Museum Collections Management Specialist

Description

The Museum Specialist (Collections Management) to provide professional curatorial and collections support for a federal museum in Forestville, MD. The Museum Specialist will manage accessioning, cataloging, storage, and preservation activities to ensure that artifacts are appropriately documented, cared for, and made accessible in accordance with federal and professional museum standards. This position requires significant experience with museum collections, technical proficiency in collections management software, and a detail-oriented approach to artifact stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Ensure consistent application of industry standards when handling museum and archival unit artifacts and objects.
•  Work with museum staff to support events and institutional goals related to the museum’s opening.
•  Fabricate basic mounts and storage containers to support cataloging and preservation of new accessions.
•  Draft interpretive labels for museum objects used in displays and exhibits.
•  Conduct and document provenance research for museum objects and prospective accessions.
•  Manage timelines and deliverables, ensuring collections projects are completed on schedule.
•  Stay informed about industry developments in collections software, preservation, and object care to improve program outputs continually.
•  Assist in identifying objects for deaccessioning and completing established processes for removal and disposal.
•  Utilize museum collections management software (PastPerfect and/or Proficio) for accurate cataloging, accessioning, and record maintenance.
•  Assist the museum staff with updating hardcopy and electronic accession records.
•  Conduct and document internal inventories and scheduled object condition assessments.
•  Monitor, document, and correct environmental controls for storage areas.
•  Use Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel) to support curatorial workflows and reporting.
•  Operate standard museum storage equipment, including work assist vehicles, pallet jacks, and sculpture lifts.
•  Lift and transport objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
•  Report onsite at Forestville, MD.

Requirements

•  Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, history, or related field.
•  At least ten (10) years of relevant experience in museum collections management or as a registrar; OR at least five (5) years of relevant experience with a master’s degree or higher in museum studies, history, maritime history, or related social sciences field.
•  Proficiency with museum collections management software (PastPerfect, Proficio).
•  Demonstrated experience in object handling, cataloging, and collections documentation.
•  Strong organizational and detail-oriented skills.
•  Practical written and verbal communication skills.
•  Physical ability to lift at least 40 pounds and operate museum storage equipment.
•  Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
•  Must report onsite in Forestville, MD.
•  Experience supporting federal museum programs or military heritage collections.
•  Familiarity with deaccessioning processes and museum governance standards.
•  Knowledge of preventive conservation and environmental monitoring.
•  Experience fabricating object mounts, housing, or storage solutions.
•  Ability to work collaboratively with curators, conservators, and other museum staff.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to move from place to place within the location, lifting of items weighing up to 40 pounds such as files, books, stacks of paper, and other materials
• Ability to sit for long periods of time and to maintain focus on projects such as computer screens or detailed paperwork.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development

EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.