Book Conservator
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, & Botanical Gardens
Exempt, full time, regular staff position.


The Huntington invites applications for the position of Book Conservator in the Preservation Department's Book Conservation Lab.  The Book Conservator works under the general supervision of the Head Conservator.

Essential Functions: The Book Conservator is responsible for the physical care, preservation, and conservation treatment of printed books, bound manuscripts, and albums from the institution's collections. The Book Conservator works collegially with all Huntington staff to develop and carry out appropriate and expedient protocols and techniques for treating, documenting, examining, exhibiting, housing, and photographing bound volumes from a wide range of historical periods. The Book Conservator will contribute to conservation surveys, and may establish conservation priorities and treatment strategies for the collections in tandem with the Head Conservator, Curators, & Chief Preservation Officer. The Book Conservator uses traditional photography, digital imaging, and written documentation to record conservation treatments on the computer.  The Book Conservator maintains and orders supplies and equipment as directed, participates in departmental meetings and activities, and assists with the environmental monitoring of exhibit and library areas. The supervision and teaching of interns, and the training of additional staff may be carried out by the Book Conservator.  

Qualifications:

* A Bachelors degree is required, with the Masters degree plus certificate in Conservation from a recognized graduate conservation training program or a Bachelors degree plus a combination of equivalent formalized advanced training and experience in the conservation of library and museum materials. 
* 3-4 years conservation bench experience in a research library, museum, private practice, or equivalent situation
* skill in book and concordant paper conservation treatments as demonstrated by a portfolio
* computer literacy and research skills
* demonstrated knowledge of material science as it applies to library & museum materials and media
* strong knowledge of the history of bookbinding structures and printing
* an understanding of the theory and practical techniques of conservation and preservation of book and paper materials
* excellent hand skills, attention to detail
* a strong commitment to preserving the artifactual and intrinsic value of both manuscript and printed books through the application of appropriate conservation techniques.
* excellent communication and teamwork skills

Benefits Include:  Medical and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, access to a credit union, 403(b) savings plan, and paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

Interested applicants should submit a letter of application, resume, and
the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references to:

Mr. Carl Foote
Manager of Personnel and Planning 
Huntington Library, Art Collections, & Botanical Gardens 
1151 Oxford Road 
San Marino, CA 91108 

The Huntington, located about 15 miles north-east of downtown Los Angeles, is a private, non-profit institution dedicated to advanced scholarly research in British and American history, art, and literature, combined with public art galleries and botanical gardens. The Huntington exhibits collections of British, Renaissance, and American art, rare books and manuscripts, as well as 150 acres of specialized botanical gardens.

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