Preventive Conservator
Princeton University Job Location: New Jersey Apply By: 07/31/2019 Date Created: 05-02-2019
Preventive Conservator (D-19-LIB-00012)
Princeton University Library (PUL) seeks a skilled, knowledgeable, and innovative Preventive Conservator to administer and manage preventive conservation of PUL’s extraordinary collections. PUL is one of the world’s leading research libraries, serving a diverse community of 5,200 undergraduates, 2,600 graduate students, 853 faculty members, and many visiting scholars. Its holdings include more than 7 million printed volumes, 5 million manuscripts, 2 million non-print items, and extensive collections of digital text, data, and images. PUL employs a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of more than 300 professional and support staff working in a large central library, 9 specialized branches, and 3 storage facilities.
Major Responsibilities
Reporting to the Preservation Librarian, the Preventive Conservator works collaboratively to ensure long-term preservation of PUL’s general and special collections. The Preventive Conservator takes primary responsibility for collections management activities including: environmental monitoring & management, integrated pest management, collection housing & storage projects, and condition surveys; collaborates with Preservation & Conservation colleagues to plan for and respond to collection emergencies, to carry out materials testing & analysis, to manage collection moves, and to develop departmental and Library-wide policies and workflows in areas including transporting collections, digitization, digital preservation, and health & safety; performs condition assessments and occasional conservation treatments in area(s) of expertise; designs and conducts research on preservation & conservation materials, techniques, and topics according to departmental needs and professional interest; and serves as a key resource for Library staff seeking guidance on collections care topics including providing outreach and training as appropriate.
Required
Master’s degree in conservation or related area with certificate in conservation
Demonstrated knowledge of conservation science, analytical techniques, preventive conservation principles, and conservation ethics
Demonstrated skill in conservation treatments in area of specialization
Experience conducting housing and storage projects and with planning and carrying out condition surveys
Aptitude with MS Office and G Suite tools
Interest in and experience with library and/or archival collection
Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Ability to plan, prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to stand for hours at a time, to lift 20+ pounds, and to work in an environment which includes exposure to materials containing possible dust and mold
Availability for occasional travel and evening/weekend shifts as necessary
Must successfully pass a background check
Preferred
Two years’ post-graduate professional experience
Previous academic library experience
Experience or familiarity with digital preservation best practices
Experience providing training in collections care to non-specialists
Experience with collection moves
Track record of engagement with professional organizations, including presenting and publishing in appropriate venues
Knowledge of one or more foreign languages
Peer-reviewed status with the American Institute for Conservation
The successful candidate will be appointed to an Associate Professional Specialist or more senior rank depending upon qualifications and experience.
To apply visit: https://puwebp.princeton.edu/AcadHire/apply/index.xhtml
Applications received by June 3, 2019 will receive first considerationPrinceton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW.
