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Library Conservation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Huntington

CSSA Intern

San Marino, CA

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

... class library, art, and botanical collections. Its mission is to support research and promote ... Participate in special horticultural or conservation projects as assigned. * Carry out physically ...

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

IT Project Manager Sr

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$141K - $141K/yr

Getty, is dedicated to furthering the study of the history of art, advancing conservation practice ... library. We offer four weeks of accrued vacation a year, every other Friday off, and excellent ...

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

IT Project Manager Sr

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$141K - $141K/yr

Getty, is dedicated to furthering the study of the history of art, advancing conservation practice ... library. We offer four weeks of accrued vacation a year, every other Friday off, and excellent ...

UCLA Health

Principal Perfusionist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$114.01 - $151.89/hr

... conservation/concentration. You will provide Principle Perfusion coverage for the West Valley UCLA ... Ability to conduct literature search of a medical topic from a biomedical library using Medline ...

Munchkin

Director of Costing

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

... conservation. There is no better time than now to join WHY Brands as we embark on our next and ... Manage maintenance of a material cost library and implement tracking process for core commodity ...

Munchkin

Mac Technical Support Specialist

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

... conservation. There is no better time than now to join WHY Brands as we embark on our next and ... Maintains hardware and software asset library for the IT department * Manage multiple helpdesk ...

Munchkin

Mac Technical Support Specialist

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

... conservation. There is no better time than now to join WHY Brands as we embark on our next and ... Maintains hardware and software asset library for the IT department * Manage multiple helpdesk ...

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All JobsLibrary Conservation JobsLibrary Conservation Jobs in California

Library Conservation information

What is library conservation?

Library conservation is the practice of preserving and protecting books, manuscripts, and other library materials from damage or deterioration. Conservation involves assessing the condition of items, repairing physical damage, and implementing measures to prevent future harm, such as controlling the environment and handling procedures. The goal is to extend the lifespan of valuable or rare materials so that future generations can access and study them.

What are some common challenges faced in a Library Conservation role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Library Conservation often encounter challenges such as handling fragile or deteriorating materials, prioritizing preservation needs with limited resources, and keeping up with advances in conservation techniques. Addressing these challenges involves continuous professional development, effective collaboration with librarians and archivists, and strategic planning to balance immediate treatment needs with preventive conservation. Building strong communication skills and staying current with industry best practices also help ensure the long-term preservation of collections.

What does a library conservator do?

A library conservator restores and preserves books, manuscripts, and other library materials to prevent deterioration and damage. They assess the condition of items, perform repairs using specialized techniques and materials, and may use tools like microscopes and conservation chemicals to ensure long-term preservation.

What is the highest paying library job?

The highest paying library job is typically a Library Director or Chief Librarian, with salaries often exceeding $80,000 to $120,000 annually depending on the size and type of institution. Advanced degrees, management experience, and leadership skills are usually required for these roles.

What is the difference between Library Conservation vs Book Restoration?

AspectLibrary ConservationBook Restoration
CredentialsConservation certifications, preservation trainingConservation certifications, specialized restoration skills
Work EnvironmentLibraries, archives, museumsRestoration workshops, conservation labs
Industry UsagePreserving library collections for long-term accessRepairing and restoring damaged books to original condition

Library Conservation focuses on preserving and maintaining library collections through preventive measures and minimal intervention, ensuring long-term access. Book Restoration involves repairing and restoring damaged books to their original state, often after deterioration or damage. While both roles require conservation skills and work in similar environments, their primary goals differ: preservation versus repair.

What conservation jobs make the most money?

In library conservation, senior conservators and specialized roles such as objects conservators tend to earn higher salaries due to their expertise and experience. Management positions, such as conservation department heads, also typically have higher pay. Advanced certifications and extensive experience can further increase earning potential in this field.

Can you make 6 figures as a librarian?

While most librarians earn below six figures, some senior or specialized roles in large institutions or with additional certifications can reach or exceed that level. Achieving a six-figure salary often requires advanced education, experience, and sometimes administrative or leadership positions within libraries or related organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Library Conservation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Library Conservation, you need expertise in materials science, bookbinding, paper conservation techniques, and a relevant degree in conservation or library science. Familiarity with specialized conservation tools, environmental monitoring equipment, and digital cataloging systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help conservators assess item condition and collaborate effectively with colleagues. These skills are critical to preserving valuable collections, ensuring long-term access, and maintaining the integrity of library resources.
What are popular job titles related to Library Conservation jobs in California? For Library Conservation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Conservation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Library Conservation jobs in California are:
Library Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Conservation job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Senior Manager of Botanical Systems and Operations

The Huntington

San Marino, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 hours ago

Job description

About Us

At The Huntington, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to support and promote the appreciation of the humanities, the arts, and botanical science. The Huntington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.

The Huntington

Founded in 1919, The Huntington is a collections-based research and educational institution open to the public, housing world-class library, art, and botanical collections. Its mission is to support research and promote education in the arts, humanities, and botanical science and to display and interpret its extraordinary resources for diverse audiences.

The Culture

Here we are committed to the highest of standards in all that we do - from preserving and protecting the collections, to exhibitions, educational and scholarly programming, visitor and reader services, and beyond. Achieving excellence across these pursuits requires a diversity of perspectives, expertise, experience, and methodologies.

At The Huntington, our organizational Culture is shaped by the following core values: Intellectual curiosity, Collaboration, Stewardship, Belonging, and Integrity.

  • Intellectual Curiosity:Knowledge, lifelong learning, and a spirit of inquiry are at the core of our mission and organizational culture.

  • Collaboration:Teamwork and a collaborative attitude are important at all levels of The Huntington. We foster relationships internally among our departments and externally with organizations throughout the community.

  • Stewardship:We are committed to the care and development of our collections, our financial and physical resources, our staff, and our community.

  • Belonging:We strive to attract and maintain a workforce of individuals with diverse talents, backgrounds, and perspectives. Our organizational culture promotes a sense of welcome, inclusion, and connection.

  • Integrity:We value respect and honesty, working to fulfill our mission with honor and ethical principles.

Job Description

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of the Botanical Gardens, the Senior Manager of Botanical Systems and Operationsis responsible forthe strategic and hands-on oversight, performance, and resilience of garden-wide operational systems that directly support horticulture, living collections, public safety, and long-term sustainability. The position serves as the Botanical Gardens' primary authority for water production and distribution, irrigation, environmental and climate-controlled growing environments, safety and regulatory compliance, and horticultural infrastructure.

This roleleadsthe planning, operation, and continuous improvement of critical systems including wells, reservoirs, pumps, water features, irrigation networks, conservatories, nurseries, greenhouses, GIS mapping, and technical infrastructure. The Senior Manager ensures systems are reliable, efficient, and compliant, while actively guiding water conservation, sustainability initiatives, and infrastructure renewal in alignment with institutional priorities.

The Senior Manager works closely with landscape and horticultural managers, curators, Operations and Facilities leadership, and external vendors to ensure that systems are efficient, resilient,compliantand aligned with best practices and institutional standards.

S/he/theywilldemonstratea background of working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic,geographicand socioeconomic backgrounds, using a welcoming, inclusive, and accessibleleadershipapproach.

Essential Duties

Leadership & Management

  • Supervise staff responsible for garden-wide systems and operations, including water production, irrigation, nursery and greenhouse operations, plant health support, and the Rose Hills Conservatory for Botanical Science.

  • Collaborate daily with the Garden and Grounds Superintendent to coordinate maintenance, operations, and staffing priorities.

  • Coordinate training for curators, managers, technicians, and gardeners in the effective, safe, and sustainable use of systems, resources, and equipment.

  • Foster a culture of shared responsibility, continuous improvement, and proactive communication.

Water Production, Distribution & SCADA

  • Oversee all aspects of water production and supply, including wells, booster pumps, reservoirs, and distribution systems.

  • Provide oversight for SCADA systems, ensuring reliable monitoring, control, system integrity, documentation, and vendor coordination.

  • Coordinate routine maintenance, preventive maintenance, inspections, and major repair projects for water infrastructure.

  • Manage water rights and ensure compliance with all water related regulations, monitoring, and reporting requirements.

  • Represent the Gardens in water related meetings, conferences, and regional collaborations, interpreting and promoting best practices in water use and efficiency.

Irrigation Systems

  • Design,operate, and continuously improve garden-wide irrigation systems to support horticultural performance and sustainability goals.

  • Oversee installation, repair, programming, and performance monitoring of irrigation infrastructure and controls.

  • Maintainaccurateand accessible mapping of irrigation systems, including main lines, valves, and control zones.

  • Respond to and manage irrigation related emergencies, including leaks, pressure failures, and system malfunctions.

Conservatories, Nurseries & Greenhouses

  • Oversee the operation and maintenance of plant conservatories, nurseries, and greenhouses, including environmental and climate control systems.

  • Ensureoptimalgrowing conditions for plant collections, exhibits, and production areas.

  • Coordinate closely with nursery and curatorial staff to align infrastructure performance with botanical priorities.

  • Lead troubleshooting and emergencyresponsefor climate or environmental system failures.

Plant Health Support, Pesticides & Compliance

  • Provide operational oversight for plant health support systems as they relate to infrastructure, irrigation, climate, and facilities.

  • Ensure proper handling, application, storage, training, and recordkeeping related to pesticides and chemicals, in full compliance with state and local regulations.

  • Coordinate pesticide permits, applicator training, documentation, and inspections.

  • Maintain active knowledge of laws, regulations, and industry standards related to chemical use and safety.

Safety, Equipment & Emergency Response

  • Oversee garden-wide safety programs, including training, certifications, and compliance related to equipment, chemicals, and operations.

  • Manage policies and procedures for safe operation of garden equipment and systems.

  • Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory reporting (e.g., equipment emissions, storage tanks, and inspections).

  • Act as a Botanical lead for emergency response related to infrastructure, water systems, environmental failures, and safety incidents.

Infrastructure, Construction & Technical Systems

  • Coordinate and manage light construction and infrastructure projects, including pathways, garden structures, walls, fences, footings, and system installations.

  • Ensure infrastructure design and installation align with institutional standards and industry best practices.

  • Oversee technical systems including GIS mapping, plant labels, directional signage, irrigation systems, pumps, water features, and garden renewal infrastructure.

  • Collaborate with project managers and Facilities on institutional capital and facility projects.

Planning, Budgeting & Sustainability

  • Plan and manage operational budgets related to systems, infrastructure, equipment, and garden renewal.

  • Guidewaterconservation efforts and lead infrastructure-based sustainability initiatives for the Gardens.

  • Continuously evaluate systems and practices to improve efficiency, resilience, maintainability, and responsible resource use.

Collaboration & Representation

  • Consult with senior institutional leadership, particularly Operations and Facilities, to align priorities and resources.

  • Collaborate with Filming and Special Events staff to ensure programs run smoothly while protecting gardens, systems, and collections.

  • Represent the Gardens through informal teaching, interpretation, and responses to inquiries related to operations and garden systems.

  • Collaborate with local and regional agencies and peer institutionsregardingwater, infrastructure, and resource management.

Other Functions

  • Troubleshoot unforeseen operational issues and respond effectively toemergingchallenges.

  • May perform other related duties as assigned

Candidate Requirements and Experience

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Horticulture, Plant Science, EnvironmentalEngineeringor a related field (preferred).

  • Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in botanical garden operations, landscape operations, public gardens, campuses, or comparable environments supporting living collections and complex systems.

  • Demonstratedexpertiseoverseeing water production and distribution systems, including wells, booster pumps, reservoirs, and irrigation infrastructure.

  • Substantial experience managing large-scale irrigation systems, including system design, maintenance, performance monitoring, and emergency response.

  • Proven experience overseeing conservatories, nurseries, and greenhouses, including climate and environmental control systems.

  • Proven experience supervising five or more employees, including managers and supervisors.

  • Experience supporting capital projects and overseeing consultants and subcontractors.

  • Demonstrated experience with budget planning, resource management, and project execution.

  • Commitment to inclusive leadership, collaboration, and professional development.

Preferred:

  • Documented experience with landscape construction and infrastructure oversight.

  • Knowledge of Southern California horticultural practices, climate considerations, and green industry standards.

  • Fluency in Spanish.

Working Conditions

  • Must have visual acuity and ability tocommunicate toquicklyidentifyand address safety and security concerns.

  • Must be able to access and traverse across a large campus on paved and unpaved roads and work in all weather conditions.

  • Musthave a valid driver's license andbe able tooperatea motor vehicle.

  • Must be able tolift upto 25 pounds at times.

Compensation & Benefits

We provide competitive compensation, generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees including:

  • Pay Range:$130,000.00- $140,000.00. Commensurate with experience.

  • Medical, Dental, Vision

  • 403(b) retirement plan and matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match

  • Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and holidays

  • Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants

  • Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions

  • Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds

The Application Process

Please submit a cover letter and CV/resume as a single PDF attachment.

You will have the opportunity to submit additional documents on the "My Experience" section of the application.

Apply