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Conservation Technician, Cambridge, MA

Filed under GSLIS Jobs and Opportunities
Posted by GSLIS, October 23, 2007
View all posts for October 2007

CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN
Location: Cambridge, MA
Grade:52; One Year Term Appointment

DUTIES & DESCRIPTION The Weissman Preservation Center in the Harvard University Library is seeking a Conservation Technician to treat and house special collections materials selected for digitization by the Harvard University Library Open Collections Program. Under the supervision of a conservator, the technician prepares condition and treatment reports including photo-documentation. Carries out a broad range of basic/routine book and paper conservation treatments. Constructs protective enclosures for special collections, measures materials for commercial boxing, and performs other routine procedures. Collaborates with staff members on conservation projects involving large collections. Prepares library materials for exhibit, including fabricating cradles and other supports, cutting mats, hinging and framing library materials, and mounting displays. Maintains inventories of supplies and tools. Attends Open Collections Program department meetings and working group meetings to monitor project plans. Participates in disaster recovery efforts where Harvard’s library collections are involved. Assists in carrying out condition surveys, monitoring environmental conditions, and other activities as required.Note: One year term limited appointment with renewal subject to review of incumbent performance & department priorities.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: High School diploma or equivalent required. Training in book binding and paper repair through a formal training program or OJT and experience in a recognized conservation facility required. Must be able to prepare short reports utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, and e-mail programs.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: College background preferred. Superior manual dexterity and demonstrated ability to work with high degree of accuracy/precision. Excellent communication skills. Ability to follow directions and work independently. Strong organizational skills, including ability to work within established priorities and to achieve goals. Ability to adapt to change, to analyze/solve problems, and to work collaboratively. Ability to handle sharp tools, lift up to 30 lbs., and to escort materials from one building to another.

The Weissman Preservation Center in the Harvard University Library manages and implements programs and projects dedicated to assessing, preserving, and making accessible the holdings of libraries and other entities at Harvard. Work is carried out at the highest level of practice in a fully equipped conservation laboratory, where 17 FTE conservators and technicians treat rare and unique materials (exclusively) in the Library’s special collections. The successful candidate will benefit from access to the rich cultural environment of Harvard University and the Boston area. For more information, please visit: http://preserve.harvard.edu & http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/.

For benefits and pay range see: http://employment.harvard.edu/benefits/compensation/ & for full job posting and to apply electronically see: http://jobs.harvard.edu/jobs/summ_req?in_post_id=35579