Description

Job Summary
The Assistant Conservator supports the conservation, preservation, and housing of library and museum collections, including rare books and related materials. This role performs hands-on conservation treatments, develops protective enclosures, and ensures materials are properly processed and shelf-ready in accordance with current preservation standards.

Working collaboratively with curators, scientists, registrars, and collections staff, the Assistant Conservator contributes to exhibition support, digitization initiatives, environmental monitoring, and emergency preparedness. The position also participates in professional outreach, education, and knowledge-sharing within the broader conservation field.

 
Primary Responsibilities
Evaluate, examine, treat, and rehouse materials within both special and general collections
Perform conservation treatments including cleaning, repair, rebinding, and stabilization of books and related objects made from leather, cloth, vellum, photographs, textiles, metals, plastics, and other materials
Physically process newly acquired or cataloged materials to render them shelf-ready
Design and construct custom preservation enclosures, including boxes, mats, inserts, four-flap enclosures, and protective sleeves
Conduct conservation triage and rehousing of fragile or damaged materials
Support exhibitions through condition reporting, object preparation, installation, and mount/support recommendations
Monitor and manage workflow within the conservation lab to ensure appropriate processing of materials
Participate in pest management, environmental monitoring systems, and emergency preparedness and response activities
Support digitization projects by reviewing and safely handling materials for imaging
Provide training and mentorship to interns, volunteers, and library staff on preservation practices
Maintain laboratory spaces, tools, and supplies in clean and organized condition
Participate in vendor selection and supplier relationship management
Contribute to educational programs, professional forums, publications, and social media initiatives
Maintain and expand professional knowledge in book conservation and preservation best practices
Perform additional related duties as assigned
 

Requirements

Requirements & Qualifications
Education:
Master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program in book conservation, or Library Science degree with a concentration in book conservation, or equivalent experience

Experience:

Minimum two (2) years of experience in book conservation techniques, from basic to advanced treatments
Experience in a research library setting preferred
Skills & Knowledge:

Demonstrated expertise in book conservation treatments and enclosure-making
Knowledge of current preservation standards and best practices
Familiarity with integrated library systems preferred
Understanding of printmaking processes, book history, binding structures, paper, and printing techniques
Knowledge of preservation issues including pest management, environmental monitoring, and emergency preparedness
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
Ability to safely lift up to 45 pounds
Foreign language skills and experience with writing or social media publishing are helpful but not required