The Conservator position contributes to the Preservation Division's objectives by extending the longevity of the collections and thus their continued availability to scholars.

The Conservator serves as a member of the Conservation Department management team, communicating and coordinating work with other senior library staff, training and mentoring graduate and pre-program conservation interns, and contributing to the development of knowledge in conservation through research and presentations. The position will work with curators, librarians and archivists to plan for preventive conservation projects such as re-housing or cleaning. Provide advice and technical support on all aspects of preservation for CUL special collections. Select appropriate work for Conservation Assistants and conservator intern(s). Under the general direction of the Head, manage contract projects, including advising and training contract staff, Conservation Assistants and student workers.

The Conservator will examine, document, and assess condition of rare and valuable items identified for conservation treatment. Perform complex conservation treatments where necessary on rare books, bound and unbound manuscripts, prints, maps and drawings on paper or parchment. Treatments may include (but are not limited to) washing, de-acidification and physical treatment of paper, repair or reconstruction of historic bindings, creation of new bindings appropriate to historic materials, complex box-making. Manage selected treatment projects and assist the Head of Conservation with planning, developing and documenting procedures for the preventive conservation of rare library materials. In the absence of Head and Mellon Conservator, may manage Conservation Program. Provide training and guidance as needed for interns, student workers, contract staff, Conservation Assistants and conservation program students.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in conservation or a related field including, or supplemented by, a full-time internship in book conservation treament (with a minimum of nine months duration) under the direction of an experienced conservator. [Following graduation from an accredited program, a minimum of nine months' professional book conservation treatment experience, under senior direction, may be substituted for the internship requirement.]

Knowledge of disaster preparedness and response best practices.

Knowledge of chemistry as it applies to the conservation of library and museum collections.

Knowledge of best practices for museum exhibit installation. Knowledge of environmental monitoring techniques and optimal collection storage environments.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Specialization in rare book conservation, experience binding historical book structures and knowledge of global bookbinding history.

Professional conservation experience within a research library or similar academic setting.

Demonstrated ability to contribute to the profession through formal teaching, research and/or publication.

Demonstrated successful project management experience.

Experience using database software and digital imaging software, electronic data loggers and related software

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.