Rare Book Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Description

LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Rare Book and Paper Conservator to provide specialized conservation treatment, preservation support, and collections care services for rare and unique historical materials, including books, manuscripts, pamphlets, broadsides, and archival paper collections. This position supports the preservation and accessibility of historically significant biomedical collections used by researchers, scholars, and the public.

The ideal candidate will possess advanced technical conservation skills, experience working in library or archival conservation laboratories, and the ability to independently perform complex conservation treatments within a federal research library environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform conservation treatment and stabilization of rare books, manuscripts, pamphlets, broadsides, and flat paper materials using current conservation best practices and American Institute for Conservation (AIC) standards. 
• Conduct treatments including cleaning, adhesive removal, stain reduction, tear repair, loss compensation, flattening, pigment consolidation, mold remediation, and iron gall ink stabilization. 
• Repair damaged bindings, covers, spines, text blocks, and cases involving leather, cloth, and paper-bound materials. 
• Design and construct custom protective enclosures and housings for rare and fragile collection materials. 
• Prepare collection materials for digitization and institutional loans, including packing and condition assessment activities. 
• Create detailed condition and treatment reports with photographic documentation using NLM's online systems and databases. 
• Provide photography support for digital initiatives and conservation documentation workflows. 
• Conduct preservation assessments, collection surveys, and ongoing collections maintenance activities. 
• Assist with disaster preparedness, salvage, recovery, and mold remediation activities for library collections. 
• Maintain conservation laboratory equipment, tools, and supplies, and assist with supply inventory and procurement recommendations. 
• Support staff training, demonstrations, and outreach activities related to conservation and preservation practices. 
• Prepare and submit accurate monthly work summaries and treatment documentation in accordance with contract reporting requirements. 

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Conservation, Library Science, Museum Studies, Preservation, Archival Studies, or a related field. 
• Minimum five (5) years of professional experience performing rare book and manuscript conservation and repair in a library, archives, museum, or cultural heritage institution. 
• Demonstrated training through a qualified conservator, apprenticeship, formal conservation program, or equivalent hands-on conservation experience. 
• Experience performing complex conservation treatments on paper- and book-based collections. 
• Experience repairing leather, cloth, and paper-bound materials, including re-backs, board repairs, and case repairs. 
• Knowledge of conservation-grade materials, tools, and techniques used in preservation and collections care. 
• Experience preparing accurate written condition reports and treatment documentation with digital photography. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of disaster response, salvage, recovery, mold identification, and remediation procedures for collections materials. 
• Knowledge of safe handling, use, storage, and disposal procedures for hazardous chemicals used in conservation treatment activities. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work independently in a collaborative federal environment. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance and NIH badge. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree specializing in book or paper conservation from a recognized conservation program. 
• Professional membership in the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). 
• Experience working in a federal library, academic research library, museum, or special collections environment. 
• Familiarity with Ex Libris Alma or other integrated library systems used in special collections environments. 
• Experience supporting digitization and digital preservation initiatives involving fragile materials. 
• Experience creating custom housings and phase boxes for rare and oversized materials. 
• Knowledge of preservation metadata and digital asset documentation practices. 
• Experience training staff or interns in collections care and conservation handling procedures. 
• Familiarity with NIH, NLM, or federal collections handling and security procedures. 
• Experience working with audiovisual, photographic, or mixed-media collections. 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing detailed conservation treatments, documentation, condition assessments, and computer-based reporting activities in a laboratory environment. 
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move rare books, archival boxes, oversized materials, and conservation equipment weighing up to 30 pounds, including frequent bending, reaching, and fine manual handling of fragile materials. 
• Ability to perform precise, repetitive hand and finger movements while using specialized conservation tools, laboratory equipment, adhesives, and treatment materials, including work requiring close visual attention and attention to detail.

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.