Position at Columbia

Conservation Assistant
Columbia University Libraries
Joseph Urban Stage Model Project (July 1, 2002-June 30, 2004)
Job ID # 74723838
Technical Assistant VI
Salary $565.99/week

The Columbia University Libraries Conservation Department seeks
qualified applicants for the position described below.  It is funded
by the National Endowment for the Humanities for a period of two
years, beginning July 1, 2002.  It is a union position with full
benefits, including 4 weeks' vacation and health insurance.

Duties:  This two-year position, funded by the National Endowment
for the Humanities, will focus primarily on the survey and rehousing
of the Joseph Urban stage models, 340 mixed media constructions made
primarily from painted illustration board and paper. The collection
is located in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Columbia
University.

Under the direction of the Head Conservator and the Special
Collections Conservator, the incumbent will create custom fitted
protective housings and fill out condition survey forms for the
components of each model. Basic conservation procedures such as
surface cleaning, minor mending, humidification and adhesive removal
will be carried out as needed. In addition to duties associated with
the Urban project, the incumbent will assist with cutting mats,
making exhibit cradles, disaster response and other departmental
activities as assigned.  May also perform conservation repairs on
selected materials from the general library collections, including
sewing pamphlets, reattaching boards, encapsulating maps and
documents, repairing torn pages and making protective enclosures.
Depending on skill level may perform more complex binding repairs.

Skills and qualifications:  High school diploma or equivalent
required, BA/BS preferred.  One year full-time experience (or
equivalent) in conservation of rare or valuable paper artifacts
including experience with protective housings and exhibit
preparation. Must have basic paper repair skills, ability to
recognize and describe the condition of media and paper, and
demonstrated ability to handle fragile and rare materials with care.
Must be highly organized and able to work independently when
necessary; good communications and interpersonal skills essential.
Must be willing to work on a wide range of materials, performing
detailed and occasionally repetitive tasks.  Requires operation of
specialized equipment (e.g. ultrasonic welder, fume hood, guillotine
cutter) and use of various chemicals under controlled conditions.
Applicants should be able to lift moderately heavy objects and to
work with dusty library materials.  Must be willing to undergo
medical exam to authorize use of respiratory protective gear
(half-face respirator or equivalent). Basic word processing,
spreadsheet and database skills will be helpful. Applicants are
encouraged to provide a portfolio of previous conservation or
related work.  Portfolio may be submitted with application or at
time of interview.

To apply, send resume and cover letter to:

    M. Joseph Knox
    Human Resources
    Columbia University Libraries
    535 West 114th St.
    New York, NY 10027
    Fax: 212-854-1550
    jk690 [at] columbia__edu

Please refer to the job ID number in your application

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Applications submitted by June 1, 2002 will receive first
consideration.

For more information about benefits or the application process, email
Mr. Knox <jk690 [at] columbia__edu>; for more information about the
Conservation Department and its activities, or the duties of the
Conservation Assistant, contact Maria Fredericks, Head Conservator
<mf360 [at] columbia__edu>

Maria Fredericks
Head, Conservation Lab
Columbia University Libraries
109 Butler
535 West 114th St.
New York, NY 10027
212-854-3580
Fax: 212-854-3290

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:77
                  Distributed: Thursday, May 16, 2002
                       Message Id: cdl-15-77-031
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