Job posting: Senior Conservation Assistant at the Preservation Lab, Cincinnati, OH
Senior Conservation Assistant - Conservation Lab
The Preservation Lab, a collaboration between the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and the University of Cincinnati, is pleased to announce the following position. This position works in a team environment preserving the collections of the two parent institutions.
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County seeks a collaborative, motivated, and skilled individual to preserve and conserve the cultural heritage materials, primarily book and paper, of the two cooperating institutions. The Lab is an open, hybrid lab environment with a staff of seven, as well as students and volunteers. Located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati, the Preservation Lab is a collaborative lab that is jointly managed, staffed, and funded by both the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (PLCH) and UC Libraries.
General Description: Under direct supervision of the conservator, this position is responsible for performing various book and paper conservation treatments on library materials from the collections of the Public Library and University of Cincinnati. These materials include books, manuscripts, works of art on paper, architectural drawings and other objects.
Duties
- Evaluates general collection materials to determine proper treatment based on established conservation standards in consultation with the conservator, as appropriate.
- Executes a variety of intermediate to advanced library conservation treatments on the general and medium rare collections, including binding repairs, resewing and re-casing of bound volumes.
- Assists conservator with basic to intermediate conservation treatment of special collection materials under direct supervision.
- Encapsulates flat materials to protect them during use and makes custom protective enclosures for library materials.
- Maintains treatment records and photographic documentation, as necessary.
- Assists in conducting collection assessments, surveys and producing reports.
- Participates in emergency preparedness, responds to collection emergencies, and salvages materials
- Assists in preparation of materials for loan or exhibition.
- Performs technical functions incidental to conservation and preservation-related activities, such as environmental monitoring.
- May provide guidance of student work and provide instruction.
- Maintains cleanliness of work area including tools and equipment.
- Regular and reliable attendance is a requirement of the position.
- Other assigned duties.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated knowledge of current book and paper conservation and bookbinding techniques.
- Ability to coordinate and execute treatments based on established treatment proposals, within deadlines.
- High level of manual dexterity, and ability to concentrate on repetitive treatments.
- Basic computer skills including word processing and spreadsheets.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current book and paper conservation and bookbinding techniques.
- Ability to coordinate and execute treatments based on established treatment proposals, within deadlines.
- High level of manual dexterity, and ability to concentrate on repetitive treatments.
- Basic computer skills including word processing and spreadsheets.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Job Location
Cincinnati, OH, United States
Position Type
Full time
Education
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years experience in the conservation of library materials or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Hours
40 hours per week, including nights and weekends
Pay Range
Grade 4: $14.72 – $ 21.19 per hour
Deadline
November 19, 2018 or Until filled
To Apply:
