Associate Conservator

Newberry Library

Regular Full Time

Professional

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Salary Range:

$51,500.00 To 51,500.00 Annually
 

TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should attach a cover letter and resume, both as PDF documents, to their application in the Newberry Career Center. Applications sent without both a resume and cover letter will not be considered. To be considered for this role, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

 

ABOUT THE NEWBERRY:
The Newberry collection—some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages—is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry’s reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources.

 

Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry has remained dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As individuals engage with Newberry collections and staff, they discover stories that bridge the past and present and illuminate the human condition.

 

The Newberry’s community of discovery is driven by a shared commitment to promoting research, inspiring learning, and using inquiry across the humanities as a tool to engage critically in a vibrant democratic society.

 

SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Director of Conservation Services, the Associate Conservator assists with identifying preservation priorities and performing treatment and rehousing of Newberry Library collection materials and assists the Director with coordinating general and special collections conservation workflows, conservation initiatives and other departmental activities.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

In consultation with Director of Conservation Services, curators, and Reader Services staff, identifies conservation needs and performs and documents treatments on Newberry Library collection materials, which include a broad range of materials, such as books, archival documents, maps, manuscripts on paper and parchment, photographs and other materials.
 

Assists in planning and coordinating treatment workflows and preservation priorities; Assesses new acquisitions and collections for rehousing and treatment needs; Maintains disaster preparedness materials and information, and coordinates disaster preparedness training programs; Participates in loan activities, including serving as a courier; Participates in training department staff and volunteers in conservation and preservation activities; Trains and educates Newberry staff in the care and handling of materials; Monitors statistics for conservation workflow; Coordinates small-scale commercial library binding needs, as appropriate; Assists with surveying materials for grant proposals and conservation projects; Assists in managing and implementing environmental and pest monitoring programs; Participates in producing reports and statistics, and database management; Assists in monitoring conservation equipment and material supply needs; Participates in library committees; Participates in tours of the department and other forms of outreach; Stays informed of current research and developments in conservation, preservation, and related fields, and; Performs other tasks or activities needed for the achievement of departmental goals;

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate degree in the conservation of books and paper, or equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Minimum five years of conservation experience in a museum or rare book library setting.

• Extensive knowledge of paper-based works, including book history and structure.

• Excellent hand skills and understanding of conservation theory, practice, and treatments for library and archival materials including books, paper, maps, bound manuscripts on paper and parchment, and photographs.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaboratively, and productively in a dynamic environment.

• Demonstrated record of continued education in the field.

• Demonstrated ability using productivity software including spreadsheets and databases.

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to meet strict deadlines PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision and accuracy. Physical ability to stand for multiple hours per day and to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

 

SCHEDULE:

This is a full-time, exempt position, working 35 hours per week, with normal hours generally from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. The incumbent may work evening and weekend hours, as needed. While remote work is possible, the incumbent will work primarily onsite.

 

BENEFITS:

The Newberry offers a comprehensive benefits package including a variety of health, dental, and vision insurances; generous paid time off (vacation time, sick leave, personal days, and paid holidays); a 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match; employer-provided basic life and long-term disability insurance; paid parental leave; and much more.