Conservation Technician, Boston Public Library, (Boston, MA)

Posted November 25, 2024

Assists in the treatment and care or rare and unique library materials; follows the AIC Code of Ethics and uses standard techniques and materials to construct enclosures, supports, and mounts for special collections; and performs basic to moderate stabilization treatments for single items and/or batched projects.

Responsibilities:

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

In consultation with the Book Conservator and collections curators, determines the nature and extent of treatment necessary for items selected for conservation. Participates in the planning of project goals and assists in establishing standards of implementation.
Under the supervision of conservators, performs basic to moderate conservation treatment and stabilization for special, rare, and unique library materials.
Constructs specialized housings and enclosures for a broad range of special, rare, and unique library materials.
Assists conservators in documenting physical damage to the collections through preparation of materials; performs pre- and post-treatment documentation, including photo-documentation of materials.
Assists with the maintenance of documentation produced by conservation staff, both physically and electronically.
Operates various machinery such as board cutters, presses, and fume hood; complies with safety measures pertaining to use of machinery.
Assists in preservation and preventative conservation activities related to stacks maintenance, environmental monitoring, pest management, mold review and remediation, and emergency preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
Assists with packing of special, rare, and unique materials to be safely transported for use in exhibitions. Executes established designs of supports and mounts of specific items identified as part of an exhibition. Assists with installation and de-installation of Special Collections materials for exhibitions.
Attends workshops, conferences, and classes relevant to the conservation and preservation of library materials.
Assists in training internal staff – including temporary and project staff – in enclosures, conservation repair, and exhibit preparation practices and participates in training sessions for staff.
Assists with maintaining order and neatness of conservation work areas.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

COMPETENCIES:

Demonstrated ability to perform basic conservation treatments.
Understanding of the concepts, approaches, and basic terminology relating to conservation.
Awareness of the broad causes of damage to Special Collections and mitigation methods.
Proficiency with MS Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
Ability to work productively in a team environment with minimal supervision.
Demonstrates initiative and appropriate independent decision-making skills.
Demonstrated organizational skills, including identifying, planning, and prioritizing job responsibilities and tasks.
Ability to collaborate with library staff.
Ability to carry out detailed procedures with accuracy.
Ability to work independently.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education – Graduate of a recognized conservation and/or bookbinding training program, participation in a formal apprenticeship, or similar. In exceptional circumstances, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirement.
Experience – Experience in a recognized conservation facility is required. At least two (2) years of experience working with rare or unique books and paper artifacts in a library, archives, museum, or similar setting is desirable.

REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Hours per week: 35