Conservation Technician

13-Nov-2024

Conservation Technician

Harvard Library

67243BR

Job Summary

Although this position will remain posted until filled, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the end of the day on Monday, December 2nd. 

Reporting to the Senior Collections Conservator for Collections Care, the Conservation Technician is an integral member of the Preservation Services team who works closely with colleagues throughout the library system to contribute to the conservation of Harvard Library’s special, general, and actively circulating collections. 

Position Description

Following established treatment procedures and production standards the Conservation Technician performs the following duties:

• Constructs and modifies standard protective enclosures for fragile and/or vulnerable library materials using established techniques that promote quality and productivity. Identifies non-standard library materials for further review. 
• Uses a labeling program to create accurate labels for protective enclosures or books. 
• Keeps accurate statistics on all treatments performed. 
• Works independently to measure library materials for custom enclosures onsite at various libraries across campus. Uses established guidelines to determine the appropriate style of enclosure needed and identifies items needing further preservation review. Works collaboratively with library stakeholders to help meet their enclosure needs. 
• Collaborates with the Enclosures Coordinator on special projects to design custom enclosures for ephemera and other complex library materials. 
• Assists with the supervision of student employees and interns, as needed. 
• Contributes to unit goals by supporting related duties as required including response to emergencies involving library materials, participation in team projects or committees, and assisting with condition surveys. 
• Performs routine laboratory maintenance procedures. 
• Completes and complies with required safety training such as the General Lab Safety Training, and the Library Safety Training. 
• Contributes to the overall goals of the department as appropriate.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• May assist with the supervision of student employees and interns, as needed. 

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Demonstrated experience in a role requiring a high degree of precision and accuracy.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and antiracism. 
• Experience in bookbinding or book conservation.
• Experience working in a production setting.
• Excellent communication skills required, both oral and written.
• Capacity to read and interpret bibliographic data.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, initiate and adapt to change, and be flexible.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work productively in a team environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to perform repetitive work tasks with overall accuracy, effectiveness, and attention to detail.
• Experience with MS Office 365 preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to handle sharp tools and small instruments, work in a fume hood, climb step stools and small ladders, and operate heavy equipment (board shears, book presses, power cutters, etc.)
• Ability to have close vision. 
• Some tasks involve standing for extended periods and/or bending, walking, and sitting.
• May require lifting and transporting items up to 40 pounds.
• Using appropriate safety measures, tasks may involve exposure to dust and mold or the use of light solvents.
• Routine use of photocopiers, scanners, and computers.

Working Conditions

• This position is performed fully onsite in Cambridge, MA, and other Harvard facilities in the greater Boston area. 
• Work location is responsive and subject to change based on business needs. Requests for flexibility will be considered consistent with Harvard University's flexwork policies
• Work is primarily performed in an active conservation laboratory where various book, paper, and photograph collections across Harvard libraries are treated. As needed, work can also be completed at additional conservation spaces across campus and onsite at various library locations.
• May interact with collections that may contain dust, mold, or other contaminants.
• The noise level is usually moderate.

Additional Information

Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. The amount will vary based on the position and the candidate’s relevant experience.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Library

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403071 Library Assistant IV

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

051

Department

Preservation Services

Annual Salary Range

$47,450 - $72,707

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Across the Harvard Library, our work is enriched by our diverse campus community. Our unique and wide-ranging abilities, experiences, and perspectives are integral to achieving Harvard University’s mission of excellence in research, teaching, and learning for our patrons, our collections, and our workplace. We believe that an inclusive environment that cultivates and promotes understanding, respect, and collaboration across our diverse workforce enables our success. 
 
We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and abilities to be a part of our community of over 700 staff members. Our work with faculty, students and researchers to explore answers to intellectual questions, enduring and new, and to seek solutions to the world’s most consequential problems, requires that we not only reflect, but also champion our diverse society. 
 
Harvard Library inspires collaboration, reflection, experimentation, and discovery connecting users to related disciplines and to University-wide teaching resources. The Library engages users through curated discovery, digital collections, reimagined physical space, and specialized research support.  Today, Harvard Library’s holdings range from traditional print collections to rapidly expanding access to digital resources. Harvard Library provides the University's faculty, students, and researchers—now and in the future—with exceptional experiences and comprehensive access to these materials. 
 
Learn more about our contributions to the academic enterprise by visiting us at http://library.harvard.edu and about the Harvard University community at http://hr.harvard.edu/why-harvard. 
 
The Harvard Library is a proud member of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Diversity Alliance.  

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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