Book and Paper Conservator - University of Oregon

We are seeking a dedicated professional who is passionate about preservation and skilled in conservation techniques to join our team and work closely with our Lead Conservator. In this role, you will perform conservation treatments on a diverse array of library and archival materials, from circulating items to special collections. Your expertise will help maintain and enhance our conservation records, construct preservation enclosures and supports, and provide technical guidance on the preservation of paper-based materials. Additionally, you will assist in managing student employees, fostering their growth and development in the field.

Department: Libraries
Classification: Archivist
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $21.00 - $31.91/hour
FTE: 1.0

Review of Applications Begins

November 18, 2024; Position open until filled (updated)

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure consideration, a complete application must include:

1. A current resume/CV.
2. A cover letter demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position.
3. Three (3) professional references with contact information. References will not be contacted until you are notified.

Department Summary

About the University
The University of Oregon is one of only two Pacific Northwest members of the Association of American Universities and holds the distinction of a “very high research activity” ranking in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The UO enrolls more than 20,000 undergraduate and 3,600 graduate students representing all 50 states and nearly 100 countries. The University of Oregon is guided by a diversity framework that involves a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. In recent years, the university has increased the diversity of its student body, as well as campus-wide efforts to build a welcoming, inclusive community. The UO’s 295-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities in an arboretum-like setting within the traditional homelands of the Kalapuya people. The UO is located in Eugene, a vibrant city of 157,000 with a wide range of cultural and culinary offerings, a pleasant year-round climate, and a community engaged in environmental and social concerns. The campus is within easy driving distance of the Pacific Coast, the Cascade Mountains, and Portland.

About the UO Libraries:
The University of Oregon Libraries is an essential partner in the University of Oregon’s educational, research, and public service mission. With five locations on the Eugene campus and branches at UO Portland and the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, the UO Libraries offers many flexible service- and technology-rich environments for our users’ research, learning, and publishing needs.
The UO Libraries’ mission is informing research and learning breakthroughs for Oregon. We strive to realize our vision of being a model for the enduring, positive impact that research libraries can have on their academic and civic communities. We do that with an unwavering commitment to our values. Learn more about the UO Libraries’ strategic design, our values, and our goals at library.uoregon.edu/strategy.
The University of Oregon Libraries is the only Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member in Oregon. We are also members of the Orbis Cascade Alliance, SPARC, Center for Research Libraries, DuraSpace, the Council on Library and Information Resources, the Coalition for Networked Information, EDUCAUSE, and other major organizations.

About the Beach Conservation Lab:
In 1980, the UO Libraries received a generous gift from Mrs. Sally Altick in memory of her father, Frank Beach. The purpose of the gift was "to permit the Library to preserve its research collections through the purchase of equipment and supplies designed to preserve and restore valuable research materials." This gift laid the foundation for the Frank L. Beach Memorial Conservation Laboratory. Since then, the Lab has continued to stay abreast of advances in library preservation and conservation and has expanded the scope of treatments offered to the UO Libraries' collections. Future challenges include modernizing the facility, increasing staff size, actively engaging in training through fellowships, and providing robust outreach and counsel to external constituencies.

Position Summary

We are seeking a dedicated professional who is passionate about preservation and skilled in conservation techniques to join our team and work closely with our Lead Conservator. In this role, you will perform conservation treatments on a diverse array of library and archival materials, from circulating items to special collections. Your expertise will help maintain and enhance our conservation records, construct preservation enclosures and supports, and provide technical guidance on the preservation of paper-based materials. Additionally, you will assist in managing student employees, fostering their growth and development in the field.

At the Beach Conservation Lab, we offer comprehensive conservation and disaster recovery services to all Library units, as well as consultation services to other institutions and the public. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to significant preservation projects and make a lasting impact. Join us and be a part of a dedicated team committed to preserving the past for future generations.

We are aware that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification in the job description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career trajectory, such as having skills and abilities gained outside a classroom context, or an equivalent skill set. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.

Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree with major coursework (thirty quarter or twenty semester hours) in social research, public administration, history, political science, or a closely related field; OR
• Two years of college level coursework AND two years of technical or research experience in archives; OR
• Four years of technical experience in archives involving automated archival systems, including methods for automated archival storage and retrieval; OR
• An equivalent combination of training and technical experience in archives.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to perform complex conservation treatment on general and rare materials in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• High-level accuracy, manual dexterity, neatness and creativity in conservation and preservation practices.
• Excellent organizational, time, and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills to work effectively with staff, students, and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to document examination, scientific investigation, and treatment by creating permanent records and reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of experience in preservation and conservation at a research library.
• Experience using scientific principles and examination methods, such as analytical and imaging techniques for identifying materials and/or techniques, solubility testing and preventive conservation principles.
• Experience with photodocumentation techniques using digital cameras, imaging and editing software, and other technical equipment.
• Experience in exhibit preparation.
• Experience compiling departmental statistics and overseeing supplies and equipment for conservation services.

FLSA Exempt: No

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All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit https://hr.uoregon.edu/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.