handling and conservation/preservation policies, etc.
• Trains and supervises conservation interns and volunteers on treatment and collection maintenance procedures.
• Carries out environmental and pest monitoring of all Library spaces.
• Processes donations and new acquisitions by freezing and cleaning in the Quarantine Room.
• Works with Senior Conservator and other library staff to identify and prioritize collection materials in need of treatment and/or housing. Collections are comprised of books, paper, parchment, various photographic formats, ethnobotanical and other materials.
• Prepares condition reports, treatment proposals and reports, including photo documentation, for work proposed and performed, using established procedures;

• Performs minor and complex conservation treatments on special and general collection materials; Treatments include but are not limited to cloth and leather binding repairs; washing and deacidification; paper and parchment stabilization; sewing; fabrication of various protective enclosures
• Works with Senior Conservator to develop treatment plans and project workflows; conduct condition and housing surveys; write proposals and implement grant projects; update policies, procedures and disaster recovery plan, as needed.

• Prepares and installs library materials for exhibitions and loans.
• Works independently within the established practices and adheres to the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the American Institute for the Conservation of Artistic and Historic Works (AIC).
• Participates in professional preservation/conservation organizations.
• Other duties as requested.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in conservation or related area specializing in book and paper conservation, or equivalent combination of internships, advanced courses and experience.
• Minimum of three years post internship in conservation program, preferably in research library.
• Demonstrated skills in performing complex conservation treatments on a broad range of library and archives materials as demonstrated through a portfolio.
• Knowledge of tools, supplies, equipment, methods and practices appropriate for treating and housing book and paper collections.
• Knowledge of and adherence to professional ethical practices in conservation.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills necessary.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to, at minimum to stand or sit for extended periods; some retrieving and placement of collections is required. This would require the ability to remove boxes weighing up to 40 lbs. from shelves, push fully-loaded book carts, climb ladders, re-shelve boxes, and bend or stoop as necessary.

Ability to work in an environment which includes exposure to materials containing dust and possible mold.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Baseline Work Schedule:

This is an onsite, in-person position. Monday through Friday, 35 hours per week. 9am – 5pm.

Salary: $67,000

Benefits:

·    15 Vacation Days 

·    13 Paid Holidays 

·    12 Sick Days 

·    Health and Dental Insurance Coverage 

·    401K 

·    Pension Plan 

If you require an accommodation for any part of the application process, please notify the Human Resources department at HR@nybg.org.

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