Senior Conservator — Rare Library Treasures, Flexible

Sunseeker Property Service; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Library of Congress in Washington, DC seeks a Conservator to join the Conservation Division within the Preservation Directorate. The role supports long-term access to Library collections through preservation programs and requires high independence to address complex challenges across rare and valuable items.

This non-supervisory, bargaining unit position emphasizes research, collaboration, and ethical conservation practice, with a focus on safeguarding cultural heritage and enabling safe use of

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the principles concepts and techniques of conservation treatment.
• Ability to research and analyze collections and materials to carry out conservation treatment and preventive conservation measures.
• Ability to provide consultation outreach and liaison services.
• Ability to communicate in writing.
• Ability to provide training.
• Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Responsibilities

• Address the conservation needs that pose unusual challenges and/or involve the Library's rarest or valuable collection items including custodial unit treasures and the Library's National Treasures.
• Survey and assess Library collections that pose complex preservation challenges to determine condition and preservation needs.
• Undertake or lead efforts and/or teams to perform condition assessment of such collections.
• Develop new tools or modify existing ones to capture data for projects.
• Lead complex projects involving staff, contractors, and interns to successful completion.
• Analyze lab protocols and workflows and propose improvements for operations.
• Communicate technical and philosophical issues clearly to peers, stakeholders, and the public.
• Publish research findings with impact on the field.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Conservation treatment

Collection analysis

Consultation & liaison

Written communication

Training

Verbal communication

Job description

Library of Congress in Washington, DC seeks a Conservator to join the Conservation Division within the Preservation Directorate. The role supports long-term access to Library collections through preservation programs and requires high independence to address complex challenges across rare and valuable items.

This non-supervisory, bargaining unit position emphasizes research, collaboration, and ethical conservation practice, with a focus on safeguarding cultural heritage and enabling safe use of