Position at Columbia

Conservation Assistant
Position ID #048700
(Bibliographic Assistant VI)
Conservation Department
Columbia University Libraries

Salary Grade $614.77/week

Description of Duties:  Under the direction of the Head of
Conservation and the Special Collections Conservator, the incumbent
will perform basic paper conservation procedures such as surface
cleaning, washing, re-sizing and mending on materials from the
libraries' rare and special collections.  The incumbent will also
perform conservation repairs on selected general collections
materials, including sewing pamphlets, reattaching boards,
encapsulating maps and documents, repairing torn pages and making
protective enclosures. Depending on skills and experience, may also
rebind and conserve pre-1850 and other significant bound volumes
from general collections, with emphasis on retaining original
character and binding features. Assists with preparation of rare
materials for exhibition and loan.  Will also assist with
environmental monitoring, supply inventory, disaster response and
treatment documentation.  Participates in disaster response and
recovery of general and special collections materials. Other duties
as assigned.

Qualifications: High school diploma, BA/BS preferred.  One year
full-time experience in conservation of rare or valuable paper
artifacts including experience with protective housings and exhibit
preparation; or one year full-time experience in binding and repair
of multi-section case-bound books, preferably in a library or
archives conservation setting; or completion of internship,
apprenticeship or training program resulting in equivalent skills
and knowledge. Must have basic paper conservation skills and the
ability to handle fragile and rare materials with care.  Must be
able to work independently when necessary; good communication and
interpersonal skills essential. Experience with word-processing and
spreadsheet software helpful. 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 the use of various
chemicals under controlled conditions. Applicants invited for
interview are encouraged to provide a portfolio of previous
conservation or related work.

This is a full-time, union position with comprehensive benefits and
20 days paid vacation.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Those
received before January 3, 2007 will receive priority consideration.

Interested applicants must apply via:
<URL:http://jobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=102973>

Alexis Hagadorn
Head of Conservation
Columbia University Libraries


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 20:29
                Distributed: Thursday, November 30, 2006
                       Message Id: cdl-20-29-023
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