University of Calgary | Calgary, Alberta
Full-Time Fixed 12 Month Term

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Job ID: 28229

Updated: March 10, 2023

Location: Spy Hill

Apply for the position on the UofC careers website.

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

Position Overview

The Archives and Special Collections in Libraries and Cultural Resources invites applications for a Conservation Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Manager Archival Processing, Archives and Special Collections, the Conservation Technician provides treatments of all levels of complexity for the Glenbow collection, including textual records, books, maps, glass plate negatives, daguerreo/ambro/tintypes, prints and negatives. Position includes evaluating and working with materials that may be contaminated with dust, mould or other contaminants, and the repair, cleaning, and rehousing of records and books for access.

This position requires collaboration, innovation, and partnership building skills. The work requires the management of competing interests and deadlines and the ability to effectively manage multiple projects with shifting priorities. High volume and variety of work demands, many of which are driven by internally and externally imposed deadlines and requirements, can be expected. This position requires vigilance of the work environment and surroundings to prevent unnecessary exposure to contaminants. Lifting of document boxes and manipulating large items is a necessary part of the position.

This position typically operates during normal business hours.

The primary purpose of this position is to assess and conserve archival and library materials in the Glenbow collection through primarily preventative conservation practices and interventions.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Perform minor to major conservation treatments on a wide range of works, providing full written and photographic documentation. Apply appropriate research techniques, including use of instrumental methods, in the examination and analysis of collection materials.
• Carry out necessary tests to determine contaminants and other agents of deterioration and/or recommend further analysis
• Carry out decontamination procedures
• Create and maintain accurate records of assessments, treatment recommendations and actions taken

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Advanced degree/diploma in conservation  or equivalent .Preference given to a degree in museum studies, conservation, archaeology, anthropology, or a related field, as well as to collections-based training.
• 3-5 years of practical experience in conservation
• A strong theoretical knowledge of and practical experience in remediation of archival and library material following standard archival and library practice is also required

Required Experience:

• Demonstrated abilities in the examination, analysis, documentation and treatment of archival and book collections.
• Advanced knowledge of chemical and physical properties of materials, conservation materials and deterioration processes.
• Expert hand skills including manual dexterity, color acuity, and sensitivity for objects
• Familiarity and experience with institutional preventative conservation practices for collections and exhibition conservation are required.
• Advanced knowledge of analytical techniques and a record of successful conservation treatments.
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills including written, verbal and listening skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and direct teams across disciplines and to build long-term relationships.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Creative Suite
• Ability to work standing up for long periods of time, bend, stretch, lift 30 pounds, climb up and down ladders, and work with historic cultural items using standard protective equipment.

Preferred Skills

• Advanced knowledge of preservation issues in cultural institutions preferred.
• Demonstrated accomplishment in conservation research and writing preferred.
• Experience with emerging technologies and standards in conservation practice preferred.
• Knowledge of cultural heritage collections (archaeology/ethnography) and issues preferred, including Indigenous cultural collections.

Application Deadline:  March 23, 2023

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.