Job Posting: Book Conservator – Library of Congress (Washington, DC)

JOB TITLE: Conservator
AGENCY: Library of Congress
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:140282
SALARY RANGE: $52,668.00 to $68,465.00/Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: January 12, 2015 to February 12, 2015
SERIES & GRADE: GS-1001-09
POSITION INFORMATION: Open – Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 12
DUTY LOCATIONS: 2 vacancies in the following location:  Washington, DC, US
WHO MAY APPLY:  
Anyone May Apply – By law, employment at most U.S. Government agencies, including the Library of Congress, is limited to U.S. citizens. However, non-citizens may be hired, provided that other legal requirements are met and the Library determines there are no qualified U.S. citizens available for the position.
The Conservator position is located in the Conservation Division in the Preservation Directorate. The Conservation Division accomplishes the preservation of the Library’s holdings – including rare, valuable and special collections through a variety of activities, which include performing condition assessment, housing, and treatment of collection items, conducting research and analysis of Library materials, and investigating degradation processes and efficacy of treatments. Conservators also undertake a range of other activities including preventive care measures such as monitoring and evaluating environmental controls, integrated pest management, and emergency preparedness, response and recovery of collections, product testing and quality control programs, review of guidelines and specifications, and preservation training of staff, allied professionals, interns, fellows, volunteers, and the general public.
The incumbent serves as a conservation specialist in a subject area or format (book, paper, photo conservation) and performs the following duties:

  1. Demonstrates a growing knowledge, and continued development of highly refined manual skills and judgment concerning conservation treatment.
  2. Examines collection items to determine their condition and composition.
  3. Establishes written and photographic documentation of the object condition prior to treatment and drafts written treatment proposals for review by supervisor.
  4. Performs conservation treatment and housing and prepares the complete conservation documentation as part of the permanent record of the collection item.
  5. Implements conservation programs and guidelines as developed by senior conservators and supervisory conservators, including establishing and maintaining optimal exhibition, transportation, and storage conditions, care and handling of library materials, integrated pest management, collections recovery, collections condition survey methodologies, and the use of appropriate housing and storage materials.
  6. In the course of examination and treatment, performs specific chemical tests and analytical techniques under the guidance of senior conservation staff to identity and/or determine condition and composition of materials used in the composition and manufacture of library materials. Interprets and incorporates the results of testing and analysis in condition reports and treatment plans based on an understanding of the chemistry of the materials and history and technology of their manufacture.
  7. Participates in larger conservation or preservation efforts, including projects that involve other Division staff members, Preservation Directorate staff, interns, and volunteers, as well as representatives from custodial units, with varying skill and knowledge levels.
  8. Under the direction from the Supervisory Conservator, may communicate on conservation topics in writing, and may report on conservation issues and research results through publications or presentations at professional gatherings.
  9. Keeps current on state-of-the-art conservation and preservation methods and techniques by reading technical information and journals and attending presentations and training in the area of specialty.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

  1. Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of preservation and conservation treatment and the ability to properly document actions taken.
  2. Ability to assess collections to determine preservation needs.
  3. Ability to communicate in writing.
  4. Ability to research and analyze collections and materials to carry out conservation treatment and other preservation measures.
  5. Ability to provide consultation, outreach, and liaison services.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please go to USA JOBS and carefully follow all instructions under the How to Apply tab to ensure you are considered for the position.  The job posting number is: 140282
You are required to apply online for this announcement. The Library is unable to accept mailed or emailed documents. You must complete the entire application process, including submission of all documents BEFORE this announcement closes.
Customer Service Center
Phone: 202-707-5627
Email: JobHelp@loc.gov
Agency Information:
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Ave. SE
LM-107
Washington, DC 20540