Paper Conservator

The Huntington; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

403(b) retirement plan with employer’s

Paid time off

Staff discounts

Free museum admissions

Free visitor passes

Job summary

The Huntington in California seeks a Paper Conservator to lead preservation and conservation of manuscripts, photographs, and works on paper. The role reports to the Dibner Senior Book and Paper Conservator and collaborates across Library and Art staff in a team-focused environment.

Applicants should have a Master’s in conservation, strong documentation skills, and a portfolio demonstrating complex treatments. The position includes staff training and material preservation planning.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from a graduate training program in conservation.
• Thorough knowledge of conservation theory and practice, and materials science as it applies to paper-based materials.
• Ability to perform complex conservation treatments on art and archival materials demonstrated through a portfolio.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated computer and related technology skills.
• Evidence of professional activity, typically through membership and participation in AIC.

Responsibilities

• Examines, analyzes, and performs both basic and complex paper conservation treatments on a broad range of paper-based materials.
• Provides written and photographic documentation of treatments per AIC guidelines.
• Contributes to exhibits and loan materials review and preparation.
• Participates in digitization preparation and preservation strategies at collection level.
• Educates staff and wider public on conservation matters.

Skills

Conservation theory

Materials science

Strong communication

Portfolio evidence

Computer skills

AIC member

Education

Master's degree in conservation

Job description

About Us

At The Huntington, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to support and promote the appreciation of the humanities, the arts, and botanical science. The Huntington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.

About Us

At The Huntington, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to support and promote the appreciation of the humanities, the arts, and botanical science. The Huntington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.

The Huntington

Founded in 1919, The Huntington is a collections-based research and educational institution open to the public, housing world-class library, art, and botanical collections. Its mission is to support research and promote education in the arts, humanities, and botanical science and to display and interpret its extraordinary resources for diverse audiences.

The Culture

Here we are committed to the highest of standards in all that we do – from preserving and protecting the collections, to exhibitions, educational and scholarly programming, visitor and reader services, and beyond. Achieving excellence across these pursuits requires a diversity of perspectives, expertise, experience, and methodologies.

At The Huntington, our organizational Culture is shaped by the following core values: Intellectual curiosity, Collaboration, Stewardship, Belonging, and Integrity.

• Intellectual Curiosity: Knowledge, lifelong learning, and a spirit of inquiry are at the core of our mission and organizational culture.
• Collaboration: Teamwork and a collaborative attitude are important at all levels of The Huntington. We foster relationships internally among our departments and externally with organizations throughout the community.
• Stewardship: We are committed to the care and development of our collections, our financial and physical resources, our staff, and our community.
• Belonging: We strive to attract and maintain a workforce of individuals with diverse talents, backgrounds, and perspectives. Our organizational culture promotes a sense of welcome, inclusion, and connection.
• Integrity: We value respect and honesty, working to fulfill our mission with honor and ethical principles.

Job Description

About the Role

The Paper Conservator is responsible for the physical care, preservation, and conservation treatment of manuscripts, photographs, and works of art on paper in the Library and Art collections. This position reports to the Dibner Senior Book and Paper Conservator and works closely with Library and Art Division staff across the institution in a team-oriented environment where collaboration and shared ideas are the norm. S/he/they will demonstrate a background of working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, using a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible approach.

Essential Duties

• Examines, analyzes, and performs both basic and complex paper conservation treatments on a broad range of paper-based materials including printed material, unbound manuscripts, photographs, works of art on paper, and parchment in accordance with AIC guidelines.
• Provides full written and photographic documentation of treatments in accordance with AIC guidelines. Prepares condition assessments, conducts surveys, and provides other written reports as necessary.
• Contributes to permanent and rotating exhibits including reviewing materials, making recommendations, and performing treatment. Reviews and prepares materials for incoming and outgoing loans.
• Participates in preparing materials for digitization.
• Working with other staff, develops and implements preservation and treatment strategies at the collection level. Participates in departmental activities such as emergency response and environmental control.
• Keeps current on new developments in the field and participates in regional and national preservation activities as appropriate. Participates in educating staff, readers, and the wider public on matters related to conservation.
• Assists in general organization, maintenance, and management of conservation laboratory. Researches and recommends laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Works closely with supervisor and curatorial staff to set treatment priorities for paper materials.
• Conducts or assists with workshops, seminars, and other training. May train and supervise interns.
• Other duties as assigned.

Candidate Requirements And Experience

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Master’s degree from a graduate training program in conservation.
• Thorough knowledge of conservation theory and practice, and materials science as it applies to paper-based materials.
• Ability to perform complex conservation treatments both art and archival materials as demonstrated through a portfolio.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated computer and related technology skills.
• Evidence of professional activity, most typically through membership and participation in AIC.

Preferred

• Professional experience in conservation of paper-based materials in an institutional setting highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with exhibit or loan preparation including item examination, treatment, matting, framing, mounting, and evaluating transit needs.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay Range: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00. Commensurate on experience.
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 403(b) retirement plan and matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match
• Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and holidays
• Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants
• Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions
• Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds