Division: Archives & Information Services
Position Title: Conservator
Work Location: 1201 Brazos - Austin, TX 78711
Working Hours: M-F 8-5
Salary Group: B-16
Classification No. 7472 - Curator IV
Job Posting No. 00047726
Monthly Salary: $6,250 - $7,084 /Month
Date Job Available: April 01, 2025
Please paste the following URL into a browser to view the entire job posting in the CAPPS Career Section: Job Description - Conservator (00047726)
TSLAC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability in employment or in the provision of services, programs, or activities. For job opening inquiries or to request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act please contact the TSLAC Human Resources office by calling 512-463-5474.
Applications submitted to TSLAC may be subject to public disclosure, upon request, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act.
Veterans, Reservist or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields (No MOS) pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply. Please call Human Resources at (512) 463-6564 with questions or for additional information.
Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_InformationTechnology.pdf
Job Summary
Performs advanced (senior-level) curatorial work. The conservator manages the daily activities of the book and paper conservation laboratory and performs complex treatments on rare and unique archival and library materials in accordance with the AIC code of ethics. Develops and monitors work procedures for the unit, establishes priorities, and makes treatment decisions. Assists with outreach and educational programs; preservation planning and surveys; emergency response; and environmental control. May oversee the work of technicians, interns, students, or volunteers assigned to assist with conservation tasks. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Tasks
- Plans and manages the operations of the book and paper conservation laboratory, including administrative tasks
- Examines and documents collections holdings to determine structure, materials, and condition
- Conducts book and paper conservation treatment for TSLAC collections
- Constructs enclosures for books, manuscripts, photographs, and other library and archival materials
- Conducts or organizes tours, workshops, and instructional sessions for a variety of audiences
- erforms exhibit preparation; assists with installation
- Trains the staff, interns, and volunteers in basic conservation methods.
- Attends work regularly and in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies
- Complies with all applicable agency policies and procedures, including safety and standards of conduct
- Other Duties as assigned
Other Tasks
- May assist with the preparation of grant applications and budget requests
- May study, examine, and test acquisitions to authenticate their origin, composition, and history
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduation from a Master’s level conservation program in the US or Canada, or graduate level conservation program abroad, or a Master's in Library Science with or related field, with specialized training in conservation.
- Three years of experience performing paper treatments in a conservation lab setting
- Work experience using Microsoft Office Suite software
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in exhibit preparation and installation
- Experience developing and/or maintaining conservation treatment documentation systems
- Experience with preservation planning
- Experience developing preservation training for staff, interns, or volunteers
- Experience presenting training or educational programs to a variety of audiences
- Experience leading or overseeing the work of others
- Experience construction enclosures for books, manuscripts, and photographs
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of conservation theory, principles, practices, and ethics as they relate to books, photographs, and paper-based materials in a special collections and archival setting.
- Knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of books/paper and an understanding of the causes of deterioration.
- Ability to perform complex conservation treatments on a broad range of paper-based collections.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in addition to working well with other staff members.
- Skill in advanced communication and organizational ability.
- Ability to analyze data and formulate conclusions
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff
- Ability to plan and arrange own work in order to meet deadlines
- Ability to lift and move boxes weighing up to 40 lbs.
Environmental/Physical Conditions
Combination of office and conservation lab work environment. Exposure to art materials and standard chemicals used in conservation treatments. Exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with book and paper conservation activities and human contact. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for exhibition installations or special events. Position requires sitting or standing for long periods of time; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping, and bending; use of small handheld tools and sharp objects; and safely moving items weighing up to 40 pounds. Regular use of ladders and reaching above shoulder level to access storage boxes. Use of lab equipment including microscope, fume hood, suction table, humidification chamber and ultrasonic welder. Work involves telephone usage and repetitive motions while operating the computer. Excellent manual dexterity and fine motor skills, and visual acuity to determine color variations. Normal cognitive abilities including the ability to learn, recall, and apply certain practices and policies. Travel (approx. 5%) is required to speak publicly and attend meetings/events. Non-smoking work environment.
Other Requirements
- Complete college transcripts required at the time of application
- Portfolio of recent conservation treatments (physical or link to digital copy accepted) must be submitted at the time of application. Portfolio must demonstrate experience in the complex treatment of paper-based collections including the relevant chemistry and conservation theory.
- Successful applicant must pass a criminal history check.
Reporting Relationships
Reports to Director, Archives and Information Services Division