Federal Work Study - Preservation & Conservation Graduate Assistant

Position Information

ECU Department of Preservation & Conservation unit in ECU Joyner library is currently seeking a Federal Work Study graduate student worker for Fall & Spring semesters 2026/27. 

The successful candidate will assist with the preservation, conservation, repair, and stabilization of materials from Joyner Library’s Special Collections which would include books, manuscripts, diaries, documents, scrapbooks, photos, maps, and other items. The Preservation & Conservation lab is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm. No evenings or weekends are required.

The graduate student assistant will learn treatment procedures for the conservation, preservation, and repair of library collection materials. Duties may include repairing and constructing supports for exhibiting rare or special collection materials, creating treatment documentation or reports, and environmental monitoring. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements: Superior manual dexterity and patience. Must possess the ability to follow detailed instructions, effectively communicate verbally and in writing, and accurately record information in treatment records using MS Word or Excel. This position may involve working with hazardous chemicals regularly, so closed toe shoes and long pants are mandatory. Graduate student must have a Federal Work Study award and be enrolled in class(es) at ECU for Fall & Spring 2026/27.

For the safety of the applicant, staff, materials preserved, and the tools and equipment utilized, all applicants must pass a dexterity assessment. Once hired, the successful candidate must also pass a 20-question multiple choice safety test required by ECU Environmental Health & Safety.

Ability to read cursive writing and distinguish different colors is helpful but not required. An interest or background in Art, History, Chemistry, Museology, Photography or Librarianship is beneficial but not required. Ability to read music is also helpful, but not required.

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Please upload your CV/Resume and Federal Work Study Authorization Form online.

To be ELIGIBLE for FEDERAL WORK STUDY POSITIONS, students MUST QUALIFY and RECEIVE an AWARD from the ECU Financial Aid Office (Old Cafeteria Complex, 252-328-6610).

Unless otherwise identified in the applicable job posting and consistent with University policy, the University will principally employ individuals who reside in the State of North Carolina to the greatest extent practicable. As such, most positions at East Carolina University require employees to live and work in North Carolina (or live within a reasonable daily commuting distance from their duty station) after hire. Candidates should be prepared to relocate within a reasonable, agreed-upon time after an offer of employment has been made and accepted to meet this requirement.

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.