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:
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. 'via Blog this'
