Position at Missouri State Archives

Archives Conservator
Employer: Missouri State Archives (MSA)
Work Location: MSA/Civil Court Project Office, St. Louis, Mo.

Background: The Missouri State Archives (MSA) is establishing a
conservation studio in St. Louis to treat court records from the
1790s through 1830. Work will focus on a one-year project funded by
the "Save America's Treasures" grant program. The collection is
comprised chiefly of unbound case files, most with iron gall ink,
and a few bound index volumes. This is a full-time position
reporting to the Senior Conservator; 3 other full-time Conservators
at the MSA conservation lab in Jefferson City comprise the
department.

General Responsibilities: Specify and carry out treatments, with
focus on surface-cleaning, humidification, flattening, washing, and
mending, in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Standards of
Practice.  Some ultrasonic encapsulation and box-making may be done
in the MSA lab.  Prioritize treatments, plan workflow.  Generate and
maintain written and photographic documentation. Manage daily
operations of the studio (maintain equipment, order supplies, etc.).
Prepare statistics and reports.  Position may provide some holdings
maintenance training and monitor related work carried out by MSA
staff and student workers in the St. Louis project office.  May be
involved in communication with contracted conservators.

Required Skills: Demonstrated ability to carry out treatments and
documentation specified above. Ability to create, analyze, and
follow efficient workflow routines.  Decision-making and
problem-solving skills; organizational skills; ability to work
independently; strong interpersonal skills; excellent oral and
written communication skills.  Keyboarding at 30 words per minute;
PC experience.  Candidates may be required to present and discuss a
portfolio of past treatments during the interview.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree plus 1-3 years experience in book,
manuscript, and/or archives conservation. Training/knowledge of
archival conservation, and of the physical and chemical nature of
paper, books, and conservation materials.  Manual dexterity.
Physical ability to reach shelves above eye level, and lift and
carry 40 pounds. Able to communicate verbally with staff and
vendors. Must not be colorblind.  Must have valid driver's license.
Willingness to travel occasionally (expense-paid) including some
overnight trips, primarily in-state.

Desired: Master's degree in paper/book conservation or M.L.S. with
conservation emphasis.  Training or public speaking experience.
Working knowledge of safety and handling procedures for chemicals,
solvents, etc.

Salary and Benefits: $30,780 annual, plus liberal state benefits
including 12 paid holidays, 15 days vacation, 15 days sick leave,
health insurance, retirement, and tax-deferred annuity program

Application Procedure: Send application materials, including names
of three references, to:

    Mr. Lynn Morrow
    Missouri State Archives
    PO Box 1747,
    Jefferson City MO  65102

The position will remain open at least until September 21, and
thereafter until filled.

For a copy of the full Vacancy Announcement, send e-mail to: Lisa
Fox <foxl [at] sosmail__state__mo__us>, Senior Conservator, Missouri State
Archives.

Lisa L. Fox, Senior Conservator
Local Records Preservation Program
Missouri State Archives
Office of the Secretary of State
P.O. Box 1747
Jefferson City, MO  65102
573-526-3866
Fax: 573-526-3867


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 14:16
                 Distributed: Sunday, September 3, 2000
                       Message Id: cdl-14-16-029
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