Global Title: Sr. Manuscript Specialist
Global Grade: 9
Job Code: 4448
Last Updated: 01/16
Job Title: Conservator
Basic Function & Responsibilities
- Perform technical treatments in the repair of paper documents, art works on paper, books, photographs, and audio and video tapes.
Essential Functions
- Performs conservation treatments, including but not limited to: cleaning, humidification, removing tape, washing, tissue repair and reinforcement, de-acidification, and encapsulation.
- Coordinate preventive conservation activities such as environmental control, disaster planning and emergency response, and integrated pest management.
- Conduct condition assessments for existing and potential new collections.
- Help to design and manage the conservation laboratory by selecting and maintaining appropriate conservation supplies, tools, and equipment. Evaluate and improve workflows while ensuring treatments meet standards and safe lab protocols.
- Manage outsourcing of conservation treatments that cannot be performed in-house.
- Develop workshops and conduct instructional classes on preservation for staff, patrons, local historical societies, and organizations.
- Performs preparations for exhibits, loans, and permanent storage including customized housings for fragile records.
- Assist with special projects and events as needed.
Supervision Received
- General supervision is received from the Associate Director.
Supervision Exercised
- Supervision may be exercised over student support staff.
Minimum Qualifications
- A Bachelor degree in Art Conservation or a Masters’ degree with a specialty in conservation in Art, History, Library Science, Museum Studies, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired.
- Ability to lift and carry 35 to 40-pound boxes is mandatory.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced study in the preservation of art and archival materials and 2-5 years work experience in a preservation program or conservation lab at a research institution or archives.
- Knowledge of preservation standards, guidelines, and trends in the preservation of non-print formats.
- Experience in writing and managing grants.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Work typically involves exposure to chemical solvents.
- Excellent visual, writing, and public speaking skills
Apply for this position on the University of Missouri Human Resource Services page.