Summary This position is located in the General Collections Conservation Section, Conservation Division, Preservation Directorate within the Discovery and Preservation Services. Responsibilities This position serves as a Library Technician and reports to the supervisor of the General Collections Conservation Section in the Conservation Division (CD). The CD is located in the Preservation Directorate (PRES), in Discovery and Preservation Services, within the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (LOC). The incumbent assures long-term access to the Library's general collections by assessing the condition and preservation needs of new acquisitions and retrospective collections, performing a range of remedial treatments and constructing protective enclosures. CD offers consultation on a wide range of topics related to the storage and research use of the Library's extensive general collections in addition to providing treatment and housing for these materials. Uses knowledge of technical methods in conservation and preservation to perform established work procedures and carry out defined projects that involve a variety of specialized activities. Work is assigned with on-going responsibility under the direction of the supervisor who outlines objectives, priorities and deadlines. The Technician obtains guidance from the supervisor when dealing with complex or unfamiliar situations. Implements defined procedures and methods to treat a wide range of book and paper based library collections. Creates a wide range of custom collection housing using automated box making machinery and commercially available rehousing products. Stays abreast of box making program updates and modified procedures for creating, saving files, and operating on this equipment. Assesses the deficiencies of any existing enclosures and determines object vulnerability in determining housing strategies. Completes a range of conservation treatments including surface cleaning, sewing and spine repair, paper mending, humidification and flattening, spine replacement, board attachments, mold removal or re-casing of damaged volumes. Works independently to execute Association of Research Libraries (ARL) rated treatments of both 1 (15 minutes or less) and 2(15 to 60 minutes). Uses a scanner and color printer and photo editing software to produce archival facsimiles of brittle book pages and as replacements for damaged covers, end sheets, or pages within general collections items as dictated by workflow. In addition to the Collections Management Division (CMD) workflow, the incumbent serves as a liaison to one Custodial Division or Reading Room within LCSG. Works independently to assess the needs of the Division's reference collection items and plan for preservation actions to address those needs. Works with Division staff to address longer-term projects focusing on improving the condition of larger collections taking a more holistic approach to collection preservation. Independently completes a sequence of detailed routines in searching online databases and Integrated Library System (ILS) to verify call number, barcode or other bibliographic information. This includes searching newly received materials to determine which titles are already covered by entries contained in the ILS database. Determines and enters bibliographic information into the database following policies and guidelines for serials and monographs. Uses specialized computer programs; develops and maintains a good working knowledge of computer operations and of designated microcomputer software packages for word processing, database management, graphic design, statistical compilations, and bibliographic production. Creates tables, charts, word documents and presentation materials using Microsoft Office Suite programs and image editing and processing software. Uses an automated box-making system to construct custom-fitted enclosures for library materials for which binding, repair, or other physical treatments are appropriate. Measures items using a scanning device. Determines optimum use of archival board in box making. Assembles and labels completed boxes. Other equipment used may include board shears, book presses, mounting press, ultrasonic or heat-welding equipment. Participates in staff meetings, task forces, and individual and group discussions. Also participates on Library committees such as the Library-wide disaster preparedness and response efforts. Responds to questions from custodial divisions. Makes very limited brief and uncomplicated oral presentations. Corresponds with others via e-mail. Drafts simple letters and memos requiring standard answers to common queries from library staff including assigned liaisons. The position description number for this position is 422994. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a compflex-flextime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement. Requirements Conditions of Employment Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment. Qualifications Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. Ability to operate and maintain specialized equipment.* Ability to analyze problems and develop solutions to plan and carry out library programs.* Ability to use computerized search tools, databases, and other computer applications. Ability to plan, organize, and execute work within specified deadlines. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to interpret and apply a variety of guidelines and/or regulations. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Education Additional Information Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade. The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: Vetting Process This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM. The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement. Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement. The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit. Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.