The email list for Guild of Book Workers member communications.
View all threadsPosition Opening: Book Conservation Technician - Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is seeking qualified candidates for a
full-time position of Book Conservation Technician to join its dynamic
Conservation and Science Department.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Senior Book Conservator, the Book Conservation Technician
prepares book and archival collections for exhibition, installation, loans,
storage, committee meetings and conservation examination. The Technician
is responsible for providing basic care for the collection including
maintenance, proper handling, the construction of protective enclosures for
book and archival collection materials, and environmental control in
storage and exhibition. Under direct supervision of the Senior Book
Conservator, the Technician carries out basic conservation and object
stabilization treatments of books and archival materials. Maintains book
conservation supplies and mounts inventory.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
· With mentorship by the Senior Book Conservator, performs a variety
of specialized conservation and preventive conservation treatments on book
and archival collection materials, including binding repairs and basic
paper conservation techniques; constructs custom enclosures and other
protective housing for collection items.
· Participates in condition surveys of book collections as directed;
assists Senior Book Conservator in organization of workflow for
collection-level and item-level treatment.
· Prepares book and archival collection material for exhibition,
designs and constructs cradles and other supports, and prepares mats.
· Participates in the temporary and permanent gallery rotation
installations of book and archival collection materials throughout the
museum.
· Researches new applications of materials, equipment and techniques
to carry out specialized tasks and to improve care of the collection.
· Maintains all preventive conservation documentation pertaining to
the collection in the department’s files and shares copies in the museum’s
collection management database and digital asset management system in
accordance with the highest archival and digital preservation standards.
· Contributes to the day-to-day management of the conservation lab,
maintains equipment and supplies used in daily operations. Ensures the
proper care and maintenance of tools and equipment.
· Participates in other activities related to the care of book and
archival collections, including environmental monitoring, pest management
and disaster response and recovery, as assigned.
· Supports the museum in its commitment to creating a diverse,
inclusive, and equitable institution; treats colleagues and visitors fairly
and respectfully, recognizing the value that diverse backgrounds and
perspectives bring to our organization.
Qualifications
· BA, BFA or BS degree preferred, or commensurate education and
experience.
· Expertise in a range of book conservation techniques and the
construction of protective enclosures, with at least two years of
experience, preferably in a library or fine arts setting.
· Must have demonstrated ability and experience with the design and
creation of various types of mounts for the display of books and archival
materials.
· Must have demonstrated fine hand skills.
· Must be able to lift and/or move up to 30 lbs and to work
comfortably and safely on ladders and lift equipment.
· Fundamental math skills, including reading of rulers and working
with fractions.
· Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking skills.
· Embraces the museum’s commitment to creating an inclusive and
equitable institution.
Benefits
We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package which includes:
· Generous paid time off
· Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
· Medical, dental, and vision insurance
· Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
· Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
· Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
· Great employee discounts
· Complimentary general admission to participating cultural
institutions
Salary Range
$25.55 per hour - $27.47 per hour, Monday – Friday, 35 hours per week
Application Process
Candidates must submit a letter of interest, a CV, and contact information
for three references through the following link
https://hrweb.artic.edu/psc/HRPRODE/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=12228&PostingSeq=1
:
or via the Employment page of the museum’s website
https://www.artic.edu/careers/employment-2:
https://www.artic.edu/careers/employment-2
Documentation must be saved and uploaded as a single pdf with only
alphanumeric characters in the title.
About The Organization
The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer
fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe
in a staff culture that benefits from a wide range of experience,
backgrounds, and career paths, and we encourage nontraditional candidates
to apply.
--
Communications Chair for the Guild of Book Workers