Preventive Conservator
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Overview
The Preventive Conservator will play a pivotal role in shaping the institution's long-term preservation strategy for these hidden collections. The successful candidate will systematically analyze the backlog to identify preservation needs, assess risks, and develop a comprehensive, phased plan for remediation, treatment, and processing. This role requires a strong foundation in materials science, conservation ethics, and preventive conservation, combined with excellent project management and data analysis skills.
Principal Responsibilities
Plans, researches, implements conservation treatments for rare books, manuscripts, and other related materials from the Library's special collections and archives. Examines the materials composition and deterioration of objects in order to develop and execute successful conservation treatments. Engages cooperatively with curators, librarians, archivists, and collection managers to provide information regarding condition, potential risks, and options for acquisition, treatment, loan and exhibit for individual objects and groups of objects and the advisability of acquiring, loaning or exhibiting such material as well as the preservation options for long-term retention of such materials. Makes recommendations and devises or adapts treatment methods, with respect to an object's value, meaning, collection context and anticipated use. Creates accurate written and photographic documentation for examinations, treatments and other activities. Undertakes item-level condition surveys and assists with planning strategies for improvements to collection care. Advances knowledge, skills, and develops specialization through professional development opportunities such as conferences and workshops. Keeps current with changes in the field. May supervise and/or train staff. Handles hazardous materials used in treatment in accordance with current federal, state, and local regulations and policies. Participates in library system-wide planning, committees, and work groups, and engages in campus, regional and national professional organizations and collaborative activities. Monitors developments and best practices elsewhere to help ensure the excellence of Yale's collections and research support services. Assists with disaster recovery efforts. May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Abilities
1. Master's degree from a recognized graduate program in conservation, with a specialization in library and archives conservation, preventive conservation, or a related specialization, or equivalent education and experience. 2. Familiarity with the materials, structures, and conservation challenges of a wide range of library and archival formats. Knowledge of practical experience with preventive conservation principles and practices. 3. Ability to design and execute large-scale collection surveys and condition assessments. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable recommendations. Proficiency with data management software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Access) or collection management systems. 4. Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues from different disciplines. 5. Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative and to contribute as a member of a collaborative team.
Preferred Skills and Abilities
1. Two or more years of post-graduate professional experience in a library, archives, or museum setting. 2. Experience with project management, including setting timelines, managing deliverables, and reporting on progress. 3. Familiarity with library and archival processing workflows and standards. 4. Experience with statistical analysis and data visualization tools. 5. Familiarity with preservation of audiovisual materials.