Assistant or Associate Conservator of Library and Archival Materials

Essential Functions:

• Performs conservation treatment for Library materials, with an emphasis on non-bound materials.
• Provides written and photographic documentation in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics (including examination, condition and treatment reports, and photographic documentation).
• Participates and assists in a wide range of preventive conservation activities including disaster preparedness and recovery, pest management, minor mold remediation, examination and preparation of materials for loan, review of unprocessed collections, and environmental monitoring.
• Reviews and moves unprocessed collections weighting up to 40 pounds.
• Helps develop and update policies and procedures for collections care, including guidelines for environmental conditions, handling, exhibition, loans, events, and disaster response.
• Helps develop and manage treatment strategies for collections.
• Assists in the assessment, preparation, and display of materials for exhibition.
• Assists in the general maintenance and organization of the conservation laboratory.
• Keeps abreast of current developments in the conservation field.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

This is a full-time, onsite position with benefits. The Society offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, 403b with employer match, and generous paid days off. 

Salary: Full-time, exempt, $55,000-65,000, depending on experience.

ABOUT THE APS

The American Philosophical Society (APS), the oldest learned society in the United States, was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin for the purposes of “promoting useful knowledge.” In the 21st century, it serves to advance knowledge and promote scholarship in the humanities and social, mathematical, life, and physical sciences. Members of the Society are elected from among the most eminent scholars and civic and cultural leaders in North America and abroad. More than 100 living APS Members are Nobel laureates.

The APS’s Library & Museum collections make it among the premier institutions for documenting and exhibiting the history of the American Revolution and founding, the history of science from Newton to NASA, Native American languages and culture, and the development of American anthropology. The Library houses over 14 million manuscripts, 275,000 volumes and bound periodicals, 250,000 images, fine art, and other objects. Museum exhibitions interpret these extensive collections for the regional, national, and international visitors who come to Philadelphia’s historic district. In so doing, the exhibitions aim to nurture the spirit of inquiry, promote critical thinking, and engender enthusiasm for object-based learning by using primary source documents and authentic objects. The Library & Museum also hosts a robust fellowship program, offering over 25 short-term and 10 long-term fellowships each year to scholars using its collections.

For Further Information on Library & Museum Collections visit: https://www.amphilsoc.org/library and  https://amphilsoc.pastperfectonline.com/

Qualifications

Education: 

Master’s degree from an accredited graduate program in conservation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Possesses broad theoretical and practical knowledge of the principles of conservation treatment and preventive conservation, and applies this knowledge judiciously, adhering to scientific principles and the standards set forth in the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Employs appropriate tools, equipment, materials, methods, and documentation protocols when protecting, promoting access to, and prolonging the usefulness of collection materials.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills and decision-making abilities.
• Effectively communicates conservation principles and goals with colleagues in other fields and with the public to facilitate preservation planning and increase access to conservation.
• Must be able to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment.
• Must be able to report to work outside of work hours in the event of an emergency involving collection materials.