Conservator, UNLV University Libraries [R0147479]

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for Conservator, UNLV University Libraries [R0147479]

ROLE of the POSITION

Reporting to the Head, Special Collections Technical Services the Conservator is the primary point of contact for Special Collections and Archives (SCA) and the UNLV Libraries on all matters of library preservation and conservation. The Conservator is responsible for overseeing the UNLV Libraries preservation and conversation lab, workload and flow, equipment and supplies, and student staff.

Responsibilities Include:

• Evaluates collection needs and determines appropriate courses of action to ensure proper storage and handling of rare books and archival collections.
• Collaborates with curators and librarians in SCA to identify appropriate conservation treatments, then plans, develops, prioritizes, and performs treatment methods and procedures.
• Writes condition and treatment reports, including photo documentation.
• Consults on best practices for conservation in exhibitions, as needed.
• Supervises 3-5 student assistants, training them in appropriate treatment methods and monitoring their work.
• Orders and manages all archival and conservation supplies, manages disaster response kits, and assists with disaster planning.
• Monitors environmental temperature and relative humidity in Special Collections, Lied Library, and other UNLV Library branches, including compiling regular reports documenting and analyzing trends over time.
• Serves a weekly two-hour shift on the Special Collections and Archives reference desk.

PROFILE of the UNLV UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

As a strong partner in research and student learning, UNLV Libraries fosters critical thinking and lifelong learning at one of the nation's fastest growing universities. University Libraries comprises Lied Library and four branch libraries and we are a gateway to more than 80,000 electronic journals, 1.2 million volumes, and 1.4 million e-books. We welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds to join our growing organization of over 120 experienced faculty librarians, professionals, and staff members.

The primary mission of the Special Collections and Archives Division is to collect, preserve, provide discovery and access to, and promote, interpret, and instruct in the use of our materials. Special Collections and Archives documents the history, culture, and physical environment of the city of Las Vegas, the Southern Nevada region, the global gaming industry, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Our collections include manuscripts, books, photographs, periodicals, maps, architectural drawings, oral history interviews, audiovisual materials, University archives, born-digital records, and other cultural artifacts. Significant collecting areas are: gaming and gambling; regional community groups and organizations; sexual entertainment and economies; Las Vegas entertainment and the arts; Las Vegas and urban resort architecture; mining and railroads; and Southern and Central Nevada history.

The division is comprised of three departments: Technical Services, Public Services, and Digital Collections. It also includes the Libraries' preservation unit and conservation lab and the Oral History Research Center. Staff includes 8 academic faculty positions, 5 administrative faculty positions, 1 classified position, and multiple student and temporary positions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and 5 years of bench training in a conservation lab OR Master's Degree in library or information science from an ALA accredited program and a minimum of 1-2 years of bench training OR Master's Degree in conservation or museum studies and a minimum of 1-2 years of bench training. Credentials must be obtained prior to the start date.

• Competence and sensitivity in working with individuals who are highly diverse regarding many facets of identity, including but not limited to gender, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, ability, income, level of educational attainment, and religion.
• Demonstrated ability to perform high-quality conservation treatments on book and paper library and archival materials that comply with professional best practices
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical staff; patience for training and supporting interns and staff with minimal prior conservation experience
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team environment where consultation, flexibility, collaboration, and cooperation are essential
• Excellent general conservation knowledge of a variety of media and types of objects, including historical and modern book structures and sewing styles
• Knowledge of organic chemistry and its application in the field of conservation
• Excellent manual dexterity and ability to perform intricate and detailed conservation procedures
• Knowledge of environmental requirements (temperature, humidity, storage containers, etc.) for rare book and archival storage spaces
• Knowledge of NEDCC and AIC standards, codes of ethics, and other best practices with an emphasis on library and archival materials
• Strong computer skills with a proficient level of experience in Microsoft Word Office and GoogleSuite

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience managing a supply budget and/or developing and maintaining relationships with vendors
• Experience developing and/or maintaining conservation treatment documentation
• Experience presenting training or educational programs to a variety of audiences; ability to engage in preservation-related outreach through workshops, social media, or teaching
• Experience conducting large-scale preservation assessments and developing preservation plans for large collections
• Knowledge of chemical and physical properties of film, magnetic media, and photographic processes and best practices for preservation and conservation of such formats

COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY and CAMPUS VALUES

A successful candidate will support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and contribute to a respectful, positive work environment. They will use our Campus Values to guide their decisions and actions and demonstrate our Rebel spirit.

SALARY

This is a full-time, 12-month, Administrative Faculty position at a Grade C. Minimum salary is $63,900. Salary is competitive with those at similarly situated institutions and dependent upon labor market. For more information on salary ranges please visit UNLV Salary Range.

In addition, University Libraries is committed to and helps fund professional development opportunities: each position receives annual allotment for professional development activities.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT UNLV

• Competitive total rewards package including:
  • Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays
  • Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision
  • Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs
• No state income tax
• Tuition discounts at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools
• Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents

PERKS

• Employee recognition and appreciation programs
• Connect with colleagues with shared interests
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• UNLV athletics ticket discounts
• Statewide employee purchase program discounts
• RebelCard discounts on and off campus
• Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost
• A comprehensive onboarding program, Rebels: Onboard
• Opportunity for career advancements to leadership roles

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, emails, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. References will not be contacted until the search chair notifies you in advance.

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based.

Although this position will remain open until filled, review of candidates' materials will begin on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

Materials should be addressed to Conservator Search Committee Chair, and must be submitted through Workday, as we do not accept emailed materials. For assistance with the application process, please contact UNLV Libraries Human Resources at (702) 895-2286 or library.searches@unlv.edu .

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES

UNLV employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the "Find Jobs" process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at UNLV and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Find Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, "R0147479" in the search box.

If you complete an application outside of the internal application process, your application will be returned and you will have to reapply as an internal applicant which may delay your application.

PROFILE of the UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1957, UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution comprised of approximately 30,000 students and more than 3,600 faculty and staff. To date, UNLV has conferred more than 152,000 degrees, producing more than 130,000 alumni around the world. UNLV is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as an R1 research university with very high research activity, and is a recipient of the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. The university is committed to recruiting and retaining top students and faculty, educating the region's diversifying population and workforce, driving economic activity through increased research and community partnerships, and creating an academic health center for Southern Nevada that includes the launch of a new UNLV School of Medicine. UNLV is located on a 332-acre main campus and two satellite campuses in Southern Nevada.

Here at UNLV, we have come together and created one of the most affirmative and dynamic academic environments in the country. UNLV sits in the top spot in U.S. News & World Report's annual listing of the nation's most diverse universities for undergraduates. The university has ranked in the top ten since the rankings debuted more than a decade ago. We continue to show our commitment to serving our wonderfully diverse population and building the future for Las Vegas and Nevada.

For more information, visit us on line at: http://www.unlv.edu

EEO/AA STATEMENT

The University of Nevada - Las Vegas (UNLV) is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person's age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes). Discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including unlawful harassment, which is a form of discrimination, is illegal under federal and state law. Where unlawful discrimination is found to have occurred, UNLV will act to stop the unlawful discrimination, to prevent its recurrence, to remedy its effects, and to discipline those responsible. Women, minorities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

TITLE IX STATEMENT

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates. Non-discrimination on the basis of sex is mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.) and the corresponding implementation regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106). The University's commitment to nondiscrimination in its education programs and activities extends to applicants for admission and employment. Inquiries concerning the application of these provisions may be referred to: Michelle Sposito, J.D., Title IX Coordinator, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 451062, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1062, Frank and Estella Beam Hall (BEH) Room 553, Telephone: (702) 895-4055; Email: titleixcoordinator@unlv.edu , or to The Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1100; Telephone: 1-800-421-3481 FAX: 202-453-6012; TDD: 1-800-877-8339; Email: OCR@ed.gov ; or to both.

Information pertaining to the University's grievance procedures and grievance process, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, and how the University will respond can be found online at the Office of Equal Employment & Title IX webpage.

SAFETY AND SECURITY STATEMENT

UNLV is committed to assisting all members of the UNLV community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report compliance document is available online.

JOB CATEGORY

Administrative Faculty

Required Attachment(s)

UNLV is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action educator and employer committed to achieving excellence through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas employs only United States citizens and non-citizens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.