Museum Scientist Assistant

MUSEUM SCI AST (009724)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_941307

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

4/21/2026 6:12:48 PM

Date Last Edited:

4/21/2026 6:12:44 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

8300O

Organization:

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Division Code:

8310D

Division:

UNIV LIBRARY DIV

Department:

540000 - GENERAL LIBRARY

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_941307

Position Description ID

254845

UC Payroll Title:

MUSEUM SCI AST (009724)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

RX: Research Support Professionals

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

4 - Staff: Limited

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40666424

Reports to Payroll Title:

LIBRARIAN-CAREER NON REP

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40666424

Department Head Payroll Title:

LIBRARIAN-CAREER NON REP

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Head, Preservation & Conservation, the Kress Assistant Conservator (KAC) independently completes challenging entry level and intermediate technical treatments or preservation activities on selected UCLA Library Special Collection materials, including: examination, photographic and written documentation, sample taking and analysis, conservation treatment, proposal decision-making, the selection of appropriate housings, and object handling/exhibit recommendations. The Kress Assistant Conservator interacts with Preservation & Conservation department staff, curators and librarians on appropriate handling and treatment and prioritization. The KAC participates in departmental outreach activities, weekly meetings, and emergency preparedness/response activities. The KAC pursues continued conservation and material culture research which contributes to the UCLA Library and the conservation profession.

The UCLA Library Preservation & Conservation department supports the Library's mission to develop, organize, and preserve collections for optimal use, provides stewardship for the intellectual record in the formats required by contemporary scholars, and ensures the safekeeping of the artifacts that are entrusted to the UCLA Library. The UCLA Library Preservation & Conservation department is responsible for coordinating and managing the preservation operations of the Library, including environmental monitoring, reformatting, disaster planning, library binding, and physical preparation. The department includes a conservation lab that provides conservation services for collections in all units of the UCLA Library, providing expert care for paper-based materials. The department is guided by current best practices of the conservation field and the Code of Ethics of the American Institute for Conservation of Artistic and Historic Works, and the ethics of other cultural heritage organizations like AMIA, AAM, and SAA. Preservation staff work in close coordination with library units to plan and initiate new activities and services in response to library preservation needs and emerging technology, research, and developments in the preservation and conservation community.

Conservation and Preservation Activities and Research

1. Independently performs a broad range of entry level and intermediate treatments or preservation activities on priority special collections paper-based materials, and other paper-based library materials as needed. 2. Completes standard examination and documentation in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) standards and Code of Ethics, or other accepted ethical codes of care for cultural heritage. 3. Takes samples from library special collections material or complete standard examination/inspection to identify material, as required. 4. Researches the materials being treated and shares this research with the curators and/or colleagues in written documentation, and through appropriate professional meetings and social media. 

90%

5. Consults with other conservators and curators to determine appropriate treatment or services for item. 6. Designs, creates or selects appropriate housing for item, depending on format, and communicates appropriate handling and exhibit recommendations as needed. 7. Collaborates on treatments or workflows in the lab in order to try new approaches or accomplish techniques that require multiple personnel to safely complete.

0%

Assists with Conservation Lab and Preservation Management, Outreach and Emergency Planning and Recovery

1. Participates in tours and presentations about the work of the conservation center or conservation issues surrounding library collections. 2. Participates in Departmental meetings. 3. Participates in all Emergency Planning and Recovery activities.

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master's Degree

Graduation from a graduate level art conservation program in the US or internationally, or equivalent education or experience.

Required

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's degree in related area and/ or Equivalent experience or training

Required

Demonstrated experience & skill in entry-level & intermediate-level examination, documentation & treatment & rehousing of library materials.

Required

And

Documented experience or interest in working with special collections library materials.

Required

Demonstrated successful collaboration on the completion of basic and advanced conservation treatments.

Required

Demonstrated experience researching special collection items and using research and context to inform conservation treatment decisions.

Required

Experience w/treatment techniques on paper based materials.

Required

Experience with library materials.

Preferred

Demonstrated experience training or teaching in the conservation area.

Preferred

High level of manual dexterity and visual acuity to safely and sensitively complete challenging treatments on valuable library materials.  Working knowledge of and ability to use specialized equipment and hand tools crucial for the conservation and preservation of either paper-based materials.

Required

Ability to prioritize routine work assignments, to weigh competing options, and to make decisions. Ability to work in a high volume setting.

Required

Strong knowledge of the history, manufacture, and chemistry of organic and inorganic based library materials, with a demonstrated understanding of common agents of deterioration.

Required

Ability to research special collection items and use research and context to inform conservation treatment decisions.

Required

Understanding of decision-making and selection criteria to sort routine incoming materials into the appropriate workflows for Emergency Response.

Required

Ability to work independently while following established procedures and guidelines with an understanding of conservation ethics and preservation theory.

Required

Demonstrated oral communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and effectively present information in group settings.

Required

Ability to safely lift, carry, and lower objects up to 50 lbs and to push a loaded book truck (average weight of 250 lbs).

Required

Ability to initiate and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and managers. Ability to work harmoniously and as a team player, thrive in a team-based environment.

Required

Working knowledge of PC hardware and software and demonstrated ability to work in a networked Windows environment. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and Adobe Photoshop, etc.

Preferred

Ability to use the library computer systems including the circulation and cataloging clients and various software in support of lab activities, e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe.

Preferred

Ability to keep records and statistics accurately using Excel, Access, or other software as appropriate.

Preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Powell Library

•

Wide variety of conservation tools, including electric conservation tools, general office equipment, library carts and shelving

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

X

Climbing

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.