MISSION The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package: * Generous paid time off * Paid holidays (up to 14 days) * Medical, dental, and vision insurance * Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits * Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution) * Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program * Great employee discounts * Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions OUR VALUES All staff members are expected to embrace the museum's commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution and to adhere to the museum's shared values. * Our museum reflects and deepens our collective humanity; the arts are integral to an inspired and just society. * We respect and acknowledge each of our colleagues' contributions and expertise across all roles within our organization. * We share in the responsibility to create an antiracist culture built on equity, inclusion, and justice for all, acknowledging that these efforts are intersectional and ongoing. * We encourage and advance a culture of hospitality, empathy, and gratitude for each visitor, supporter, and member of our staff. * We embrace innovation and foster change with a progressive understanding of-and obligation to reconsider-our past. * We sustain an open and dynamic civic platform, inviting and advancing the diverse perspectives of our city, staff, visitors, and supporters. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT Responsible for the treatment, research, and long-term preservation of over 300,000 works of art in the Art Institute's collections, the Department of Conservation and Science is integral to the museum's mission to safeguard the world's artistic and cultural legacy for future generations. Founded in 1956 with a single paintings conservator, the department has grown to a staff of over 30 specializing in nine disciplines organized in five divisions: * Objects and Textiles * Paintings and Frames * Paper and Books * Photography and Media * Scientific Research Members of the department contribute to the advancement of the field and the broader awareness of conservation issues through multiple avenues of specialized and societal dissemination, are involved in object-based teaching and scientific research, and actively support the education of future conservation and museum professionals. ABOUT THE POSITION Reporting to the Senior Book Conservator, the technician prepares book and archival collections for exhibition, installation, loans, storage, committee meetings and conservation examination. Responsible for providing basic care for the collection including maintenance, proper handling, the construction of protective enclosures for book and archival collection materials, and environmental control in storage and exhibition. Under direct supervision of the Senior Book Conservator, carries out basic conservation and object-stabilization treatments of books and archival materials. Maintains book conservation supplies and mounts inventory. RESPONSIBILITIES Treatment and Collection Care * With mentorship by the Senior Book Conservator, performs a variety of specialized conservation and preventive conservation treatments on book and archival collection materials, including binding repairs and basic paper conservation techniques; constructs custom enclosures and other protective housing for collection items. * Participates in condition surveys of book collections as directed; assists Senior Book Conservator in organization of workflow for collection-level and item-level treatment. * Works with curatorial staff, conservation, and collections and loans colleagues to devise a broad range of technical and aesthetic housing and mounting solutions, for both exhibition and storage, and advises on proper storage of book and archival materials. * Responsible for coordinating and scheduling movement of books and archival collections for conservation-related activities to and from storage areas, shipping and receiving, galleries, imaging, conservation, curatorial study rooms, and/or packing. Updates appropriate curatorial department of art movement. * Responsible for collection maintenance in the galleries and storage areas, including inspecting the condition of objects on display and in storage, upgrading housing where appropriate. * Monitors activity of Museum Technicians (Collections and Loans), interns or contractors to assure that work is being performed correctly and effectively. * Participates in other activities related to the care of book and archival collections, including environmental monitoring, pest management and disaster response and recovery, as assigned. * Works with outside contractors to coordinate and supervise jobs related to the above listed activities Exhibitions, Loans, and Acquisitions * Prepares book and archival collection materials for exhibition, designing and constructing cradles and other supports, and preparing mats. * Occasionally acts as the preparation point person for books and archives included in exhibitions in the Reading Room and other galleries. * Participates in the temporary and permanent gallery rotation installations of book and archival collection materials throughout the museum. Assists during packing/unpacking, condition assessment, and movement of book and archival collection materials on loan for exhibition, working with Museum Technicians (Collections and Loans) as needed. * Address all preparation needs (book cradles, mounts or other housing upgrades) of proposed acquisitions for Committee meetings and integration into storage. * Coordinates artwork preparation and deliveries with conservation, curatorial and art packing staff to meet deadlines. * Guides other specialized museum staff in the safe handling of books and archival materials, including photography, conservation, examination and/or packing. * After courier training, may serve as a courier (virtual or in person) to ensure safety of collections while in transit and during installation/deinstallation if needed Conservation Records * Maintains all preventive conservation documentation pertaining to the collection in the department's files and shares copies in the museum's collection management database and digital asset management system in accordance with the highest archival and digital preservation standards. * Completes treatment records for book and archival collections, enters reports into the book conservation treatment log. Materials and Supplies * Contributes to the day-to-day management of the conservation lab, maintains equipment and supplies used in daily operations. Ensures the proper care and maintenance of tools and equipment. * Develops budgets and estimates for enclosures and display costs for exhibitions, rotations and other special projects as needed. * Responsible for collecting deliveries of conservation supplies and restocking the Book Conservation lab. Collaboration * Maintains clear communication with colleagues in Conservation and Science, Libraries and Archives, Collections and Loans and curatorial about ongoing priorities, goals, and projects. * Supports the museum in its commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable institution; treats colleagues and visitors fairly and respectfully, recognizing the value that diverse backgrounds and perspectives bring to our organization. * Undertakes special assignments and projects at the request of supervisor. Research * Conducts research on historic bookbinding structures and materials. * Researches new applications of materials, equipment and techniques to carry out specialized tasks and to improve care of the collection. Communication, Professional Development and Dissemination * Occasionally publishes results of treatments or research projects in museum publications, social media, and journals aimed at both professional and general audiences. * May travel to attend conferences and workshops to further own professional development. * Answers inquiries of a technical nature, in-house and outside the institution. Answers public inquiries by phone and mail as necessary. * Occasionally conducts studio tours and lectures Physical Requirements * Must be able to lift and/or move up to 30 lbs and to work comfortably and safely on ladders and lift equipment. QUALIFICATIONS * BA, BFA, or BS degree preferred, or commensurate education and experience. * Expertise in a range of book conservation techniques and the construction of protective enclosures, with at least two years of experience, preferably in a library or fine arts setting. * Must have demonstrated ability and experience with the design and creation of various types of mounts for the display of books and archival materials. * Must have demonstrated fine hand skills. * Fundamental math skills, including reading of rulers and working with fractions. * Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking skills. * Good time management. * Embraces the museum's commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution. Salary Grade 7 CLOSING STATEMENT The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu. UNION INFO This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31