Conservation Technician

Computercraft is seeking an experienced and skilled Conservation Technician to perform a variety of repair, rehousing, and other conservation related activities on a wide range of collection materials at the National Library of Medicine (NLM). NLM is the world’s largest biomedical and health research library and maintains a pre-eminent collection of literature and materials including, but not limited to print monograph and serial volumes, manuscripts, pamphlets, theses, audiovisuals, and visual materials including fine prints, photographs, posters, and ephemera.

In this role you will perform various conservation services on the vast NLM collection. Treatments include, but are not limited to cleaning, removal of tape, adhesives, and stains, mending tears and voids, tipping in loose pages, disbinding materials, and repairing damaged book covers, spines, and text blocks.

This is full-time work to be done onsite at NLM on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) campus in Bethesda, Maryland.

Job Responsibilities

• Repair of materials from 19th century to the present which include, but are not limited to books, journals, pamphlets, broadsides, and manuscripts. Repairs may also include historic and modern valuable and unique bound and flat paper collection materials from 19th century to the present. All repairs must use current, proven conservation best practices including methods and materials recommended by the American Institute for Conservation.
• Design and construct protective enclosures (including portfolios, phase boxes, and clam shells) using appropriate material and structures for collection items of all time periods.
• Carry out regular maintenance of the collection, such as cleaning shelves and objects and applying NLM property stamps and bookplates to volumes.
• Provide photography services for specific projects and digital initiatives.
• Document accurate treatment reports for conserved materials using an in-house, online database. 
• Update appropriate work orders using Ex Libris Alma software to track items in specific workflows.
• Identify lab supplies and tools needed and assist with order preparation.
• Lead or participate in staff training and demonstration sessions for NLM staff and visitors as needed.
• Assist in answering conservation related questions and maintaining the equipment in the conservation lab.
• Assist in the salvage and recovery of affected collections after an emergency and mold remediation of collections as needed.
• Submit a monthly statistical summary of work accomplished via Microsoft Word or Excel.

Required Skills/Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in book and manuscript repair and rehousing
• Trained in disaster salvage, response, and recovery of collection materials. 
• Subject knowledge and experience using a variety of complex conservation treatments including but not limited to solvents treatments, stain reduction, adhesive removal, loss compensation, mending tears and voids, and flattening of paper collections
• Experience doing re-backs, board, and case repairs to leather, cloth and paper bound items, and experience creating storage enclosures in a variety of formats
• Ability to work independently under tight deadlines
• Ability to make sound decisions concerning conservation treatments
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Ability to obtain Public Trust clearance

Desired Skills/Experience

• Certificate or degree related to conservation/preservation, museum studies, or a related field
• Experience updating work orders using Ex Libris Alma
• Experience supporting a Federal agency

Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated salary range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000 annually. The starting salary within this range will be based on relevant experience, qualifications, and skills.

 

Computercraft offers an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and disability and life insurance; a 401(k) plan with matching; paid leave starting at 128 hours/year for the first 3 years of employment; and 11 paid holidays. We also offer the opportunity for a positive work–life balance with a standard 40-hour work week and the chance to work alongside a team of highly accomplished professionals.

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