The Louisiana State Archives is seeking an experienced conservator to provide leadership in the physical preservation of permanently valuable state records in the custody of the Louisiana State Archives. The conservator works with the State Archivist, Archives Manager, and Archives Supervisors in the development, coordination, implementation, and administration of the overall policies, plans, and operations relating to preservation and conservation of holdings at the Louisiana State Archives.

Salary: $3,779.00- $7,438.00 Monthly

Closing Date: 3/1/2022

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Library and Information Science, Archival Studies, or Conservation
• Certified Archivist
• 3 years of professional experience in the preservation and conservation of historical documents, photographs, and other media
• Knowledge of integrated pest management system best practices
• Ability to manage a conservation lab
• Knowledge of operations of specific conservation equipment including a fume hood, walk-in forced air dryer, oversized vacuum hot press, large vacuum dry mounting press, and tanks and screens for de-acidification
• Ability to teach emergency and disaster preparedness classes
• Ability to conduct on-site consultations for conservation and preservation issues
• Mastery of written and oral communication

Examples of Work:

• Conducts preservation assessments of collections including evaluating the condition and housing of assets, recommends preventive and remedial preservation action, and maintains documentation of needs and action. Examines, treats, documents, and houses high priority paper-based collections.
• Performs managerial and administrative tasks necessary for the operation of the conservation lab including operating procedures for safe and accurate use of equipment and materials including the ability to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment.
• Conducts, assists with, or organizes tours, emergency and disaster preparedness workshops and seminars, and instructional sessions on the preservation, restoration and proper care and storage of documents for a variety of audiences, including governmental agencies and staff.
• Acts as primary outreach liaison with public and private organizations on the care and preservation of documents and as a representative of the Louisiana State Archives on interagency groups dealing with issues of major concern.
• Participates in collections stewardship activities and teams, including coordinating with archival staff to ensure that actions are consistent with the significance and future use and storage of records, preservation requirements for exhibition of archival holdings, and on proper storage and security for loaned materials to other institutions, and collaborating with the facilities manager on integrated pest management, environmental monitoring programs, operations of data loggers, and the reporting of data to improve conditions.
• Participates in emergency planning and response, including staff training, maintenance of supplies, protection of collections from hazards, immediate response to disasters, and evaluation and treatment of damaged collections. Responsible for revising and updating disaster plans and business continuity plans.

For information, please visit the Louisiana Civil Service job posting at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisiana/jobs/3401259/archives-supervisor?keywords=archives&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs