Job Description

Library & Archives Conservator

The Library & Archives Conservator is responsible for providing preventative care and comprehensive conservation evaluation and treatment for objects from the Society's diverse collection. They report to the Chief Conservator and work as an important part of a tightly organized department, managing and facilitating the work of the dynamic preservation and conservation program at the Society. The Library & Archives Conservator participates in all standard library preservation activities as well as engages with public programs for general outreach.

The American Antiquarian Society (AAS) cultivates a deeper understanding of the American past, grounded in its ever-growing collection of printed and manuscript sources. The Society fosters a broad community of inquiry through inclusive programs and generous support of scholarship. A national research library and learned society founded in 1812 by Revolutionary War patriot and printer Isaiah Thomas, AAS is located in Worcester, Massachusetts. The AAS library today houses the largest and most accessible collection of books, pamphlets, broadsides, newspapers, periodicals, children's literature, music, and graphic arts material printed before the twentieth century in what is now the United States, as well as manuscripts and a substantial collection of secondary texts, bibliographies, and digital resources and reference works.

Position Type: Full-time, non-exempt

Salary Range : $60,000 - $70,000 per year (DOE – depending on experience)

Location: Worcester, MA

Responsibilities

• In consultation with the Chief Conservator, perform minor, as well as complex, paper conservation treatments for the Society's collections, comprised of both bound and single sheet printed objects, photographs, and manuscripts.
• Examine and evaluate collection materials for treatment; confer with curatorial staff.
• Manage workflow, keep records, write reports, and provide photo documentation for work performed and maintain existing conservation databases and image archives.
• Prepare objects for loans, exhibits, digitization, and public programs.
• Assist in the training and supervision of the summer conservation interns.
• Keep abreast of new technical developments in the field.
• Assist with preservation activities, such as disaster preparedness, collection storage, collection surveys, and environmental monitoring.
• Provide collection housing in prefabricated and custom enclosures.
• Assist in providing conservation orientations for new library staff, scanners, and volunteers.
• Work collaboratively with supervisor and library staff in all activities.
• Provide lab tours and participate in events programming and social media.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Solid knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of conservation treatment and documentation, and preservation.
• Strong attention to detail and visual acuity; excellent hand skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Ability to think logically and analytically and work methodically.
• Ability to follow directions and adhere to departmental work protocols.
• Ability to operate and maintain specialized tools and book conservation equipment.
• Ability to work with relevant chemicals; ability to understand and comply with health and safety protocols.
• Ability to learn and use technology including automated library software systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in providing internal consultation and institutional outreach.
• Ability to deal professionally and efficiently with all constituents.

Education/Experience

• Degree in library & archives or paper conservation from an accredited conservation program; significant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
• 3-5 years of experience performing paper or archives conservation treatments and examination of a wide range of special library collection materials.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and sitting.
• Occasional periods of climbing or balancing, pulling/pushing items/hand trucks, lifting/carrying items weighing up to approximately thirty pounds, and reaching with arms and hands.
• The use of hands for basic grasping/manipulation, fine manipulation, occasional reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, and keyboarding.
• Physical duties are subject to change.
• May be exposed to dust, mold, and/or other organic material. Hazards are considered minor and controllable.

Deadline to apply: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The deadline for all submissions is August 15, 2026.

Start date: We anticipate the successful candidate will join our team in late 2026.

Hours: This is a full-time, non-exempt position of 35 hours (40 hours minus a one-hour unpaid lunch per day).

Compensation & Benefits: The range for this position is $32.97-38.46/hour, which is approximately $60,000 to 70,000 annually. Examples of benefits for full-time staff are vacation, sick and personal time, as well as ~12 paid holidays, your birthday off and paid full-office closure for approx. one week in December. We also have employer-sponsored health insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, and retirement plans that include employer match, among other benefits.

As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to equal employment and promotion opportunity regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Finalists will be asked for references at a later stage.

For questions on this position, please contact careers[at]mwa.org. Please do not submit applications to this address.

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