Kress Assistant Conservator Jobs

Reporting to the Head, Conservation Center, the Kress Assistant Conservator (KAC) independently completes challenging entry level and intermediate technical conservation treatments on selected UCLA Library special collection materials, including: examination, photographic and written documentation, sample taking and analysis, conservation treatment proposal decision-making, the design of custom housings, and object handling/exhibit recommendations. The Kress Assistant Conservator interacts with curators and other conservators on treatment selection and prioritization. The KAC participates in departmental outreach activities, weekly meetings, and emergency preparedness/response activities. The KAC pursues continued conservation and material culture research. The KAC conducts research which contributes to the UCLA Library and the conservation profession.
The UCLA Library Preservation Program supports the Library's mission to develop, organize, and preserve collections for optimal use, provides stewardship for the intellectual record in the formats required by contemporary scholars, and ensures the safekeeping of the artifacts that are entrusted to the UCLA Library. The UCLA Library Preservation Program is responsible for coordinating and managing the preservation operations of the Library, including environmental monitoring, reformatting, disaster planning, library binding, and physical preparation. The preservation Program includes the Conservation Center, a state-of-the-art conservation lab that provides conservation services for collections in all units of the UCLA Library, along with the Audio Visual Preservation Unit, that surveys, treats, and digitizes audiovisual materials. The Library Conservation Center is guided by the current best practices of the book and paper conservation field and the Code of ethics of the American Institute for Conservation of Artistic and Historic Works. Preservation staff work in close coordination with library units to plan and initiate new activities and services in response to library preservation needs and emerging technology, research, and developments in the preservation community.
Percentage of Time:
100
Shift Start:
9:00 am
Shift End:
6:00 pm
Qualifications for Position
17
Records
Qualifications
Required/Preferred
1. Evidence of experience and demonstrated skill in entry level and intermediate level examination, documentation and conservation treatment techniques on library special collections material.
Required
2. High level of manual dexterity and visual acuity to safely and sensitively complete challenging treatments on valuable library materials.
Required
3. Working knowledge of and ability to use specialized equipment and hand tools including board shears, specialized presses, humidification equipment, suction systems, and fume hoods.
Required
4. Ability to prioritize work assignments, to weigh competing options, and to make decisions.
Required
5. Strong knowledge of the history, manufacture, and chemistry of books and paper, with a strong understanding of common agents of deterioration.
Required
6. Ability to research special collection items and use research and context to inform conservation treatment decisions.
Required
7. Understanding of decision-making and selection criteria to sort incoming materials into the appropriate workflows for Emergency Response.
Required
8. Ability to work independently while following established procedures and guidelines with an understanding of conservation ethics and preservation theory.
Required
9. Demonstrated oral communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and effectively present information in group settings.
Required
10. Graduation from graduate-level conservation programs in the U.S. or Canada.
Required
11. Ability to work in a high volume setting.
Required
12. Ability to safely lift, carry, and lower objects up to 50 lbs and to push a loaded book truck (average weight of 250 lbs).
Required
13. Ability to initiate and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and managers. Ability to work harmoniously as a team player, and thrive in a team based environment.
Required
14. Ability to get to work reliably and on time and to be present in the workplace during normal working hours.
Required
15. Working knowledge of PC hardware and software and demonstrated ability to work in a networked Windows environment. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and Adobe Photoshop.
Preferred
16. Ability to use the library computer systems including the circulation and cataloging clients and various software in support of lab activities, e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Adobe Photoshop, etc.
Can be trained
17. Ability to keep records and statistics accurately as appropriate for internal reporting as appropriate.
Can be trained
Additional Posting Information
Bargaining Unit:
RX-Research Support Professionals
Application Deadline:
05-12-2023
External Posting Date: