Preventive Conservator

Description

The Folger Shakespeare Library, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, is seeking a Preventive Conservator for this newly created position to join the Conservation and Preservation team. This individual, under the supervision of the Head of Conservation and Preservation, will oversee preservation procedures and policies concerning emergency preparedness, integrated pest management, environmental monitoring, and light exposure in both collection storage and exhibition areas at the Folger Shakespeare Library. They will ensure readiness to respond to emergencies, implement strategies to prevent and manage pests, maintain optimal environmental conditions, and manage light exposure to protect sensitive materials. This role is important in safeguarding and maintaining the integrity of the library's collections while prioritizing environmental sustainability. 

• Works collaboratively with colleagues across departments.  Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.  
  Keeps abreast of advancements in library, archives and museum preservation, engaging in professional development, continuing education, research activities, and relevant professional service. 
• Plans and maintains emergency preparedness procedures and policies, ensuring the library is fully equipped to respond effectively to emergencies impacting collections. 
• Plans and maintains integrated pest management procedures and policies in collaboration with other departments across the institution. Implements strategies to monitor, prevent, and manage pests while preserving the integrity of the collection. 
• Plans and maintains environmental monitoring in collection and exhibition areas, assessing, tracking and maintaining optimal conditions such as temperature, humidity and light levels to preserve the library’s collection.  
• Manages the development and implementation of comprehensive preventive conservation strategies in collaboration with the Collection Division and other relevant departments.
• Coordinates and executes collection care activities, including re-housing projects and material testing, aimed at mitigating risks and extending the lifespan of collection materials.
• Identifies hazards within the collection, ensures the proper use of personal protective equipment, and collaborates with facilities to uphold best practices for chemical storage, waste disposal, and overall workplace safety. 
• Provides training and educational sessions on preventive conservation practices to staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of preservation awareness. 
  Engages in Folger outreach tours, showcasing preservation practices to educate and inspire both staff and visitors. 
• Assists Conservation Team in exhibition related tasks if necessary.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Education and Experience: 

• Graduate degree in Conservation/Museum Studies/Library Sciences/related field, or equivalent education/experience required.  
  Experience in preventive conservation within a cultural heritage institution, with expertise in environmental monitoring, collection care, and integrated pest management. 
• Experience working collaboratively in team environments. 

 
Skills and Knowledge: 

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to build productive working relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders. 
• Familiarity with digital photography and conservation documentation. 
• Strong analytical skills to interpret and present conclusions from complex data. 
• Commitment to creating a supportive work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. 
• Familiarity with digital preservation practices, book and paper history, and exhibition display. 
• Excellent proficiency in Excel, experience with relational databases, and other data recording systems. 
• Strong confidence in basic book and paper conservation skills, including hand skills.