Qualifications for conservation technicians

Jean Bailey <jbailey [at] extro__ucc__su__oz__au> writes

>I am interested to note that America has positions entitled
>Conservation Technician and Preservation Technician.  What
>qualifications are required for such positions?

According to our files, about five years ago the qualifications for our
Historic Conservation Technician positions, at the New York State
Archives and Records Administration, are as follows:

    Historic Conservation Technician I (SG 8) Entry level position.
    Education/experience:  High school diploma. One year in handling
    archival material or one year experience in artwork, craftwork or
    skilled technical field such as bookbinding, woodworking,
    sculpture, photography, etc.

    Knowledge/skills: Elementary understanding of characteristics of
    archival and library materials and of materials used in document
    conservation work. Good manual skills.

    Historic Conservation Technician II (SG 12) Education/experience:
    Above plus three years at HCT I or as conservation technician under
    professional documents conservator.

    Knowledge/skills: Well developed understanding of characteristics of
    archival and library materials and of materials used in conservation
    work. Must be able to document work verbally, photographically and
    in writing. Well developed manual and technical skills. Elementary
    understanding of chemistry of archival materials. Knowledge of basic
    lab skills in testing, measuring, formulating solutions, etc.

Sharon Gavitt
Archives Conservation Specialist
New York State Archives and Records Administration
Room 11D40 Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY  12230
518-474-5964

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 8:61
                 Distributed: Friday, February 3, 1995
                        Message Id: cdl-8-61-006
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