*American Philosophical Society* *Assistant Conservator for Archival Materials*
*Departmental Program Summary: * The Conservation Department at the American Philosophical Society is responsible for the preventive care as well as conservation treatment for items found in its diverse special collections library. This growing collection currently includes over 13 million manuscript leaves, 275,000 volumes and bound periodicals, thousands of prints and maps, and large audio, video, and digital holdings. The department is currently composed of two full-time conservators, an annual grant-funded intern, and occasional volunteers. *Position Description:* As a junior member of the department, under the direction of the Head of Conservation, the Assistant Conservator for Archival Materials aids in the preservation/ preventive conservation of the collections. This care includes treatment and documentation of individual items for a variety of materials such as manuscripts on paper, maps, ephemera, photographic materials, graphic works on paper, and manuscripts on parchment. *Responsibilities: * - Performs conservation treatment on primarily non-bound materials owned by the Library. - Provides written and photographic documentation in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics (including examination, condition and treatment reports, and photographic documentation). - Participates and assists in a wide range of preservation/ preventive conservation activities including disaster preparedness and recovery, pest management, minor mold remediation, examination and preparation of materials for loan, and environmental monitoring. - Helps develop and manage treatment strategies for collections. - Closely collaborates with APS staff to optimize collection care. - Assists in the general maintenance and organization of the conservation laboratory. - Assists in the preparation and display of materials for exhibition. - Keeps abreast of current developments in the conservation field. - Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications: - Master’s degree from an accredited graduate training program in conservation. - Demonstrated working knowledge of conservation theory and practice. - Ability to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment. - Ability to lift 40 pounds. - Demonstrated computer skills including use of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Bridge/Photoshop. - Demonstrated mastery of written and oral communication. - Demonstrated success in a wide range of conservation treatment procedures and techniques. The ideal candidate will have these additional qualities: · The desire to conduct scholarly research, and to share research results with APS staff and the conservation community through presentations and publications. · An interest in developing relationships across disciplines/ institutions to support the care of Library collections. · Undertakes projects on his or her own initiative. · Is highly organized. · An interest in outreach and education through lab tours and use of social media. · A willingness to help teach the interns and volunteers in the conservation department. · Knowledge of Aeon and Mimsy XG. The Society offers a competitive benefits package, including exceptional health insurance options and generous fringe benefits, including a TIAA-CREF retirement plan, dental insurance, life insurance, and paid days off. The American Philosophical Society is an EOE. *Applications will be accepted through August 14th.* *To apply* upload CV or resume, a cover letter explaining qualifications for and interest in the position and three references (not letters of reference, please) to http://apply.interfolio.com/43099 *About the Library: *Founded in 1743, The American Philosophical Society’s library, located near Independence Hall in Philadelphia, is a leading international center for research in the history of American science and technology and its European roots, as well as early American history and culture. The Library houses over 13 million manuscript leaves, 275,000 volumes and bound periodicals, thousands of prints and maps, and large audio, video, and digital holdings. Outstanding historical collections and subject areas include the papers of Benjamin Franklin (14,000 letters and documents); Jefferson’s holograph of the Declaration of Independence; the American Revolution; the papers of Thomas Paine; 18th and 19th-century natural history; western scientific expeditions and travel including the original journals of Lewis and Clark; polar exploration; the papers of Charles Willson Peale, his family and descendants; American Indian languages; anthropology including the papers of Franz Boas; the papers of Charles Darwin and his forerunners, colleagues, critics, and successors; history of genetics, eugenics, and evolution; history of biochemistry, physiology, and biophysics; 20th-century medical research; and history of physics. The Library does not hold materials on philosophy in the modern sense. More information about the Society and the APS Library can be found at www.amphilsoc.org -- Anne Downey Head of Conservation American Philosophical Society 105 S. Fifth Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-440-3412 http://amphilsoc.org ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
