Position at University of Maryland

Conservation Technician
University of Maryland

Within a team environment, and under the direction of the
Collections Conservator, undertakes simple to complex conservation
treatments, carries out repairs related to special projects and
in-house (minor and intermediate level) and bindery preparation
workflows. Assists with the management of the Conservation
laboratory and in the training and supervision of student assistants
as needed.

Organizational Characteristics: Member of Conservation Team, one of
three major teams within the Preservation Production Group.  Reports
to Senior Conservation Technician.

Principal Accountabilities:

    1.  Undertake conservation treatments ranging from minor to
        intermediate level requiring some independent judgment and
        degree of skill and specialized knowledge.  Treatments
        include but are not limited to simple recasing and
        rebacking, creating simple protective enclosures,
        encapsulation, pamphlet binding and minor/intermediate
        repairs for materials selected for commercial rebinding.
        Under the guidance of the Collection Conservator, work on
        special repair/enclosure projects as needed.  Perform all
        treatments in accordance with established standards for
        conservationally sound repairs to library and archival
        materials.

    2.  Help maintain daily/weekly workflow of all library materials
        sent to the Conservation Unit.  Help monitor and maintain
        established quality standards for treatments undertaken by
        the Unit.  Track materials using automated library
        information system.

    3.  Assist Senior Conservation Technician with training student
        assistants in minor and intermediate conservation
        procedures, quality standards, and lab protocols as needed.

    4.  Help to maintain organization and cleanliness of the lab
        space. Assist with supply inventories and ordering.

    5.  Assist in maintaining statistics in accordance with
        established guidelines for treatments undertaken.  Use
        conservation treatment log database to track and document
        special collection materials and special projects.

Environment involves regular use of heavy equipment, cutting tools,
and adhesives; limited use of solvents; exposure to mold and dust.
Must be able to tolerate exposure to standard conservation
materials.  Must be able to perform close, detailed, repetitive work
for long periods.  Must be able to stand for long periods.  Must be
able to lift and carry 50 pounds; pack and unpack boxes.

Minimum Qualifications:

    Academic Level minimum requirement: High school degree

    Practical Experience Desirable: Previous bookbinding, book
    conservation or related handicraft experience, which
    demonstrates ability to undertake technical conservation
    procedures and practices and to safely handle fragile, damaged
    materials and valued works of art.

    Technical Qualifications or Specialized Certifications:
    Familiarity with or demonstrated interest in learning book
    structures and standard conservation procedures for the
    treatment of paper-based materials.

    Other Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies Required:
    Good manual dexterity; strong visual and spatial skills.
    Demonstrated ability to organize and accomplish a variety of
    tasks.  Ability to understand, recognize and achieve quality
    standards set by the Conservator for in-house conservation
    treatments.  Ability to meet deadlines and keep cyclical
    workflow moving.  Ability to communicate effectively orally and
    in writing and familiarity with use of automated library
    information systems.  Familiarity with maintenance of statistics
    and inventory control and ability to use word processing and
    spreadsheet software.  Ability to work independently and
    efficiently, to work effectively with others, and to learn
    quickly.

    Deadline:  Application review will begin on May 3, 2004.
    Applications will be accepted until the vacancy is filled.

For further information, please contact:

    Yvonne Carignan
    301-405-9343
or

    Emily Bell
    301-405-9349

Yvonne Carignan
Preservation Production Group Leader
McKeldin Library
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
301-405-9343
Fax: 301-314-9971


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:67
                 Distributed: Wednesday, April 28, 2004
                       Message Id: cdl-17-67-044
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