Preserve the past, shape the future: join our conservation team!Are you passionate about preserving history? Join us as a Conservator at the Collections Management Branch! You'll play a crucial role in safeguarding our heritage, working with a diverse range of archival materials. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in historical paper conservation while collaborating with a dedicated team. Help us protect the past for future generations. Apply today and make a lasting impact!
About the job
As a Conservator, you will:
• treat and preserve various archival materials like documents, maps, prints, drawings, books, and photos
• monitor and protect fragile records in the Archives and off-site storage using specialized equipment
• report any issues to senior management
• create and implement plans to organize and describe records
• help ministries, agencies, courts, lawyers, police, historians, and the public access archival records
• develop and teach courses on preserving and treating archival materials
• advise staff on handling and preserving damaged records
• assist the Archivist in evaluating and acquiring records for donation or government use
• lead and train staff and interns in archival and conservation practices
What you bring to the team
Technical knowledge:
you have:
• knowledge of historical techniques, chemicals, and physical properties affecting archival materials and conservation
• understanding and application of laws related to archives (e.g., Archives Act, Copyright Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act)
• knowledge of record management theory and practices to help with acquiring government records
• understanding of archival appraisal theory and current trends
• knowledge of preservation standards and techniques to protect unique and fragile records
Customer service, communication, and negotiation skills:
you can:
• explain complex and technical topics to different clients
• provide expert testimony in courts about Ontario government record-keeping and Archives appraisal
• respond to complex questions, promote public awareness, and consult with stakeholders
• prepare technical materials (e.g., briefing notes, presentations, reports) and present options to senior management
• interview clients about sensitive personal issues
Analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving skills:
you can:
• check records scheduling and disposition practices for compliance with guidelines
• develop options and recommendations for program/policy directions, objectives, plans, and changes
• provide conservation treatment for archival materials through scientific examination and testing
• assess research requests for original records and find appropriate sources of information
Other essential skills:
you can:
• manage time and organize tasks to set priorities and meet deadlines
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace: