DHPSNY Preservation Specialist

The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) in Philadelphia is seeking a Preservation Specialist for the Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) program.

Objective

The DHPSNY Preservation Specialist conducts preservation surveys, oversees condition surveys, and assists with archival and preservation planning. They also develop and present educational programs, and provide technical assistance to libraries, archives, museums, historical societies, and other organizations across New York State.

Location

Candidates must reside in New York State or the greater Philadelphia area. This position requires frequent travel within/to New York State.

Reports to:

The DHPSNY Preservation Specialist reports to the DHSPSNY Program Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts on-site preservation surveys with written reports for eligible cultural and historical organizations throughout New York State, including assistance with follow-up question and training.
• In collaboration with CCAHA conservators, manages the condition survey process with accepted organizations and contributes to final reports.
• Coordinates with the DHPSNY Program Manager and DHPSNY Preservation Education Specialist to facilitate assessment services and training opportunities for all accepted organizations.
• Develops, presents, and organizes educational programs, workshops, and online courses including curriculum and content development, recruitment and collaboration with external speakers as appropriate.
• Presents lectures and prepares both in-person and webinar programs for professional and lay audiences to promote awareness of preservation and conservation concerns and practices. 
• Provides technical information via telephone, Zoom conference, e-mail, and in print on preservation topics. 
• Maintains familiarity with preservation and archival literature and best practices. Assists in updating and expanding the range of technical literature and resources available through CCAHA. Writes/updates resources and contributes to the field of preservation scholarship. 
• Supports communication and marketing needs, including content generation and editing. 
• Attends NYS conferences, contributing workshop and presentation proposals as appropriate. 
• Contributes to NYS and national professional organizations related to the archival and preservation fields.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in archives, preservation, or preventive conservation and a minimum of two years' experience working in a library, archive, museum, or historic site. 
• Training in and a thorough understanding of preservation principles, practice, and issues.
• Experience in conducting and writing preservation assessments and other planning documents for cultural institutions. 
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Talent in teaching and public speaking. 
• Ability to work independently.

Compensation: 

This is a full-time, exempt position. A generous benefits package that includes paid time off, medical, dental and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, FSA, professional development funds are included. The salary for this position is $62,483.35. 

To Apply 

Please upload a letter of interest, CV/resume, writing sample, and three references addressed to Amanda Murray, DHPSNY Program Manager at https://recruiting.http://paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/4195339/Conservation-Center-for-Art/DHPSNY-Preservation-Specialist. Please submit PDF files only. Priority will be given to applications received by June 30. 

About CCAHA  

CCAHA was founded in 1977 and has grown to be one of the largest nonprofit conservation centers in the country. Its wide array of services, sophisticated treatment facilities, innovative approaches, and highly trained and experienced staff have earned it a prominent and respected place in the conservation field. We serve nonprofit cultural institutions, private individuals, and other collecting organizations in the preservation of works on paper, archival documents, photographic materials, and books through conservation treatment, collection surveys and consultations, housing & framing, and digital imaging services. Our preventive conservation and preservation services staff focuses on capacity building for collecting institutions through fundraising support, strategic planning and assessment projects, emergency planning and response initiatives, and in developing educational programs and conferences. CCAHA’s mission is to provide expertise and leadership in the preservation of the world's cultural heritage.  

CCAHA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff and our clients.