August 24, 2009
Vail Conservation Technician, MIT
QUAL: Required: Training in bookbinding on an advanced level; preferred candidates will be a graduate of a recognized bookbinding or conservation program. Two to four years bookbinding experience in a production oriented environment. Aptitude for accurate and meticulous work. Demonstrated success in sustaining productivity, meeting deadlines and managing competing priorities. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a project team within a larger organization. Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Demonstrated proficiency working with computing applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and FileMaker Pro. Ability to lift and reach, to be exposed to dust; to operate equipment (e.g., cutters, presses) and fume hood; and to handle conservation tools and materials. Preferred: Experience working in a library, archives, or museum setting.
DUTIES: The MIT Libraries is seeking a meticulous, enthusiastic, and production-oriented person to provide preservation support for the Vail Collection Cataloging Project. This is a donor-funded initiative to fully catalog an important collection of roughly 25,000 items in the fields of electricity, lighter-than-air travel, magnetism, and animal magnetism. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art conservation laboratory, to use and develop preservation skills, and to work as part of a project team. MIT is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applications from women, minorities, veterans, older workers, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the general supervision of the Thomas F. Peterson, Jr. Conservator, the Conservation Technician will have overall responsibility for the flow, cleaning and basic repair of all Vail materials. As a member of the project team, s/he will manage the receipt of materials from the Institute Archives and will evaluate and complete condition survey forms for each item. S/he will prepare items for cataloging by cleaning all materials, performing basic repair as necessary, and making enclosures for selected items. S/he will perform related detail-oriented tasks such as data entry and record keeping, updating condition surveys, and tracking materials. Operating with a considerable degree of autonomy, an important responsibility of the Technician will be making judgments, balancing priorities and managing workflow and progress in accordance with project deadlines established by the team. S/he will collaborate with the Vail Catalogers and Vail Cataloging Assistant to insure effective communication, a consistent workflow, and meeting production goals. All treatments will be performed in accordance with established standards and procedures of the Wunsch Conservation Laboratory. The Conservation Assistant will contribute to other preservation projects and perform other duties as assigned.
SALARY: **This is a part-time, two-year term appointment with the possibility of extension.** 17.5 hours per week. Between 9:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday-Wednesday. MIT offers excellent benefits including a choice of health plans, a dental plan, and tuition assistance.
TO APPLY: Apply online at: http://web.mit.edu/hr. Please include cover letter and reference information with online application. Library Job #407
DEADLINE: Not Stated.
