Job Posting: Conservation Assistant II – Preservation Department, Yale University Library (New Haven, CT)

Conservation Assistant II
Collections Conservation and Housings
Preservation Department
Conservation Services
Yale University Library
Grade D
Job: #32196
For a complete job description please go to: http://www.yale.edu/jobs/
Position Focus: Under the supervision of the Chief Conservator and/or Assistant Chief Conservator, performs a variety of tasks related to the conservation of books and other library materials from Yale’s general, circulating, rare, and special collections. This position’s primary assignment will be in collections conservation and housings, with secondary assignments from special collections conservation and exhibition production support.
In consultation with the Assistant Chief Conservator, carries out treatments on library materials in accordance with accepted standards for conservation practice; gives time estimates, and documents treatments performed.  Handles intermediate to complex conservation tasks that require knowledge and expertise in multiple techniques and tools and uses skills and abilities to adapt techniques and knowledge to solve unique problems.  Treatments applied in combination include, but are not limited to, conservation rebinding, rebacking and board reattachment; surface cleaning; aqueous treatment to wash and/or de-acidify; mending and/or lining; tape and adhesive removal.  Uses a variety of simple, visual examination techniques and equipment such as a microscope and ultraviolet illumination to describe the materials, construction and condition of cultural property.  Designs and makes complex, custom-fit enclosures for fragile objects using supplied materials.  These may include custom 4-flap, clamshell or 2-piece boxes, which can be made by hand or using a Kasemake automated box-making system and its unique software.  Housing may also include matting, framing and encapsulation.  Tracks incoming and outgoing collection items for the unit.  Fields questions from Library staff about individual items, and ensures that recall and rush requests are filled in a timely manner.  Assists conservators with conservation and preservation outreach activities.  May assist with the training of student assistants.  May assists conservators with surveys noting general conditions of cultural property via written or electronic reports.  Assists with laboratory maintenance, supply inventories,and restocking; prepares solutions and other stock treatment essentials (e.g., paste, adhesives); cleans and maintains equipment; participates in laboratory safety training.  May assist in the preparation of library materials for exhibition.  Fabricates simple mounts and, in consultation with the Exhibits Production Coordinator.
Education and Experience: Six years of directly relevant work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and a high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate degree or little or no work experience and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:  Minimum of one year experience in book conservation at another institution or practice, under the supervision of a conservator.  Required Skills and Abilities:  Demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals, techniques and history of bookbinding, paper treatment and conservation.  Excellent manual dexterity and sustained concentration with delicate and occasionally repetitive tasks.  A portfolio of relevant work is required.