Description

This is a responsible position, whose central task is the management of collections with registrar functions.  This position is part of the Collections and Curatorial staff, which includes two curators, an archivist, installation staff, and interns; it is a small team responsible for delivering the exhibition program and working collaboratively on the permanent collection of ca. 12,000 objects and their documentation. The position is primarily responsible for the care of the collection, including assessing conservation status, monitoring gallery and storage needs/conditions, undertaking inventory and rehousing work, implementing integrated pest management principles, and maintaining documentation to the proper professional standards. The postholder will lead on ensuring the overall security and well-being of the collections and will maintain documentation and inventories with curatorial and collections staff. This position oversees transportation, packing, and shipping of collections in compliance with insurance regulations and the highest standards of professional practice.  The position also supports the Collections Committee, ensuring all paperwork for accessions, de-accessions, and loans are maintained. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree in Museum Studies or proven equivalent professional experience
• A minimum of 2 years of experience working in collections management in a museum or gallery context, including museum display, handling, accessioning, data retrieval, provenance research, assessing storage requirements, condition reporting and fine art shipping,
• Background in, and experience of, working with contemporary or historic Indigenous North American collections,
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word suite including Teams and Adobe Photoshop
• Familiarity and comfort with collections management databases including Proficio/Rediscovery.

Requirements

SKILLS:               

The skills required are those of being able to work independently and in collaboration, exercising sound judgement and a practical approach to risk management, and familiarity with the best practices of collections management in the context of small museums or tribal/cultural institutions.  It includes, but is not limited to: 

1.  Demonstrated understanding of professional museum practices and standards, including registration methods, loans paperwork, safe object handling, conservation, packing and shipping of objects,
2. Demonstrated experience of working on exhibitions and exhibition preparation including condition reporting, handling and mounting,
3. Demonstrated ability to show responsiveness and consideration for the documentation of collections, their preservation and care, 
4. Demonstrated ability to undertake strategic assessment of collections and work within museum collection policies,
5. Demonstrated understanding of security of collection and climate conditions in storage and exhibits, including daily monitoring of galleries,
6. Good understanding of photography and photographic potential of collections,
7. Knowledge of conservation practices and art preparation,
8. Demonstrated ability to plan, problem-solve and deliver in accordance with deadlines,
9. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others to achieve Museum’s overall goals and objectives,
10. Strong written skills, including ability to write reports, summarize issues, and conduct professional correspondence,
11. An eye for detail and commitment to accuracy. 

 ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:    

1.  Maintains and monitors safety and security of collections in accordance with established professional standards, including responsibility for environmental conditions, integrated pest management, and security of collections; this includes maintaining a clean working environment and organized digital files and paper records,
2. Oversight of the database: revise and evaluate registration and catalog system to maintain applicability, consistency, and operation,
3. Oversight and processing of all incoming and outgoing collections for loans, donations, deaccessioned items, and exhibitions including shipping, security, insurance, and packing,
4. Ensuring all legal and ethical issues regarding loans are addressed, 
5. Works with those inside and outside the Museum to support NAGPRA processes and compliance,
6. Works in collaboration with Curatorial and Collections staff in the maintenance of the museum’s collection database, and in the generation of all paperwork to do with pre- and post- acquisition process, including supporting the Collections Committee,
7. Works with Curatorial and Collections staff in planning and installation of exhibits, especially in preparing collections and advising on conversation needs,
8. Management and oversight of the collection database; review and evaluate registration and catalog system to maintain applicability, consistency, and operation,
9. Recommends changes in recordkeeping procedures to achieve maximum accessibility to and efficient retrieval of collection objects,
10. Schedules and facilitates research by scholars and other visitors,
11. Part of emergency planning team,
12. Contributes and supports public programs and access initiatives,
13. Other duties as assigned.