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Conservation Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Conservation Assistant information

What is the difference between Conservation Assistant vs Environmental Technician?

AspectConservation AssistantEnvironmental Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in conservation or environmental scienceHigh school diploma; often requires environmental technician certification or related training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor conservation sites, parks, wildlife reservesLaboratories, field sites, environmental monitoring locations
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, parks, conservation organizationsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, research institutions

Both Conservation Assistants and Environmental Technicians work in environmental fields, often outdoors, but Conservation Assistants focus more on hands-on conservation activities, while Environmental Technicians tend to perform technical testing and data collection. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, making them common comparison choices for those interested in environmental careers.

What are Conservation Assistants?

Conservation Assistants are professionals who support the preservation and care of cultural heritage items such as artworks, historical documents, textiles, and artifacts. They typically work under the supervision of conservators in museums, galleries, libraries, or archives. Their responsibilities include handling and preparing objects for display or storage, assisting with conservation treatments, maintaining records, and ensuring safe environmental conditions for collections. Conservation Assistants play a vital role in protecting valuable items for future generations by helping to prevent deterioration and damage.

What are some typical challenges Conservation Assistants face when working in the field or with collections?

Conservation Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling delicate artifacts or specimens, maintaining detailed documentation, and adhering to strict conservation protocols. In the field, environmental conditions or limited resources can make preservation efforts more complex. Additionally, they must collaborate closely with conservators, scientists, and other staff to ensure best practices are followed, which requires strong communication and adaptability. These challenges offer valuable learning opportunities and contribute to professional growth in the conservation field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Conservation Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conservation Assistant, you need knowledge of conservation techniques, environmental science, and often a relevant degree or experience in natural resource management. Familiarity with GIS software, data collection tools, and basic laboratory or field equipment is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, effective support of conservation projects, and smooth collaboration with scientists and stakeholders.
What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation jobs in California? The most popular types of Conservation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Conservation Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Conservation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Conservation Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Preservation and Conservation Assistant (6760C) Library, #86720

Berkeley University of California

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$27.69 - $32.21/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.
We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles , Principles of Community , and Strategic Plan .
At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.
Departmental Overview
The Preservation Department maintains the Library's collections in serviceable condition. It is responsible for binding, repair, conservation treatment, protective enclosures, disaster planning, and other preservation services.
Position Summary
Provide supervised support throughout the Preservation Department, as needed; other duties as assigned.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: 7/8/2026
Responsibilities
  • Assist in minor repair of circulating library collections (e.g. books, maps), and utilize such repair techniques as tip-ins, minor sewing, paper repair, flattening, and staple removal.
  • Assist with tracking collection item in Alma that have been sent to Preservation; prepare and process monographs and serials for binding and repair.
  • Prepare items for replacement, and assist with photocopy replacement of damaged or missing pages; conduct bibliographic searching using OCLC and other search tools.
  • General preservation support with environmental monitoring, pest management, disaster planning and salvage response.
  • Assist in coordination of CoLibri workflow (protective treatment for paperback bindings).
  • Measure library materials for custom enclosures, construct custom enclosures, and encapsulate flat items.
  • Help hire, train and assign work to student employees.
  • Maintain work space, equipment, and supplies.
  • Administrative: attend and contribute to department meetings; maintain documentation of procedures and suggest methods for improvement; record and submit monthly production statistics.
Required Qualifications
  • Willingness and ability to work with strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to work under general and close supervision, and in a tight-knit team environment
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
  • Competence with Google and/or Microsoft Office applications.
  • Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Working knowledge of library preservation principles and workflows.
  • Demonstrated interest in preservation and conservation (e.g. professional work, volunteer work, classes, or other professional development).
  • Knowledge of and ability to execute book and paper repair techniques.
  • Knowledge of and ability to use related conservation materials and equipment.
  • Experience coordinating and planning the work of colleagues.
  • Experience using Alma or other library catalogs.
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
  • The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $27.69 (step 1.0) - $32.21 (step 8.0). The full range is up to $41.33 (step 20.0).
  • This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.
  • This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for full UC benefits.
How to Apply
  • To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Other Information
  • This recruitment has 1 opening.
  • This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Clerical & Allied Services Unit (CX) between the University of California and Teamsters Local 2010. The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/cx/index.html
  • This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
  • This position is not eligible for remote work.
Misconduct
SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.