Museum Specialist - Colonial National Historic Park

Great Basin Institute, founded at the University of Nevada, Reno in 1998, is a mission-driven non-profit organization headquartered in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. GBI has been a leader in the conservation stewardship field for over two decades, supporting thousands of individuals pursuing a career in public land management or seeking to advance their academic standing. In partnership with Colonial National Historical Park (COLO), GBI seeks to hire one Museum Specialist.

The Museum Specialist will provide expertise in collections management to analyze inventory, and rehouse archeological collections; monitor and manage the environmental conditions in collection storage; update and backup catalog records in the collections management database (ICMS); and provide general curatorial support. The specialist position is intended to be able to work independently while knowing when it is appropriate to ask for assistance in complex circumstances.

This position requires the incumbent to have greater knowledge of acceptable standards of museum work, have excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to research collection records and archeological documents, and be highly organized.  Some examples of specialized experience needed are collections management, registration, cataloging, research, preservation, restoration, or conservation of collections of museum material or other related activities.  Primary duties are outlined and include, but may not be limited to, the following:

Collections care: 

• Reconciles or catalogs archeological artifacts and uses the Interior Collection Management system (ICMS). Maintains museum records including accession, catalog and loan records, in accordance with NPS standards.
• Performs data entry of the Archives.
• Performs routine cleaning, stabilization, or preservation of artifacts or archives under the guidance of the Conservator.  Makes the Conservator aware of any extensive or more specialized treatments that may be needed.
•  Houses museum artifacts and archival collections in an efficient manner in accordance with NPS and accepted museum standards. Performs annual inventories and assists with other NPS reporting requirements.
• Monitors the environment using data loggers and other monitoring equipment in the various collection storage facilities and exhibit spaces and maintains those records.
• Keeps to a schedule for maintaining good housekeeping practices in the storage facilities.
• Assists with the annual museum collections inventory.

Research: 

• Conducts research in park history records, accession records and archives to assist with identification of artifacts and their associated archeological sites.
• Reconciles and documents catalog discrepancies using park resource management, archeological, archival and cataloging records.

Communication: 

• Communicates with park staff, local and regional staff through email, Teams, phone calls, to help solve accession and cataloging discrepancies.
• Communicates with the conservator any relevant project information in a timely manner.

Contract Timeline:

• 52-week appointment
•  Full-time, 40 hours per week

Compensation:

• Wage: $30 hourly rate
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance premiums are covered 100% by GBI. Available on the first day of the month following the start of employment.
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays;
• Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match;
• Access to Pro Deals;

Requirements:

• Educational experience with a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree focused on museum studies or a closely related field; applicants with advanced degrees are highly encouraged to apply;
• Experience in collections management to include registration, cataloging, research, preservation, restoration, housing, and conservation of collections;
• Knowledge of the cultural resources and disciplines represented in the park collections of the Mid-Atlantic, such as history, archeology, cultural anthropology, historic and cultural landscape, biology, geology, legislation and administration;
• Broad, well-rounded knowledge of North American prehistory and historic cultures which are significant within the Mid-Atlantic;
• Experience with supervision and training of interns and/or volunteers;
• Ability to work with minimal direct supervision;
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented, possessing strong organizational skills to effectively plan and complete assigned workload within defined timelines;
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with a diverse audience including co-workers, members of the public, and agency personnel;
• Intermediate or higher skill using Microsoft and/or Google suite, with ability to manually enter, manage, manipulate, and graphically display data;
• Flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities with a positive attitude;
• Ability to work productively, consistently, and cooperatively independently or as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals;
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license;
• Ability to complete activities including prolonged periods of deskwork, lifting and moving of heavy items weighing 50 pounds or more, regularly walk and drive between curation and other facilities; and
• Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI and the goals of NPS.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

NOTE: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Disclaimer: Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice