Book Conservation Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Description

The Conservator supports a major federal cultural institution in preserving nationally significant rare books, manuscripts, and archival collections. Working on-site in Landover, MD, under the direction of the Head of Book Conservation, the Conservator will perform professional conservation assessments, preventive and interventive treatments, documentation, and preservation activities that support digitization initiatives, rare collections, and long-term stewardship of cultural heritage materials. 

The collection materials include over 1,600 manuscripts, pamphlets, and books from the 1500s to 1900s and include a wide range of materials and formats. Condition varies widely and ranges from items requiring minor stabilization to items requiring substantial repairs to bindings, tears, and other damage. This position offers the opportunity to work with one of the nation's premier research institutions while applying advanced book and paper conservation techniques consistent with the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics.

Candidate Must be able to provide a portfolio of materials previously worked on that demonstrate their ability to perform bookbinding and paper repair. Can be attachment or link to website

Responsibilities 

• Perform professional conservation assessments of rare books, manuscripts, pamphlets, and archival materials.
• Develop written treatment proposals for assigned collections in accordance with Smithsonian conservation standards.
• Perform preventive and interventive conservation treatments on bound and unbound library materials.
• Conduct conservation treatments including paper repair, board attachment, sewing repairs, surface cleaning, aqueous and non-aqueous treatments, stain reduction, humidification, flattening, and construction of custom protective enclosures.
• Prepare library materials for digitization while preserving original physical and bibliographic integrity.
• Produce comprehensive written treatment documentation and high-quality digital photographic documentation before, during, and after treatment.
• Coordinate conservation activities with the Head of Book Conservation and Smithsonian digitization specialists.
• Maintain accurate project documentation using Smithsonian databases and documentation systems.
• Ensure all work complies with Smithsonian Libraries and Archives conservation standards and the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics.
• Prepare final treatment reports and project summaries documenting methodologies, materials used, project outcomes, and recommendations.
• Handle rare and historically significant library collections using appropriate preservation techniques.
• Participate in project planning meetings with Smithsonian technical staff and support successful completion of contract deliverables.

Requirements

Mandatory Qualifications

• Demonstrated recent experience providing conservation services of comparable scope and complexity, including work with special collections.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with bound materials, photographs, paper repair and treatment, and digital-image documentation.
• Technical competence in book and paper conservation, including assessment, treatment planning, preventive care, interventive treatment, and the construction of protective enclosures.
• Knowledge of professional conservation protocols and ability to perform work in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice and relevant Book and Paper Group and Photographic Materials Group guidance.
• Ability to produce clear, detailed written and photographic treatment documentation and to work within established templates, databases, and collection-tracking systems.
• Ability to collaborate with the conservation staff, follow approved treatment plans, and obtain authorization before changing treatment scope or methodology.
• Ability to perform the work on-site in Landover, Maryland, during the required weekday business hours and complete the engagement within the stated period of performance.
• Ability to pass the background investigation and complete security-awareness training 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Conservation from a recognized graduate conservation program (or equivalent professional conservation education).
• Professional membership in the American Institute for Conservation (AIC).
• Five or more years of post-graduate conservation experience.
• Experience conserving rare books dating from the 15th through 20th centuries.
• Experience supporting library or museum digitization initiatives.
• Experience treating parchment, vellum, leather, cloth, and alum-tawed bindings.
• Experience constructing custom archival housings and preservation enclosures.
• Experience with treatment of fire-, smoke-, water-, or mold-damaged collections.
• Experience working within research libraries, museums, archives, or special collections.
• Familiarity with digital asset documentation systems and collection management databases.
• Experience collaborating with curators, librarians, archivists, and digitization specialists.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple treatment workflows simultaneously.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform detailed, precision-based conservation work requiring prolonged periods of sitting or standing, sustained hand-eye coordination, fine motor dexterity, and repetitive use of hands and fingers to handle delicate and historically significant materials. 
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, or move archival materials, books, equipment, and storage containers weighing up to 25 pounds, and occasionally bend, reach, kneel, or climb a step stool to access collection materials and workspaces. 
• Ability to work in a conservation laboratory and library environment, including the safe use of conservation tools, chemicals, adhesives, and solvents while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and following established safety protocols.

Benefits 

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development

EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.