Assignment #10: Job Postings

Based on our discussion in class this week, I've decided to structure my blog around my “ideal” career path as a conservator. I've tried to find current job postings that represent the kinds of jobs I'd like to find one year out (as in, next year, after my internship); 2-3 years out; and then 5-7 years out.

I imagine starting with a post-graduate fellowship, which would allow for more treatment experience as well as research and publication opportunities. The Getty is one place that offers post-graduate conservation internships—general requirements can be viewed here.

I would like to move on from a fellowship (or two) into an entry-level conservator position (I've found that sometimes this level of positions is titled “collections conservator” or “associate conservator”). Though there are not currently many early-career type positions in the field, I hope this is changing, since I believe mentorship and guidance from an experienced conservator is crucial to “emerging professionals” in the field. A recent job posting for a conservator at The University of Virginia, a new position at that institution, was clearly designed to attract recent graduates of this program. I would love to see more positions like this available in the coming years.

The full University of Virginia posting my be viewed here; below is a summary of duties and requirements:

Duties:

• consult with collection managers to evaluate conservation treatment needs, to establish priorities, and to provide long-range conservation planning;
• equip and maintain a state-of-the-art conservation lab;
• be responsible for the management and efficient utilization of conservation lab staff, including student assistants, volunteers, and interns;
• establish conservation procedures, manage the process to assign incoming materials to appropriate workflows, and assure the quality and timeliness of all work performed in the conservation lab;
• request and manage budgets related to conservation lab supply, equipment, and staffing needs;
• maintain and analyze conservation statistics;
• coordinate all outsourced conservation treatment services;
• participate in emergency response planning and recovery;
• identify potential sources of grant funding for conservation activities;
• participate in opportunities to provide outreach, training, and advice to University Library staff, and University departments and community.
• maintain professional affiliations in conservation and preservation organizations
• stay abreast of the latest developments in conservation principles and practices

Requirements:
Required:

• ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent advanced degree in library or information science or related discipline.
• extensive knowledge of conservation principles and practices and the ability to perform complex conservation treatment on paper-based general and special collections
• working knowledge of current and emerging digital and physical preservation technologies, standards, and practices is required.

Preferred:

• advanced certificate in conservation of library and archival materials or related discipline is preferred.
• minimum of two years experience in the conservation of library collections and a comprehensive knowledge of the organization and administration of conservation programs in an academic library.
• demonstrate evidence of ongoing professional development and contribution.
• excellent interpersonal skill with the ability to communicate clearly, knowledgeably, and personably, orally and in writing.
• Supervisory experience is preferred, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse staff at all levels.

Once I've had a chance to build more expertise and confidence at the bench, I do see myself moving into a more administrative role. Two of the job postings we talked about on Tuesday - General Collections Conservator at Princeton University and Head of Preservation at University of Maryland - would be of great interest to me in 5-7 years.