Collections Facility Preservation Technician

Reporting to the Circulating Collections Preservation Specialist, this temporary, one-year position would provide support in addressing the most urgent preservation needs related to collections moving to and housed at the Collections Facility. This position is based in the O. Meredith Wilson Library, but the person in this position would also work at the Collections Facility and other campus Libraries locations.

Work Schedule and Location: On campus, Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm

**This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Undertakes intermediate to complex conservation tasks and treatments on damaged materials that are housed at, or candidates for transfer to, the Collections Facility. (40%)

• Undertakes intermediate to complex conservation tasks that require knowledge and expertise in multiple techniques and tools.
• Treatments applied in combination include, but are not limited to, rebinding, rebacking, and board reattachment; surface cleaning; humidification and flattening; mending and/or lining; tape and adhesive removal.
• Assists in decisions regarding selection, preservation, and disposition of library materials; develops recommendations for physical treatment and re-housing.

Coordinates assessment of the medium rare monographs collections in preparation for the move and supervising students in a project to stabilize the fragile, medium rare collection before volumes are moved. (40%).

• Conduct preservation assessments to identify treatment needs, analyzes assessment data, and develop reports with recommendations for physical treatment and re-housing.
• Supervises and trains students to identify items that require basic stabilization.
• May include projects to measure items for enclosures, identifying items that need future treatment.

In cooperation with Circulating Collections Preservation Specialist and Collections Facility manager, establishes a workflow and creates documentation for sending and treating damaged materials in the Collections Facility. (15%)

• Develops documentation and other resources to help staff and students at the CF identify damaged materials that require Preservation review.

Departmental Participation ( 5%)

• Attend and participate in regular department and unit meetings.
• Attend training or working sessions in the Libraries.
• Participate in service area and libraries-wide committees that are relevant to personal and professional expertise.

Required:

• Five (5) years of relevant library experience; college education can be substituted for library experience on a year-for-year basis up to three (3) years, along with a minimum of two years of relevant library experience.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative organizational environment.
• Familiarity with the handling of fragile and/or rare materials.
• Ability to work in an environment in which exposure to dust, dirt, and mold is possible (PPE will be provided).

Preferred:

• Experience with book repair or book and paper conservation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide a high level of service in a library setting.
• Willingness to work in a dynamic collaborative environment.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Google applications.
• Experience working with Alma.

Physical Requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation (if applicable):

• The physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs from shelving to book trucks, and to push small and large, heavy library trucks. Position requires reaching and stooping.

Pay Range: $26.47 per hour

Time Appointment: 100% (40 hours/week), Temporary 1-year position

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please attach the following documents in Word or PDF Format (DO NOT copy and paste.)

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Review of applications will continue until position is filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).