Closes: November 9, 2026

Position Title: Manager, Conservation and Preservation

Office: John M. Kelly Library

Supervisor: Chief Librarian and Director of Special Collections

Employee Group: Non-Union

Hours: 35-hour work week. Regular office hours. In-Person. Extended hours and/or weekend work during emergencies.

Compensation: Hiring Rate: $110,577 to $115,183 | Band Range: PM3 ($103,665 – $138,220)

Terms: Full-Time / Permanent / Vacancy Position

Posting Date: September 28, 2026

Closing Date: Monday, November 9, 2026

Apply to: [email protected] Attention: James Roussain, Dr. William D. Sharpe Chief Librarian and Director of Special Collections (please include position title in subject line of email when submitting curriculum vitae and cover letter)

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following:

- A cover letter outlining their interest in and suitability for the role

- A current curriculum vitae

- The names and contact information of three references

Applications should be submitted directly to james.roussain@utoronto to the attention of James Roussain, William D. Sharpe Chief Librarian and Director of Special Collections

POSITION SUMMARY The John M.

Kelly

Library at the University of St. Michael’s College seeks a book and paper conservator to serve as Manager, Conservation and Preservation. Candidates must hold a master’s degree in conservation, with specialized training in book and paper conservation, and have a minimum of two years of full-time professional experience in this field. A member of the Library’s Technical Services functional team, the Manager, Conservation and Preservation provides leadership and hands-on expertise in the care of the Library’s rare books, archival holdings, and circulating collections.

The Manager, Conservation and Preservation plans and delivers the Library’s conservation and preservation program.

Responsibilities include conservation assessment and treatment; preventive conservation; exhibition and loan support; preparation of materials for in-house digitization; environmental monitoring; and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The Manager, Conservation and Preservation also advises Library staff, College departments, and members of the University of St. Michael’s College community on preservation practices and the safe handling and care of collections.

Through specialized workshops, instruction, and access to conservation expertise and resources, the Manager, Conservation and Preservation supports the College’s undergraduate programs, including Book and Media Studies, Celtic Studies, Christianity and Culture, Medieval Studies, SMC One, and First-Year Foundations courses. The Manager, Conservation and Preservation develops collaborative relationships with College divisions, the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies (PIMS), the University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) system, local community partners, and the wider conservation profession.

This is a hands-on conservation role in which the Manager, Conservation and Preservation personally undertakes conservation assessments and treatments of rare books, archival materials, and other library holdings as a core responsibility.

Applications will be accepted from September 28 to November 9, 2026. Interviews are anticipated in late November, with an appointment expected to be confirmed in December. The anticipated start date is January 2027, with the exact date to be negotiated with the successful candidate.

ABOUT THE JOHN M. KELLY LIBRARY The John M. Kelly Library is the central library of the University of St. Michael’s College and the largest federated college library at the University of Toronto. As a member of the University of Toronto Libraries system, the Kelly Library provides vital services in teaching, research, and collections, with strengths in theology, philosophy, medieval studies, Celtic studies, Christianity and culture, book and media studies, and rare and archival materials.

The John M.

Kelly

Library’s Special Collections: Archives and Rare Books house the University of St. Michael’s College’s specialized collections. The archival holdings focus on the areas of Catholicism, Christianity, Christian spirituality, and literature and language. Highlights include the archives of spiritual writer Henri Nouwen, L’Arche Canada and L’Arche Daybreak collections, an extensive array of 19th century French literature materials, and the personal archives and library of the Canadian modernist writer Sheila Watson. These collections and others actively support the teaching, learning and research needs of USMC students and faculty from all disciplines, and the wider scholarly community. The holdings of the Archival Collections are complemented and supplemented by rare books housed in the Kelly Library Rare Book Collection.

The Rare Book Collections number over 20,000 volumes, including over 400 16th century imprints and over 700 17th century imprints.



There are special collections about 19th century French literature, G.K. Chesterton, and John Henry Newman.

ABOUT ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE

Founded in 1852, the University of St. Michael’s College boasts a diverse and vibrant community of over 5,400 undergraduate students registered within the Faculty of Arts and Science at the world-renowned University of Toronto.

The College supports students across the full range of undergraduate courses and programs offered in the Faculty of Arts and Science. It also sponsors four acclaimed interdisciplinary undergraduate programs (Book & Media Studies, Celtic Studies, Christianity and Culture, Medieval Studies) and numerous year one courses. These courses and programs are open to all students in the Faculty of Arts and Science and are grounded in the interdisciplinary strengths, intellectual history, and special collections and resources housed within the College.

St. Michael’s College is home to one of the busiest and most popular libraries on the St. George campus; to an acclaimed art collection; to a Print Studio featuring a variety of working historic printing presses; to an Academic Success Centre housing dedicated supports in writing, research, and learning strategy; and to a energetic community of student groups and clubs.

It is also home to a recognized community of supportive faculty, fellows, and librarians who teach across various subjects at UofT and who participate actively in the provision of mentorship, research, and co-curricular opportunities for undergraduates.

Located in the downtown core only steps away from the Royal Ontario Museum, Queen’s Park, and the two main subway lines, St. Michael’s College offers a “home away from home” to commuter and resident students alike. Renowned for its beautiful historic grounds and peaceful campus setting, it is home to a variety of residence buildings that range from historic old houses to more modern constructions.

The College provides a unique residence experience to over 600 undergraduate students and an atmosphere of a friendly and characterful neighbourhood to all students across a variety of spaces.

Committed to supporting and empowering students in all aspects of their university experience, St. Michael’s continues to build upon its informing strengths in teaching and scholarly excellence, academic support, interdisciplinary exploration, and the provision of a feeling of close-knit community that recognizes the uniqueness of every student’s journey.

USMC is also home to the renowned Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology (in partnership with Regis College), which offers various first-entry and advanced degrees in theology, as well as to a Continuing Education Division that offers numerous courses for accreditation and for general interest life-long learners, and that administers a growing Social Responsibility and Sustainability program.”

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties and responsibilities of the Manager, Conservation and Preservation include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Reviews and oversees the Kelly Library’s conservation and preservation programs, strategies, and priorities, in collaboration with library leadership.
- Coordinates workflows and the daily operations of conservation and preservation activities.
- Establishes, implements, and monitors standards and procedures for preventive conservation, storage, travel, display, handling, and consultation of materials.
- Performs the examination and hands-on conservation treatment of library collections; sets priorities, policies, and standards, and supervises treatment undertaken by others.
- Oversees research, evaluation, recommendation, and procurement of specialized equipment, supplies, and services, including vendor negotiations.
- Serves as courier for items traveling to external exhibitions.
- Develops and maintains the library’s disaster response and recovery plan, ensuring that procedures, contact lists, and documentation remain current; provides guidance regarding salvage operations, post-disaster analysis, and mitigation strategies.

- Responds to emergencies by mobilizing staff and equipment to address threats such as water, mould, pests, or other forms of damage.
- Acts as salvage team coordinator and participates directly in salvage operations during disasters.
- Advises library staff, departments, and the University of St. Michael’s College community on preservation techniques and best practices for printed and archival materials.
- Provides conservation-related expertise to the broader community.




- Coordinates preventive care activities, including environmental monitoring programs.
- Recommends and oversees preservation treatments for general collections based on current standards, technologies, and best practices.
- Assesses environmental factors—including humidity, temperature, and air quality—affecting the preservation of special collections, general collections, and archives.
- Oversees and coordinates all physical conservation activities related to special collections, archives, and general collections.
- Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with local, national, and international colleagues and remains informed about advances in the field relevant to the care of collections.
- Contributes to the preparation of statistics, reports, and documentation for library administration.

Should the library add additional support staff to meet its conservation and preservation objectives, including part- and full-time staff, Work Study positions, or practicum placements, the Manager, Conservation and Preservation will also:
- Supervise and define duties and responsibilities of staff, including hours, schedules, and methods and techniques of work.
- Assign work based on departmental needs, staff skills, project requirements, and available resources.
- Ensure work is completed on schedule and in accordance with standards and policies.
- Participate in hiring processes, in collaboration with the Chief Librarian and Head of Technical Services, based on assessment of candidates and departmental requirements.
- Provide performance feedback and address performance-related concerns as part of the employee development process.
- Apply disciplinary measures when appropriate and consult with HR on serious employment matters.
- Develop project plans and work processes from an understanding of project requirements and timelines.
- Provide direction, training, and support to staff based on knowledge of departmental procedures and specialized expertise.
- Recommend training, workshops, and professional development to enhance staff skills and knowledge.
- Resolve technical and staff-related issues in a timely manner to minimize disruption to project and departmental work.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Master’s degree in Conservation from a recognized university or college.
- Minimum two (2) years of experience, preferably in a university, library, or archives environment.
- Excellent knowledge of preservation techniques, standards, and technologies; demonstrated understanding of facility operations.
- Technical and ethical expertise related to the conservation of books, paper, and related materials.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and multi-tasking skills; ability to meet conflicting deadlines.
- Strong organizational abilities with attention to detail and capacity to maintain a strategic perspective.
- Excellent interpersonal and team skills; demonstrated professionalism, good judgment, tact, and discretion.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated flexibility, creativity, and ability to innovate and adapt in a changing environment.
- Strong initiative and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
- Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
- Ability to work standing for extended periods.
- Ability to operate light conservation equipment (e.g., board shear, backing press, standing press).
- Willingness and ability to use personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

- Work is performed primarily in a controlled environment (office, lab, or storage area), with occasional work in disaster recovery locations.
- Must be comfortable working in storage areas and able to lift boxes of archival material weighing up to 20 kg.
- Job activities may require lifting more than 15 kg for short periods; bending, stretching, kneeling, or climbing on a daily basis for 2–4 hours; and/or keyboarding for 2–4 hours.
- Weekly activities may include bending, stretching, kneeling, or climbing for 4 or more hours.
- Exposure to risk of injury from operating or maintaining tools and equipment.
- May be required to lift or carry objects of heavy weight (over 15 kg) for short periods, or very heavy weight (over 50 kg) using a dolly or cart.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

The University of St. Michael’s College is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal people of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, people who take a religiously informed view of human experience, and others who may contribute to further diversification of ideas.

If you require accessibility accommodation, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

- Department

📌 Manager, Conservation and Preservation (Toronto)
🏢 University of St. Michael’s College
📍 Toronto