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Library Conservation Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Library Conservation information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do library conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for library conservation in Seattle, WA is $21.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Library Conservation jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Library Conservation jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Library Conservation job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,222 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Instructional Assistant (Part-Time), Professional and Continuing Education - Specialization in GIS S

Seattle, WA • On-site


University of Washington
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 625 rated colleges and universities

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$25 - $35/hr

Part-time, Temporary

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description
UW Continuum College expands the reach of the University of Washington by delivering educational programs that meet the needs of learners at all phases of their lives. We're focused on removing obstacles to relevant educational opportunities by addressing geographic, financial, length of commitment, and time constraints, increasing access to knowledge for more people. By looking ahead and experimenting with new approaches, we're creating new educational opportunities to help people thrive in a world of change.
UW Continuum College (UWC2) has an outstanding opportunity for a part-time instructional assistant in Professional & Continuing Education (PCE), GIS Spatial Analysis with Python & R non-credit Specialization. Instructional assistants serve in a key role in Certificate programs, engaging with students, collaborating with the instructor, grading student work, and monitoring student progress.
The pay range for this position is $25-35 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Length of assignments and shifts vary depending on specific staffing needs of individual courses and programs.
Professional and Continuing Education Instructional Assistants...
  • Support instructor in facilitating remote class sessions, if relevant (e.g., helping to manage Zoom).
  • Serve as the primary responder to student inquiries such as content questions, assignment questions, policies, etc. Use discretion on when to escalate questions to the instructor or the appropriate administrative staff. Timely response is 24 hours for email and discussion board posts and 72 hours to grade assignments.
  • Monitor student engagement with the online course materials and with peers, including online discussion forums.
  • Check in with students as needed to support their progress in the course.
  • Coordinate with the course instructor to ensure curriculum continuity.
  • Provide grading support as directed by the instructor.
  • Collaborate with program manager, instructor, and the rest of the instructional team to address student course evaluation feedback.
  • Work collaboratively with the course instructor, adapting an approach based on feedback and sound pedagogical practices.
  • Maintain high standards of professionalism, timeliness, and content relevance for adult students from different backgrounds.
  • Complete instructor onboarding process and relevant learning technology training.
  • Observe FERPA, HIPAA, and other privacy laws and policies.

PCE Specializations are generally 12 weeks in duration and align with the UW academic quarter calendar. PCE offers courses in a variety of formats - see the course webpage to find out about the format. Information on this PCE Specialization may be found at https://www.pce.uw.edu/specializations/gis-spatial-analysis-with-python-r.
UWC2 Extension Lecturers / Instructional Assistants are Academic Staff, not faculty. These are part-time, temporary positions.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in GIS, geography, environmental science, data science, or a related field.
  • Minimum one year professional experience applying GIS in a work setting (public sector, environmental science, conservation, or similar industry context matching the target audience).
  • Working proficiency in both Python and R for spatial analysis, including hands-on experience with ArcPy and core open-source spatial libraries (e.g., GeoPandas, Shapely for Python; sf, terra for R).
  • Experience with Esri ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, including using Python within the ArcGIS environment for geoprocessing and automation.
  • Experience troubleshooting Python/R environment and package setup issues (e.g. conda environments, RStudio, ArcGIS's bundled Python install, Positron).
  • Comfort supporting or co-facilitating live, synchronous instruction for adult professional learners over Zoom - including monitoring breakout rooms, debugging student code live, and pacing support during guided labs.
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
  • Ability and desire to successfully work with individuals from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Legal authorization to work and receive compensation in the United States. These positions are not eligible for visa sponsorship.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Familiarity with the R-ArcGIS Bridge (arcgisbinding) and/or the ArcGIS API for Python and Esri's spatially enabled dataframes.
  • Exposure to raster and statistical spatial modeling workflows (e.g., Rasterio, GDAL, Xarray) or suitability/prediction modeling applications.
  • Familiarity with statistical and machine learning libraries in both Python and R (e.g., scikit-learn, statsmodels in Python; caret, tidymodels, or randomForest in R).
  • Prior teaching or mentoring experience, particularly with adult learners.
  • Prior experience with online learning.

Application Instructions
To apply to be an instructional assistant for the PCE, Specialization in GIS Spatial Analysis with Python & R, please submit the following:
  • A cover letter describing your areas of interest and expertise in Esri ArcGIS Applications and associated spatial analysis and modeling. Applications that do not contain this information, called out clearly at the top of the cover letter, will not be considered.
  • Resume or CV
  • Names and contact information of three references. [optional]

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and review of applications will occur intermittently dependent on program needs. Applications received by August 30, 2026, will receive priority consideration.


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