Positions at Library of Congress

Conservators (2 positions)
Library of Congress

Permanent position

The Library of Congress intends to fill one paper conservator and
one photo conservator position.

Salary range: $52,668.00 to $68,465.00/Per Year
Open period: January 12, 2015 to February 12, 2015
Series and grade: GS-1001-09
Promotion potential: 12

Duty locations: 2 vacancies in Washington, DC, US

Who may apply: Anyone may apply--by law, employment at most U.S.
Government agencies, including the Library of Congress, is limited
to U.S. citizens.  However, non-citizens may be hired, provided that
other legal requirements are met and the Library determines there
are no qualified U.S. citizens available for the position.

The Conservator position is located in the Conservation Division in
the Preservation Directorate.  The Conservation Division
accomplishes the preservation of the Library's holdings--including
rare, valuable and special collections through a variety of
activities, which include performing condition assessment, housing,
and treatment of collection items, conducting research and analysis
of Library materials, and investigating degradation processes and
efficacy of treatments.  Conservators also undertake a range of
other activities including preventive care measures such as
monitoring and evaluating environmental controls, integrated pest
management, and emergency preparedness, response and recovery of
collections, product testing and quality control programs, review of
guidelines and specifications, and preservation training of staff,
allied professionals, interns, fellows, volunteers, and the general
public.

The incumbent serves as a conservation specialist in a subject area
or format (book, paper, photo conservation) and performs the
following duties:

    Demonstrates a growing knowledge, and continued development of
    highly refined manual skills and judgment concerning
    conservation treatment

    Examines collection items to determine their condition and
    composition

    Establishes written and photographic documentation of the object
    condition prior to treatment and drafts written treatment
    proposals for review by supervisor

    Performs conservation treatment and housing and prepares the
    complete conservation documentation as part of the permanent
    record of the collection item

    Implements conservation programs and guidelines as developed by
    senior conservators and supervisory conservators, including
    establishing and maintaining optimal exhibition, transportation,
    and storage conditions, care and handling of library materials,
    integrated pest management, collections recovery, collections
    condition survey methodologies, and the use of appropriate
    housing and storage materials

    In the course of examination and treatment, performs specific
    chemical tests and analytical techniques under the guidance of
    senior conservation staff to identity and/or determine condition
    and composition of materials used in the composition and
    manufacture of library materials.  Interprets and incorporates
    the results of testing and analysis in condition reports and
    treatment plans based on an understanding of the chemistry of
    the materials and history and technology of their manufacture

    Participates in larger conservation or preservation efforts,
    including projects that involve other Division staff members,
    Preservation Directorate staff, interns, and volunteers, as well
    as representatives from custodial units, with varying skill and
    knowledge levels

    Under the direction from the Supervisory Conservator, may
    communicate on conservation topics in writing, and may report on
    conservation issues and research results through publications or
    presentations at professional gatherings

    Keeps current on state-of-the-art conservation and preservation
    methods and techniques by reading technical information and
    journals and attending presentations and training in the area of
    specialty

Qualifications required:

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and
training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an
acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities
to perform the duties of the position without more than normal
supervision

    Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of
    preservation and conservation treatment and the ability to
    properly document actions taken

    Ability to assess collections to determine preservation needs

    Ability to communicate in writing

    Ability to research and analyze collections and materials to
    carry out conservation treatment and other preservation measures

    Ability to provide consultation, outreach, and liaison services

    Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing

To apply please go to USA JOBS

    <URL:https://www.usajobs.gov>

and carefully follow all instructions under the How to Apply tab to
ensure you are considered for the position.  The job posting number
is: 140283

You are required to apply online for this announcement.  The Library
is unable to accept mailed or emailed documents.  You must complete
the entire application process, including submission of all
documents *before* this announcement closes.

    Customer Service Center
    jobhelp<-at->loc<.>gov
    202-707-5627

Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. SE
LM-107
Washington, DC 20540


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 28:31
                  Distributed: Friday, January 9, 2015
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