Position at Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences

Conservator
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

(Full Time: Non-Exempt)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Margaret Herrick
Library seeks a Conservator to work with collection managers as part
of the team overseeing the care of the library's collection. The
Library has extensive and comprehensive research collections on the
subject of motion pictures including 1,400 manuscript collections,
10 million photographs, 46,000 posters, 15,000 pieces of production
art, 30,000 books and pamphlets, and more than 3,500 periodical
titles. The Conservator is the lead conservation staff member for
the library's archival collections and oversees a part-time
conservation technician as well as contract technicians. The
conservator reports to the Graphic Arts Librarian. The Academy is
currently fund-raising for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures,
set to open in early 2017. In addition to the Library collections,
the Academy's activities also include an exhibition department which
is scheduled to bring in two exhibitions in the coming fiscal year;
and the care and maintenance of a three-dimensional artifact
collection.

Duties and Responsibilities:

    Works with collection managers to maintain the library's
    collections for storage, research and exhibition. Makes
    recommendations for the handling and storage of collection items
    as needed. Propose, implement, and document conservation
    treatments. Discusses the details and implications of treatments
    with collection managers. Maintains treatment documentation in
    an Inmagic database.

    Oversees the conservation of all library materials being loaned
    for exhibition. Participates in exhibition preparation and
    installation including condition reporting and treatments. The
    library has a busy exhibition loan schedule and the Conservator
    works with collection managers to determine the suitability of
    items requested for loan. Oversees the work of preparation staff
    during installations.

    Works with staff to manage specialized housing of manuscript
    (primarily scrapbooks) and periodical collection items.

    Monitors and records environmental conditions of collection
    vaults. Works with facilities and building managers to
    troubleshoot problems as needed.

    Oversees museum quality framing and installation of posters from
    the library's collection for exhibition in the Academy's
    buildings.

    Researches, hires and supervises contract
    conservators/technicians as needed for special projects.

    Provides planned and ad hoc guidance and training on aspects of
    conservation for library staff.

    Organizes and maintains supply inventories for the laboratory in
    accordance with appropriate health and safety guidelines.
    Sources preservation and storage materials for other departments
    as needed. Performs maintenance on specialized conservation
    tools and equipment. Works with Office Manager on plans for
    disaster recovery. Is prepared to assist with disaster recovery
    operations following standard recovery procedures.

    Consults with departments outside of the library to solve
    conservation or preservation related problems as needed.
    Researches contract conservators and makes staffing
    recommendations for these projects.

    Networks with others in the conservation field for advice and
    professional development. (This is only by invitation of the
    LAPNet board)

Qualifications and Requirements:

    Preference will be given to applicants with a graduate degree
    from a recognized conservation training program plus three to
    five years professional experience working with a wide range of
    library materials.

    Demonstrated ability to develop and carry out conservation
    treatments on a wide range of library materials including
    photographs, objects, and textiles. Familiarity with
    preservation issues and collections management in research
    libraries. A portfolio of relevant work is required.

    Knowledge of paper repair treatments such as mending tears and
    losses with heat set tissue and Japanese tissue and wheat starch
    paste, aqueous/non-aqueous washes, dry cleaning techniques,
    mechanical backing removal, flattening and humidification,
    lining and solvent work for adhesive removal.

    Knowledge of making enclosures appropriate for various types of
    material.

    Knowledge of basic photographic repair including mending,
    cleaning and tape removal. Some understanding of photographic
    processes and history of photographic materials.

    Knowledge of basic book repair including tip-ins, inserts,
    sewing/re-sewing and case repairs.

    Knowledge of solvent usage in conservation treatments and the
    safety measures required when storing and using these chemicals.

    Ability to handle basic conservation lab equipment including
    board shears, ventilation hood and tools need to perform the
    above tasks.

    Knowledge of lighting, temperature and environmental conditions
    appropriate for materials on exhibition.

    Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal and
    supervisory skills required.

    Strong computer skills including experience with the PC platform
    and databases

    Ability to handle heavy and awkward sized materials.

    Framing and matting experience highly desirable.

Personal Characteristics

    Reliable attendance and punctuality, accuracy, attention to
    detail and diligent performance. Ability to interface with staff
    members from multiple departments with varying levels of
    conservation knowledge.

    Ability to handle multiple tasks with hard deadlines
    simultaneously.

    Ability to work effectively and constructively with collection
    managers as part of a team.

    Pleasant personality and sense of humor.

To Apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume to
jobs<-at->oscars<.>org

No relocation assistance provided.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 27:3
                 Distributed: Wednesday, June 26, 2013
                        Message Id: cdl-27-3-033
                                  ***