What are the responsibilities and job description for the Conservation Technician position at Inside Higher Ed?
Department
University Library-550501
Career Area
Libraries
Is this an internal only recruitment?:
No
Posting Open Date
04/06/2026
Application Deadline
04/17/2026
Position Type
Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
University Library Technician - Advanced
Salary Grade Equivalent
NC05 / GN09
Working Title
Conservation Technician
Position Number
20075067
Vacancy ID
P020930
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited
Full-Time Permanent
Hours Per Week
40
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Work Location:
CHAPEL HILL, NC
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$50,280 - $56,419
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
Be a Tar Heel!:
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
At the University Library, you are part of a welcoming, inclusive, open library community that advances research, teaching, healing, and creativity on campus and far beyond. Here, we strive to create an environment of respect and collaboration, where vision and innovation can flourish.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
The University Libraries aspires to set the standard for public university research libraries in the digital age.
As one of the premier libraries in the South, we are an essential partner in the research, education, clinical care, and public service missions of UNC-Chapel Hill. The library system includes 10 on-campus Libraries, with nearly 10 million volumes, rich archival collections, and a growing investment in digital collections.
The University Libraries serves campus and broader communities that reflect the socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious diversity of the state of North Carolina, and we maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and open educational and workplace climate for all. We strive to create an environment of respect and collaboration where vision and innovation can flourish. Learn more about our Strategic Framework including our pillars, values, and priorities by visiting https://library.unc.edu/about/strategic-framework/.
Position Summary
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
The Conservation Technician works in the Preservation and Conservation Services department of the University Library and will report to the Senior Conservator.
Preservation and Conservation Services supports all University Library collections, including circulating and special collections. The Conservation Technician reports to the Senior Conservator, but works across circulating and special collections, sometimes working under the direction of the Supervisor of General Collections Conservation or the Assistant Conservator.
Duties Include
High school diploma or equivalency and two years of experience in library services, office support, or related field; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Management Preferences
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.
University Library-550501
Career Area
Libraries
Is this an internal only recruitment?:
No
Posting Open Date
04/06/2026
Application Deadline
04/17/2026
Position Type
Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
University Library Technician - Advanced
Salary Grade Equivalent
NC05 / GN09
Working Title
Conservation Technician
Position Number
20075067
Vacancy ID
P020930
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited
Full-Time Permanent
Hours Per Week
40
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Work Location:
CHAPEL HILL, NC
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$50,280 - $56,419
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
Be a Tar Heel!:
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
At the University Library, you are part of a welcoming, inclusive, open library community that advances research, teaching, healing, and creativity on campus and far beyond. Here, we strive to create an environment of respect and collaboration, where vision and innovation can flourish.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
The University Libraries aspires to set the standard for public university research libraries in the digital age.
As one of the premier libraries in the South, we are an essential partner in the research, education, clinical care, and public service missions of UNC-Chapel Hill. The library system includes 10 on-campus Libraries, with nearly 10 million volumes, rich archival collections, and a growing investment in digital collections.
The University Libraries serves campus and broader communities that reflect the socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious diversity of the state of North Carolina, and we maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and open educational and workplace climate for all. We strive to create an environment of respect and collaboration where vision and innovation can flourish. Learn more about our Strategic Framework including our pillars, values, and priorities by visiting https://library.unc.edu/about/strategic-framework/.
Position Summary
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
The Conservation Technician works in the Preservation and Conservation Services department of the University Library and will report to the Senior Conservator.
Preservation and Conservation Services supports all University Library collections, including circulating and special collections. The Conservation Technician reports to the Senior Conservator, but works across circulating and special collections, sometimes working under the direction of the Supervisor of General Collections Conservation or the Assistant Conservator.
Duties Include
- Complete selected treatments on book and paper-based special collections, including paper flattening, mending, a wide range of repairs on bound volumes, and more
- Create written and photographic documentation for special collections conservation treatment
- Create custom enclosures for Library materials
- Coordinate commercial boxing workflows for circulating and special collections, including precisely measuring materials, liaising with vendors, and performing quality control
- Independently perform a range of conservation treatments on circulating library materials, from minimal stabilization like stapling pamphlets into binders, to complex treatments like rebinding books
- Assess circulating materials and creatively problem solve to find the best solution for housing or repairing items
- Contribute to lab workflows for tracking incoming and outgoing collections
- Contribute to the conservation lab’s role in exhibits preparation, including mounting flat and bound items for safe exhibition
- Contribute to special preservation and conservation projects, such as collections surveys and large-scale stabilization efforts
- Assist with lab maintenance and supply inventory
- Contribute to department meetings and serve on relevant Library committees
- Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate student workers as needed
- Assist in salvaging collections after leaks, floods, or other disasters affecting Library collections
- Answer questions and communicate with colleagues about departmental workflows
- Share preservation and conservation knowledge through participation in lab tours, class visits, and other outreach activities
High school diploma or equivalency and two years of experience in library services, office support, or related field; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Management Preferences
- Working knowledge of integrated library systems or automated circulation systems (e.g., Sierra, ILLiad)
- Familiarity with services, spaces, technology, and collections in a modern academic library
- Ability to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated attention to detail
- Ability to move boxes weighing up to 40lbs. and push book trucks weighing up to 150 lbs. with or without accommodations
- Ability to operate board shears (large, heavy-duty paper cutters), a manual heavy-duty stapler, and a variety of precision hand tools
- Excellent manual dexterity
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.
Salary : $50,280 - $56,419