The following listing is for a Book Conservator at the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives (SLA) at the GS-09 level with promotion potential to GS-11. Application window opens October 20th, 2023 and closes November 6th, 2023.

The position is open to qualified applicants at this listing [usajobs.gov].

Open Date: October 20, 2023             

Close Date: November 6, 2023             

Position Type: Permanent

Schedule: Full Time

Salary Range: $64,957 – $84,441 per year

Summary:

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo.  This position is located in  he Book Conservation Laboratory (BCL), Preservation Team, Archives and Preservation Services (APS), Smithsonian Libraries and Archives (SLA), Office of Under Secretary for Science and Research, Smithsonian Institution (SI). 

More than one selection may be made from this announcement.

Duties:

This position is responsible for the conservation treatment of bound and unbound SLA special and general collections materials. The selectee will report to the Supervisory Conservator.

In this position, you will perform the following duties:

• Implement basic conservation principles, methods, and procedures and historical preservation methods, using subject content matter and interrelationships to assess condition; make recommendations and treat (physically treat, mend, restore or conserve) both bound and unbound historic documents.
• Perform preliminary chemical and analytical examination on materials undergoing conservation treatment.
• Complete photo and written documentation prior to conservation treatment.
• Work with the preservation team to assure proper care and preservation of the collection, and to promote use of the collection by scholars and the public alike.
• Serve as resources person for SLA and other SLA units for information on the conservation and preservation of library materials.
• Provide specialized reference service to the general public on matters relating to book conservation and preservation.

Qualifications:

For GS-9

Specialized Experience: One year of full-time experience at the GS-7 grade level that is close or similar to the work of this job. The specialized experience for this position is defined to include activities such as performing a variety of conservation techniques for library materials, using materials for binding (paper, cloth, leather) and conservation treatments (aqueous and non-aqueous treatments), and construction of enclosures for the physical protection of library materials by paper mending, surface cleaning, sewing and board attachment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

Or 

Education: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s or equivalent degree related to the position may be substituted to meet the experience requirements.

 Or

Education: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related.

Or

Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications; for example, a half year of experience and a half year of education in the field may be qualifying. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and/or proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the “Required Documents” section of this announcement.

Please follow the link to apply: 

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/755903600

DEADLINE is November 6, 2023