[PADG:91] Job posting: Assistant Conservator,Indiana Historical Society

["Douglas Sanders" <dsanders@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) seeks candidates for the full-time
position of Assistant Conservator in the Conservation Department of its
Collections, Conservation, and Public Programs Division.   Founded in
1830 and located in Indianapolis, IHS is a private, independent,
nonprofit membership organization dedicated to collecting, preserving,
and promoting Indiana's history.   The IHS library, the William Henry
Smith Memorial Library, is a special collections library consisting of
rare and archival materials including early manuscripts, bound
manuscript volumes, books, pamphlets, maps, graphic works and photograph
and negatives focusing on Indiana and the Old Northwest.  The
Conservation lab is a state-of-the-art facility with a current staff of
one full-time paper Conservator and one full time Senior Director,
Conservation.  For more information about IHS, please visit our Web site
at www.indianahistory.org.

About the position
The Assistant Conservator helps to implement the preservation and
conservation plans for the IHS library's rare books, pamphlet, and bound
manuscript collections.  Duties include:   performing comprehensive
treatments on a wide variety of printed books and bound manuscripts and
albums, conducting book condition surveys, managing preventive care of
book collection, performing specialized and intermediate treatments to
stabilize a variety of materials in newly processed collections,
performing treatments required for exhibitions, keeping current with new
conservation techniques and use of lab equipment, assisting with
researching of and ordering equipment and supplies,  and updating
databases.  Complete job description available upon request.

Essential knowledge, abilities, and skills
Candidates must have knowledge of conservation principles and practices
and the physical and chemical nature of paper and books, including a
thorough knowledge of book and paper history, materials, and
construction, as well as a demonstrated ability to work on a wide range
of rare book and paper collections.    Candidates must also have
experience performing a broad range of book conservation treatments,
including documenting treatments in written and photographic form.
Well-developed skills in the examination, evaluation, treatment, and use
of a variety of equipment to treat library and archival material are
also a must.  Candidates should have a working knowledge of word
processing, database management, E-Mail, and Web browser software in a
Windows environment (preferably Word, Excel, Access, and Microsoft
Office).  Also needed is the ability to interpret collection needs,
manage the task at hand, and complete work in a timely fashion.  The
Assistant Conservator must be a team player who works well with other
professionals and share knowledge with patience, adaptability, and good
humor.

Qualifications

Required:
1.	Graduate degree from a recognized training program in book
conservation or formal apprenticeship with established book conservator.


2.	One to three years experience beyond graduate program
training/formal apprenticeship, preferably in a recognized, formal
conservation facility. 

Pay and benefits
Salary range starts in the low $30's; salary offered will be
commensurate with experience and skills. IHS offers an excellent
benefits package, including health, dental, life and long-term
disability coverage; TDA with TIAA-CREF, employee assistance program
(EAP), flexible benefits, and generous paid time off.  Parking provided
nearby.     
 
Applications
Please send a cover letter, resume, and the names, current addresses and
telephone numbers of three professional references to: Susan P. Brown;
Senior Director, Human Resources; Indiana Historical Society, 450 W.
Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN  46202-3299. Fax:  (317) 234-0076.  Please
note:  Candidates invited to interview must present a portfolio of
conservation treatments to rare books including documentation materials.
Fax:  (317) 234-0076.  Applications will be accepted until the position
is filled.  IHS is an equal opportunity employer.  


Douglas Sanders
Conservator
Indiana Historical Society
450 West Ohio Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202-3269
tel: 317-234-0045
dsanders@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx