Job Opportunity - Conservation Assistant

[Jason Helms <jason.helms@YALE.EDU>]

Yale University Library 
Preservation Department
Conservation Lab
Conservation Assistant III (Level E)
Requisition# LSTF14796
                             
Normal Work Schedule:  Monday – Friday 8:30 – 5:00 p.m. 37.5 hours
per week
 
General Purpose:
Under the supervision of the Chief Conservator or Assistant Chief
Conservator, performs a variety of tasks related to the conservation of
books and 
other library materials from Yale's rare and special collections.

 Essential Duties:
1.  Repair library materials by returning them to a usable
condition while retaining as much of the original information as
possible.
2.  Disband, bind, repair and conserve bindings.
3.  Treat and protect paper by dry cleaning, washing de-acidifying,
tissue mending, tape removal, encapsulation, matting and mounting.
4.  Propose appropriate treatment methods, based on established
treatment protocols, gives time estimates and documents treatments
performed.
5.  Assist in determining appropriate treatments and repairs, and
independently carries them out according to specified standards.
6.  Track personal work statistics via electronic spreadsheets.
7.  Maintain accurate records of object status throughout accession,
treatment and return.
8.  Make protective enclosures, including phase boxes, clamshell
boxes portfolios and mats.
9.  Perform book and paper treatments with tools and equipment
appropriate for the task; this includes but is not limited to hand tools,
book presses, board shears, guillotine, ultrasonic welder, board creaser,
suction table and suction disc; may also perform maintenance on this
equipment.
10.  May take lead responsibilities in some areas of expertise.
11.  Use limited range of chemicals to perform specific treatments
when necessary, following appropriate safety measures.
12.  Handle highly 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.
13.  Maintain awareness of current bookbinding and conservation
techniques by reading and attending lectures/workshops.
14.  Assist in preparation of library materials for exhibition.
15.  Assist in training staff and may take lead responsibilities,
including overseeing and coordinating projects or work processes.
16.  Assist with disaster recovery operations following standard
recovery procedures. 
17.  Perform other duties as assigned.
 
Education and Training: 
1.  Two years of directly relevant experience and a Bachelor's
degree or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
2.  Demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals, techniques and
history of book- binding, paper treatment and conservation.  A
portfolio of relevant work is required.
 
Skills and Abilities: 
1.  Excellent manual dexterity and sustained concentration with
delicate and occasionally repetitive tasks.
2.  Good communication and interpersonal skills.
3.  Effective organizational skills
4.  Ability to push a fully loaded booktruck, lift boxes up to 30
lbs and to move pallets of board or other oversized supplies, using a
hand truck.
5.  Basic computer skills including word processing and use of
spreadsheets.
6.  References must indicate reliable attendance and punctuality,
accuracy, attention to detail and diligent performance.
7.  Preferred: Experience in directing the work of others.