Preventive Conservator

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Overview

The Preventive Conservator will play a pivotal role in shaping the institution's long-term preservation strategy for these hidden collections. The successful candidate will systematically analyze the backlog to identify preservation needs, assess risks, and develop a comprehensive, phased plan for remediation, treatment, and processing. This role requires a strong foundation in materials science, conservation ethics, and preventive conservation, combined with excellent project management and data analysis skills.

Develop, document, and implement comprehensive survey methodologies to assess the physical condition and preservation needs of a large, diverse processing backlog. Utilize statistical sampling and/or item-level assessment techniques as appropriate for different material types and collection sizes.

Manage the collection of survey data using databases, spreadsheets, or collection management software. Evaluate a wide range of library and archival materials, including bound volumes, manuscripts, photographs, pamphlets, maps, and ephemera.

Identify material types, deterioration patterns (e.g., embrittlement, mold, pest damage, physical damage), and inherent vice. Assess existing housing and environmental conditions, making recommendations for immediate improvements to mitigate risk. Analyze survey data to identify trends, high-risk formats, and preservation priorities. Develop a tiered prioritization framework based on factors such as intrinsic value, research/teaching potential, physical condition, and treatment feasibility. Collaborate closely with curators, subject librarians, archivists, and processing staff to incorporate subject-matter expertise and institutional priorities into decision-making.

Prepare detailed written reports, data visualizations, and presentations for stakeholders that summarize findings and recommend a phased plan for stabilization, conservation treatment, and/or digitization. Perform basic stabilization and rehousing treatments (e.g., constructing custom enclosures, mold remediation, treatment to facilitate basic access) as needed to prepare materials for safe storage or further processing. Contribute to the broader work of the Preventive Conservation Unit, including environmental monitoring and integrated pest management, as it relates to the backlog project.

This is a fixed duration position with a three-year term.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Master's degree from a recognized graduate program in conservation, with a specialization in library and archives conservation, preventive conservation, or a related specialization, or equivalent education and experience.

2. Familiarity with the materials, structures, and conservation challenges of a wide range of library and archival formats. Knowledge of practical experience with preventive conservation principles and practices.

3. Ability to design and execute large-scale collection surveys and condition assessments. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable recommendations. Proficiency with data management software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Access) or collection management systems.

4. Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues from different disciplines.

5. Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative and to contribute as a member of a collaborative team.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Two or more years of post-graduate professional experience in a library, archives, or museum setting.

2. Experience with project management, including setting timelines, managing deliverables, and reporting on progress.

3. Familiarity with library and archival processing workflows and standards.

4. Experience with statistical analysis and data visualization tools.

5. Familiarity with preservation of audiovisual materials.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Plans, researches, implements conservation treatments for rare books, manuscripts, and other related materials from the Library's special collections and archives. 2. Examines the materials composition and deterioration of objects in order to develop and execute successful conservation treatments. 3. Engages cooperatively with curators, librarians, archivists, and collection managers to provide information regarding condition, potential risks, and options for acquisition, treatment, loan and exhibit for individual objects and groups of objects and the advisability of acquiring, loaning or exhibiting such material as well as the preservation options for long-term retention of such materials. 4. Makes recommendations and devises or adapts treatment methods, with respect to an object's value, meaning, collection context and anticipated use. 5. Creates accurate written and photographic documentation for examinations, treatments and other activities. 6. Undertakes item-level condition surveys and assists with planning strategies for improvements to collection care. 7. Advances knowledge, skills, and develops specialization through professional development opportunities such as conferences and workshops. 8. Keeps current with changes in the field. 9. May supervise and/or train staff. 10. Handles hazardous materials used in treatment in accordance with current federal, state, and local regulations and policies. 11. Participates in library system-wide planning, committees, and work groups, and engages in campus, regional and national professional organizations and collaborative activities. 12. Monitors developments and best practices elsewhere to help ensure the excellence of Yale's collections and research support services. 13. Assists with disaster recovery efforts. 14. May perform other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience 1. Master's degree from an ALA-accredited library school. In selected instances, a post-graduate degree in a related discipline may be required or substituted for a master's degree in library science. 2. Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability. 3. Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to a conclusion in a timely fashion. 4. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment. Yale University assigns ranks to librarian positions based on a combination of professional experience and accomplishments (see range assigned to this description as noted in the ranking information can be found at: http://www.library.yale.edu/about/departments/lhr/rank.html

Job Posting Date

07/31/2026

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Library

Compensation Grade Profile

(LIB)

Salary Range

$68,000.00 - $145,250.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff Fixed Duration (Fixed Term)

Work Model

On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role's grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.