Senior Book and Paper Conservator Position The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens San Marino, California, USA
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens seeks a collaborative and enthusiastic book and paper conservator to join our preservation team in a senior position. The Preservation Department at The Huntington includes book, paper, and paintings conservators who support the rich collections of the Library and Art Divisions. The Senior Book and Paper Conservator participates in the leadership of the book and paper laboratory and works closely with the Head of Preservation and Conservation to develop policies and procedures. This position manages the book and paper conservation workflows and oversees the physical care, preservation, and conservation treatment of book and paper-based collections. The collections include books, manuscripts, photographs, works of art on paper and other paper-based materials in both the Library and Art Divisions. The Senior Book and Paper Conservator reports to the Head of Preservation and Conservation and works successfully with diverse staff at many levels from across the institution in a team-oriented environment where collaboration and shared ideas are the norm. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Works as part of the Library's management team to mentor, develop and supervise 4 FTE book and paper conservation lab staff. This includes hiring, training, delegating treatments, reviewing work for quality, and coordinating workflows. Manages the day-to-day operations of the book and paper conservation labs. Leads a team responsible for the assessment and treatment of bound and unbound rare collections, works of art on paper, and general collections. Works closely with department head and curatorial staff to set treatment priorities for book and paper materials. * Examines, analyzes, and performs conservation treatments for book and paper-based materials as appropriate for conservator's specialization in accordance with AIC guidelines. Provides full written and photographic documentation of treatments in accordance with AIC guidelines. * Contributes to permanent and rotating exhibits by reviewing materials, making recommendations, and managing treatment. Reviews and prepares materials for incoming and outgoing loans. Consults with exhibition staff, curators, and registrars on loans and exhibition design for factors related to the physical preservation of collection items. Shares courier assignments for collection objects being lent to institutions domestically and internationally. * Prepares condition assessments, conducts surveys, and provides other written reports as necessary. * Working with Library and Art Division staff, develops and implements preservation and treatment strategies at the collection level. Participates in departmental activities such as educational programs, emergency response, and environmental control. * Provides direction, in collaboration with other senior conservation staff, on the general organization, maintenance, and management of the conservation laboratory. Researches and recommends laboratory equipment and supplies. * Keeps current with standards and new developments in the field; participates in regional, national, and international preservation activities. Promotes the work of the lab to The Huntington and external constituencies. Educates staff and readers on matters related to preservation and conservation. * Conducts or assists with workshops, seminars, and other training. Assists and supports OSHA safety compliance. QUALIFICATIONS * Master's degree from a graduate training program in conservation preferred. * Thorough knowledge of conservation theory and practice, and materials science as it applies to book and paper-based materials. * Excellence in performing complex conservation treatments on a broad range of book and/or paper-based materials as demonstrated through a portfolio. * Ability to manage multiple priorities with skill and equanimity in a fast-paced environment. * Excellent oral and written communication skills; excellent organizational skills. * Demonstrated computer and related technology skills including FileMaker Pro, Aeon, LibAnswers/LibGuides. * Evidence of professional activity, most typically through membership and participation in AIC. EXPERIENCE * Six years professional experience in the conservation of books and/or paper materials; working with rare and special collections or works of art on paper in an institutional setting preferred. * Supervisory experience strongly preferred. * Exhibit experience strongly preferred. The Huntington Library is one of the world's great independent research libraries in the fields of British and American history, literature, art, and the history of science, stretching from the 11th century to the present. It is located 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the city of San Marino. Conservators at The Huntington work in a well-equipped, modern 10,000 square foot laboratory on the second floor of the Munger Research Center. At The Huntington, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to support and promote the appreciation of the humanities, the arts, and botanical science. The Huntington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. First consideration will be given to applications received by April 15, 2019. For more information, interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to visit The Huntington's website: www.huntington.org<http://www.huntington.org> Holly Moore Lloyd E. Cotsen Head of Preservation and Conservation Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 PH: 626.405.2197 FAX: 626.405.3444 [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> www.huntington.org<http://www.huntington.org/> ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
