Collections Mgr.- National Buffalo Museum, Jamestown, ND

The National Buffalo Museum is seeking to fill the newly created position of collections manager to support our mission to educate the public on the cultural and historical significance of the North American bison. The collections manager is the primary staff person responsible for the NBF’s collections and exhibits. This position will work independently and as part of a team managing collections and exhibits. Some evening and weekend work will be required at times, particularly during exhibit installations.
Essential Job Functions
Collections Management (70%):

Oversee museum collections including the care, use, exhibition, and management of the artifact collections and records.
Work with current and potential donors.
Maintain complete collections files, including donor, accession, catalog, condition, and inventory records in accordance with generally accepted museum standards and best practices.
Catalog, photograph, and provide for the proper storage and housing of the collections. Pack and transport objects as needed.
Manage and maintain the collections database.
Oversee regular inventory procedures, and update location records as objects are moved.
Plan, approve, document, and monitor loans to and from the collection.
Evaluate the collections and recommend objects for acquisition and deaccession.
Evaluate collections for conservation treatments.
Survey storage and exhibit areas for potential environmental or pest problems.
Maintain housekeeping plan and lead the regular cleaning and maintenance of exhibit and storage spaces.
Train and supervise volunteers, interns, and other staff working on collections projects, especially in object handling procedures and policies.
Assist Museum Committee with planning, researching, designing, fabricating, installing, and de-installing exhibits. Design and fabricate object mounts.

Administrative (30%):

Help identify and apply for funding opportunities through grants and other opportunities, especially in regards to collection and exhibit management. Assist with the annual fundraising auction.
Contribute to the newsletter and other publications and social media.
Present and participate in museum programs.
Work with the public and assist museum visitors.
Help coordinate membership development.
Other admin duties associated bookkeeping, gaming, and the giftshop.
Other duties as assigned.

This is a full-time position reporting to the Executive Director. Starting salary range is $27,000 to $32,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. To apply, send a cover letter and resume by December 15, 2018. The National Buffalo Museum, founded in 1991, is a 501(c)3 private, nonprofit located in Jamestown, North Dakota. The organization includes a museum and visitor’s center with a permanent collection of artifacts and a live bison herd. For more information visit our website or send an email inquiry. No phone calls.

RequirementsMinimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, history, public history, archaeology, anthropology, fine arts, or a closely related field.
Two years of museum collections experience.
Knowledge of the standards, best practices, and methodology related to museum collections, cataloging, and the exhibition/display of historic and ethnographic objects.
Experience with updating and maintaining museum databases and collection records software.
A familiarity with collections documentation, handling and care, nomenclature, condition reports, and photographing collections.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in a museum studies-related field.
Experience working with Past Perfect.
Experience with basic preventative conservation techniques including basic artifact cleaning procedures.
Understanding of exhibit design and fabrication, exhibit data sheets, and ADA requirements.
Experience with project management.
Knowledge or experience with bison, natural history, the Great Plains, Native American history and culture, the contemporary bison industry, and a passion to learn what you don’t know.