Technical Assistant VI

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: 1199 Clerical
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule: Onsite; Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM
• Building: Butler Library
• Salary Range: $27.00 - 27.00 per hour entry rate ($27.70-$27.70 per hour minimum rate)

Position Summary

Columbia University Libraries is currently seeking applicants for the position of Technical Assistant VI in the Preservation Division. Established in 1974 with responsibility for preserving Columbia University Libraries' collections in all formats and genres, the Preservation Division provides a comprehensive program to prolong the existence and accessibility of the collections for current and future students and scholars. The Division coordinates with other units in the Libraries to assure preservation of all Libraries' content.

Under the direction of the Head Conservator and the Special Collections Conservators, the incumbent will perform conservation treatments on rare and special materials, with an emphasis on paper repair and intermediate bound treatment, and will fabricate custom enclosures for library collections.

Tests: Applicants will be required to provide a portfolio or examples of previous conservation work. Applicants will be tested on their competence with certain skills and techniques during the interview.

Requirement: Medical assessment will be required after probation period to determine whether -face respirator may be worn.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic paper conservation procedures such as surface cleaning, washing, re-sizing and mending, on materials from the Libraries' rare and special collections.
• Create protective housings for single items and for collections, as well as cutting mats and making cradles for exhibits.
• Work to meet deadlines for projects undertaken for other library units.
• Assist with environmental monitoring, supply ordering and inventory, disaster response and treatment documentation.
• Perform conservation repairs on selected general collections materials, including sewing pamphlets, reattaching boards, encapsulating maps and documents, repairing torn pages and making protective enclosures. Depending on skill and aptitude may also perform more complex binding treatments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma and/or its equivalent and one year of full-time experience in conservation of rare or valuable paper artifacts, in a library/archives setting or in a private conservation studio, or an equivalent combination of experience and education required.
• Experience in fabricating protective housings and/or exhibit-mounts and other three-dimensional constructions within precise tolerances.
• Experience in multi-section bookbinding.
• Well-developed treatment skills, experience with complex binding and repair procedures, and awareness of current conservation philosophy and ethics.
• Must be highly organized and flexible.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills essential.
• Must be willing to work on a wide range of materials, performing detailed and occasionally repetitive tasks with precision.
• Requires operation, including careful maintenance, of specialized equipment (e.g. computerized cutter, ultrasonic welder, fume hood, guillotine cutter) and use of various chemicals under controlled conditions.
• Able to handle and clean dusty or moldy library materials using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, and obtain medical clearance for the use of a half face respirator through University Protocols.
• Able to work standing up for extended periods of time.
• Able to push/pull/lift up to 40 lbs.
• Basic word processing, spreadsheet and database skills to document treatments that the incumbent performs and other lab duties.
• Ability to handle rare and fragile materials with care.
• Attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• BA/BS preferred.
• Formal education in bookbinding preferred.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in a library conservation lab, experience in museum exhibits preparation.
• Familiarity with current conservation philosophy and ethics.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.