Preservation Conservation Technician (Hourly)

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Conservation Preservation Technician for University Libraries. The position performs conservation care and treatments on materials held in the library’s special collections.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:
Perform detailed conservation treatments on a variety of materials from various special collections within the library, including evaluating and recommending treatment for mold and mildew; humidifying paper and parchment, deacidifying paper, and encapsulating brittle or fragile items
Meets as needed with curators and other responsible parties to discuss treatment options and conservation needs.
Adheres to best practices by maintaining a clean workspace; understanding and observing building and chemical safety protocols; and maintaining the security for valuable library materials.
Photographs or scans fragile and oversized material, using appropriate equipment
Maintains accurate statistics on daily activities and reports this information monthly.
All work assignments and tasks are to be completed in an accurate and timely manner
Monitors environment of onsite collection and work spaces.

Required:
•Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
•Requires up to two years relevant experience in an administrative function, good communication and interpersonal skills, and computer literacy.
Demonstrated understanding of conservation principles
Proficient in conservation treatments including mold remediation
Superior hand skills and attention to detail in order to perform precise and detailed repairs and operations according to specialized instructions
Willingness to work with solvents and other potentially hazardous materials that require the use of a respirator
Ability to push/pull loaded book trucks; ability to lift a minimum of 40 pounds
Written and oral communication skills commensurate with job requirements
Ability to work independently and in a group environment team
Understands and values diversity and the importance of inclusion
Demonstrated technology skills, including proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications

Preferred:
Experience working with and handling rare books or artifacts
Coursework in conservation, preservation, bookbinding, or museum studies or bookbinding experience
Experience photographing and scanning fragile and oversized material
Experience using overhead cameras such as Phase One
Ability to identify opportunities to improve procedures and practices.

Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 60.1.35 Immunization Policy for Rutgers Employees and Prospective Employees, Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated and have received a booster (where eligible) against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Employees who are not eligible for a booster at the time of an offer of employment must provide proof they have received a booster upon eligibility and upload proof of same. Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement