Senior Rare Book Conservator

Computercraft Corporation; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability and life insurance

401(k) with matching

Paid leave (128 hours/year) for first

11 paid holidays

40-hour work week

Job summary

Computercraft seeks an experienced Rare Book Conservator to support the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. You will repair valuable bound and flat paper materials to prepare for digital scanning, ensuring stability for researchers and loans.

Duties include cleaning, mending, pigment consolidation, and mold remediation, with emphasis on documentation. You will lead conservation efforts, train staff, and assist with packing and offsite projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in library science, museum studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in book and manuscript repair.
• Specialized knowledge in safe use and storage of hazardous chemicals used in conservation work.
• Disaster salvage, response, and recovery training with mold identification and remediation PPE.

Responsibilities

• Repair a variety of valuable bound and flat paper collections using conservation best practices.
• Design and construct protective enclosures.
• Write condition and treatment reports with digital photo documentation.
• Lead or participate in staff training and demonstrations for NLM staff and visitors.
• Provide photography services for projects and digital initiatives.
• Perform preservation assessments and routine maintenance of the collection.
• Identify lab supplies and assist with orders; assist with offsite packing and returns.
• Direct technician tasks and maintain conservation lab equipment.
• Assist in salvage and recovery after emergencies.

Skills

Conservation treatments

Mold remediation

Hazardous chemicals handling

Condition reports

Training staff

Independent work under deadlines

Communication skills

Public Trust Clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in library science, museum studies, or related field

Tools

Ex Libris Alma

Job description

Computercraft seeks an experienced Rare Book Conservator to support the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. You will repair valuable bound and flat paper materials to prepare for digital scanning, ensuring stability for researchers and loans.

Duties include cleaning, mending, pigment consolidation, and mold remediation, with emphasis on documentation. You will lead conservation efforts, train staff, and assist with packing and offsite projects.