COLLECTIONS ASSISTANT (TEMPORARY FULL-TIME) DuSable Museum

http://www.midwestmuseums.org/jobs.html#collectDusable


COLLECTIONS ASSISTANT (TEMPORARY FULL-TIME)
DuSable Museum of African American History, IL

The Collections Assistant will join a team of four in the final year of a grant-funded collections cataloging and registration project. Reporting to the Head of Collections and Registration, this position involves re-housing art and artifacts, cataloging museum collections, and assisting with backlog registration.

Essential Functions:

• Clean, stabilize and re-house artifacts of various mediums/materials according to established preservation standards
• Catalog, condition report, and photograph objects, creating or adding to catalog records in PastPerfect database
• Physically move artifacts from temporary facility to permanent storage in the museum
• Label artifacts with permanent accession numbers
• Conduct object research as needed
• Assist in reconciling problem numbers and found-in-collections (FIC) objects
• Assist in processing backlog registration paperwork
• Assist with preventative conservation including pest management and climate/environmental monitoring; maintain departmental integrated pest management (IPM) system and schedule
• Perform cleaning and maintenance of storage areas and exhibit galleries on a rotating schedule
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, History, Art History, Museum or related field, plus minimum two years collections-related experience. Knowledge of proper object handling and procedures related to safe storage Working knowledge of museum collections management systems (CMS).

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of cataloging procedures and accepted nomenclature
• Knowledge of standard museum collections management practices and procedures
• Physical coordination/ability to handle and move fragile collection objects; ability to lift 40 pounds
• Basic art-handling skills
• Understanding of the proprietary nature of museum collections and documents and ability to adhere to museum policies regarding confidentiality
• Familiarity with museum collections software, experience with PastPerfect strongly preferred
• Excellent organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong interpersonal skills; must be team-oriented but also capable of working independently under minimum supervision
• Ability to work under pressure and establish priorities under strict deadlines
• Ability to multi-task and be flexible in work assignments

This a full-time temporary position, salary based on experience, Health benefits available.

Please email resumé, cover letter, and salary requirements to Kristina Eason atkeason@dusablemuseum.org, with "Collections Assistant Search" in the subject line. No phone calls please. Candidate reviews end 30 days after posting. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

(Posted 2/1/16)