Position at Yale

Conservation Assistant 2
Preservation Department
Conservation and Exhibition Services
Yale University Library

Salary Grade: D

Requisition: #17946BR
<URL:http://www.yale.edu/jobs>

Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week); Standard Work Week (M-F, 8:30-5:00)

Departmental Focus: Under the supervision of the Chief Conservator
and/or Assistant Chief Conservator, performs a variety of tasks
related to the conservation of books and other library materials
from Yale's general, circulating, rare, and special collections.
This position's primary assignment will be in Special Collections
Conservation, working on Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
collections. Secondary assignment will be treatment for other
special collections and unique holdings from the circulating
collections.

Representative Job Summary

    Repairs materials by returning them to a usable condition while
    retaining as much of the original information as possible.

Representative Responsibilities

    Determines methods, treatment proposals, time estimates, and
    photo documentation for work to be performed.

    Consults with users. Schedules work.

    Aids in instructing others in binding/conservation techniques.

    Treats paper by such methods as cleaning, washing, decidifying
    and mending, sizing, mylar encapsulation, mounting, matting,
    leaf-casting and enzyme treatment.

    Maintains and uses tools, equipment and supplies.

    Sets up, assembles, tests, repairs and operates machinery.

    Binds, disbands, repairs, restores and makes protective
    enclosures for books.

    Performs a variety of tasks related to the conservation of books
    and paper, rare books and research materials. Maintains records.

    Performs technical functions incidental to conservation
    activities.

Departmental Responsibilities

    Handles complex conservation tasks that require knowledge and
    expertise in multiple techniques and tools. Uses skills and
    abilities to adapt techniques and knowledge to solve unique
    problems. Successfully carries out proposed treatments and
    repairs to library materials with conservator supervision and in
    accordance with accepted standards for conservation practice.

    Treatments applied in combination include but are not limited to
    conservation rebinding, rebacking and board reattachment;
    surface cleaning; aqueous treatment to wash and/or de-acidify;
    mending and/or lining; tape and adhesive removal; and matting
    and encapsulation.

    Examines materials through a set of visual techniques and as
    appropriate, using specialized equipment such as a microscope or
    ultraviolet light.

    Under the direction of a conservator, drafts treatment proposals
    or specifications, and provides basic time estimates for work to
    be undertaken. Documents treatments performed using a range of
    written, graphic and digital photographic techniques. Tracks
    personal work statistics via electronic spreadsheets and
    databases.

    Designs and makes complex, custom-fit enclosures for fragile
    materials bearing in mind the unique needs of those formats and
    their chemical interactions with the materials available for
    construction.

    Selects and uses appropriate specialized tools and equipment
    appropriate for the treatment task; this includes but is not
    limited to hand tools, book presses, board shears, guillotine,
    ultrasonic welder, board creaser, suction table and suction
    disc; may also perform maintenance on this equipment.

    Responsible for tracking materials of high value in the
    conservation lab, by maintaining the database log. Fields
    questions from Library staff about individual items, identifies
    exhibit, loan and other rush requests, and prepares required
    receipts.

    Safely handles, measures, and uses a limited range of chemicals
    to perform specific treatments when necessary and in accordance
    with University policies and laboratory guidelines.

    Assists with training for student assistants.

    Maintains awareness of current book and paper conservation
    techniques by reading and attending lectures/workshops.

    Assists with disaster recovery operations following standard
    recovery procedures.

    Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

    Six years of directly relevant work experience, four of them in
    the same job family at the next lower level, and a high school
    level education; or four years of related work experience and an
    Associate degree or little or no work experience and a
    Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent
    combination of education and experience

Required Skills/Abilities:

    One year directly related experience working in a book
    conservation laboratory or private practice under the direction
    of a professional conservator.

    Demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals, techniques, and
    history of book-binding, paper treatment, and conservation. A
    portfolio of successful relevant work and documentation examples
    is required.

    Excellent manual dexterity and sustained concentration with
    delicate and occasionally repetitive tasks. Experience treating
    fragile and rare and/or high value books and other special
    collections materials.

    Experience with digital photography and creating accurate, clear
    written conservation documentation. Strong computer skills
    including experience and proficiency with word processing,
    spreadsheets, and databases.

    Good communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
    References must indicate reliable attendance and punctuality,
    accuracy, attention to detail and diligent performance, ability
    to balance multiple projects and deadlines.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills:

    Completion of a program of study or training in bookbinding.

    Experience directing or training student assistants or
    volunteers.

Physical Requirements: Ability to push a fully loaded book truck,
lift boxes up to 30 lbs and to move pallets of board or other
oversized supplies, using a hand

Background Check Requirements: All external candidates for
employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening
for this position, which may include motor vehicle and credit checks
based on the position description and job requirements. All offers
are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Please visit

    <URL:http://www.yale.edu/hronline/careers/screening/faqs.html>

for additional information on the background check requirements and
process.

Posting Disclaimer: The intent of this job description is to provide
a representative summary of the essential functions that will be
required of the position and should not be construed as a
declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the
particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related
duties through their hiring departments.

Yale University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
Yale values diversity in its faculty, staff, and students and
strongly encourages applications from women and members of
underrepresented minority groups.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 26:15
                 Distributed: Sunday, September 2, 2012
                       Message Id: cdl-26-15-028
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