Position at University of British Columbia

Conservator
University of British Columbia Library
Vancouver - Point Grey Campus

Job ID: 15823
Employment Group:     Management and Professional (AAPS)
Job Category: Museum
Classification Title: Museum, Level B
Department: Library - Technical Services

Full-Time

Salary: $52,121.00 - $62,570.00 (Annual)

Desired Start Date:  2013-09-02
Job End Date:  2016-09-02

Funding Type: Budget Funded

Closing Date: July 7, 2013

Apply at:

    <URL:http://www.hr.ubc.ca/careers-postings/staff.php>

Job Summary: The position calls for a conservator with a
specialization in books and paper, who manages the care, maintenance
and conservation of the Library's collections to a professionally
recognized standard.  Manages conservation lab, carrying out and
supervising conservation services, including, but not limited to
item-level conservation treatment of library materials and
collection-level projects.  Manages binding and book prep
operations.

Manages and trains library assistants, student hourly workers,
graduate assistants and practicum students.  Plans and participates
in outreach and educational programs. Manages and determines
resources needed to undertake conservation services and disaster
recovery.  Documents treatment of damaged material.  Takes a leading
role in disaster response and collections recovery.

Organizational Status: Works under the direction of the Head of
Technical Services.  Liaises with other Technical Services units and
with branch library staff with regard to the environmental
monitoring, care, repair, stabilization, binding and recovery of
library materials in all formats. Works with curators of rare books
and special collections, especially in the Rare Books and Special
Collections Library and the University Archives. Guidelines include
professional standards, book repair manual, binding guidelines, and
disaster recovery manual.

Work Performed:

    Manages and develops the Library's conservation services and
    work spaces.

    Oversees the assessment of the extent of damage and determines
    the appropriate treatment for damaged library materials. Carries
    out advanced analytical tests and technical experiments as
    necessary. Ensures that statistics and treatment files of items
    processed are properly maintained.

    Manages book repair operations for the Library, specifying what
    work that will be undertaken centrally and in branches.

    Triages advanced structural book repairs and restoration,
    especially of special collections material.

    Designs specifications for and supervises the construction of
    standard book enclosures; may construct custom and complex book
    enclosures, especially for special collections material.

    Manages collection-level condition assessment, stabilization and
    conservation projects.

    Advises librarians and staff on conservation issues and
    practices. Carries out outreach and educational programs to
    promote the safe handling, conservation and preservation of
    library materials.

    Designs audit process for items destined for relocation to the
    Automated Storage Retrieval System (ASRS) and other remote
    storage locations, specifying stabilization procedures.

    Manages and trains library assistants, student hourly workers,
    graduate assistants and practicum students assigned to work on
    book repairs or other conservation lab functions.

    Manages and specifies binding and book prep operations, ensuring
    timely and orderly turn-around of material.

    Manages and determines resources needed to carry out
    conservation lab functions.

    Designs and develops preservation, conservation, binding and
    boxing procedures, ensuring these are properly documented.

    Maintains an orderly work environment, free of food, debris and
    clutter. Ensures that all equipment is clean, neatly stored and
    switched off at the end of the day. Deals with all problems
    and/or emergencies that may occur when working in the
    conservation lab.

    Provides leadership in the recovery of library collections
    following a disaster; specifying the kind and order of recovery
    operations.

    Performs other duties related to the qualifications and
    requirements of the job.

Supervision Received: Reports to the Head of Technical Services.
Works with limited direction to meet defined goals. Work is reviewed
in terms of achievement of defined goals.

Supervision Given: Manages library assistants assigned to book prep
and binding.  Trains and supervises library assistants, student
hourly workers, graduate assistants and practicum students assigned
to work on book repairs or other conservation lab functions.

Consequence of Error/Judgment: Works independently to professional
standards and monitors supervised work to ensure adherence to
established work policies.  Errors would result in material costs
and losses for the Library.  Must be able to deal with unusual
problems identified by staff and maintain good staff morale. Failure
to respond quickly and efficiently to disasters results in possible
loss of items and collections. Damaged and worn books impair the
Library's ability to serve its patrons.

Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
Minimum of four years experience or the equivalent combination of
education and experience. A combination of four years of education,
training and experience in conservation, specializing in books and
paper conservation. Experience in a research library or similar
institution is preferred. Experience working with Asian rare
materials preferred; Experience working with photographs,
audio-visual and other non-book formats preferred; Demonstrated
working knowledge of current conservation theory and practice, as
well as the history of books, bookbinding and papermaking; Knowledge
of a wide range of conservation treatments and experience working
with a variety of binding materials. Demonstrated ability to
recognize the causes of damage to library materials and select and
perform appropriate treatments. Demonstrated ability to initiate and
adapt to change, to analyze and solve problems, to be flexible and
work well independently as well as collaboratively.  Strong
organizational skills, including the ability to establish priorities
and achieve goals. Demonstrated technology skills, including a
familiarity with digital equipment and software. Excellent
interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Evidence of
ability to coordinate, train and supervise staff. Ability to
maintain accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to prioritize and
work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to
exercise tact and discretion. Must be able to work a five day week,
and to work evenings and weekends as required in the event of a
disaster. Physical ability to undertake collection care duties such
as moving books and materials weighing up to 40 lbs., ability to
operate lab machinery and working in sometimes dusty and moldy
environments.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment
equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. We especially
welcome applications from members of visible minority groups, women,
Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority
sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the
skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse
communities. Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be
given priority.

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 27:3
                 Distributed: Wednesday, June 26, 2013
                        Message Id: cdl-27-3-040
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