Paper Conservator
Description:
The Massachusetts
Historical Society (MHS) located in Boston, Massachusetts seeks a paper
conservator. This is a full-time (35 hours
per week) position; Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. The MHS is an independent, scholarly research
library founded in 1791 for the threefold purpose of collecting, preserving,
and disseminating sources for the study of American history. The MHS holds more than 3,600 manuscript collections, as well as extensive
collections of early American imprints, newspapers, maps, printed ephemera,
photographs, engravings, and other research materials.
Duties: The paper
conservator is responsible for the hands-on conservation of paper-based (manuscript
and print) materials employing a variety of techniques including
cleaning, flattening, repair, alkalization, tape removal, and mold remediation;
documentation of condition and treatments; and preparation of items from the
collection for exhibition and digitization.
In addition to hands-on conservation, the successful candidate will also
be responsible for the overall preservation of the collection. The paper conservator will work closely with
the facilities department to maintain proper climate control and pest management;
train staff working with collections on the proper handling of library
materials; coordinate all contract services for conservation work not done onsite,
including the reformatting of audio-visual materials; and serve on the
Society’s internal security and emergency management teams. The paper conservator also will create
enclosures, perform basic preservation tasks, re-house collections as needed,
and maintain the supplies, equipment, and workspace in the conservation
lab. The paper conservator may also
prepare condition reports for outgoing loans, conduct tours and presentations for
students and visitors, and supervise student interns and volunteers. The successful
candidate will be a member of the Collections Services Department and report
directly to the Vice President for Collections.
The Massachusetts Historical Society is an equal
opportunity employer.
We aim to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels,
of the citizens we serve. Candidates of all backgrounds are welcomed and
encouraged to apply. We are committed to creating a work place free from
harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed,
gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual
orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, military or
veteran status, or any other category protected by law (also known as
membership in a "protected class").
Qualifications:
Master’s degree (preferred) or Bachelor’s
degree with coursework in paper conservation; a minimum of three years’ bench
work with paper conservation of special collections material from a variety of time
periods; knowledge of current paper conservation techniques; an understanding of basic conservation
and preservation principles, including disaster preparedness; proficiency using
conservation equipment and tools; experience
preparing materials for exhibition, including mounting, matting, and framing;
and experience preparing condition and treatment reports. Training and/or
experience with the preservation of special collections materials preferred. The
successful candidate must be flexible, self-motivated, and able to work
independently. S/he must possess strong
planning and organization skills with an ability to prioritize and multi-task.
How To Apply: Send a cover letter,
resumé, sample images and reports of conservation treatments, and the names of
three references, preferably by email, to:
Brenda Lawson, Vice President for Collections
blawson@masshist.org
Availability:
This position is
available on January 10, 2022. Priority
will be given to applications received by November 28, 2021.
Apply by:
November 28, 2021
Salary:
$54,000 - $63,000
About this Organization: The Massachusetts Historical Society is an independent research library that collects, preserves, makes accessible, and communicates manuscripts and other materials in order to promote the study of the history of Massachusetts and the nation - a mission it has pursued since 1791.
*The Massachusetts Historical Society is an Equal
Opportunity Employer. We aim to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at
all job levels, of the citizens we serve. Candidates of all backgrounds are
welcomed and encouraged to apply. We are committed to creating a work place
free from harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, color, ancestry,
religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin,
sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability,
military or veteran status, or any other category protected by law (also known
as membership in a "protected class"). We offer a competitive
benefits package and salary commensurate with experience.*