Museum Collection Specialist

Job Title
Museum Collection Specialist

Agency
Texas A&M University – Kingsville

Department
John E. Conner Museum

Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate

Job Location
Kingsville, Texas

Job Type
Staff

Job Description
Job Summary
The John E. Conner Museum is situated on the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK), and has a history that dates back to the beginnings of the university. For the past two years, the Conner Museum has been in a state of transformation and revitalization. Together with our Curatorial Council, an advisory group consisting of TAMUK faculty/staff and community representative, the museum is making strides to become an innovative institute that will bridge resources between our university and local communities.  Our vision is to serve as a living, learning laboratory that connects researchers to materials within our collection, brings forth TAMUK resources and unites them with the knowledge and stories within our communities.

The Museum Collection Specialist will oversee the care and maintenance of the Conner Museum’s artifact collection, prepare the collection for research and classroom use, and contribute towards the museum’s vision and TAMUK’s overall mission. We are looking for someone who can be a team player, adaptable to competing priorities, detail-oriented, and has experience managing a diverse collection of artifacts (taxidermy, textiles, natural resources, furniture, equipment, etc.). The museum works with a diverse group of individuals across our campus community – faculty, staff, students, alumni, and members of the greater South Texas community.

If you are interested in using your knowledge and skills to further the mission of the museum, our university, and help others discover the story of South Texas, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity.

Cover letter and resume are strongly recommended. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume.

The Museum Collection Specialist, under general supervision, oversees all aspects of the maintenance, care, and installation of the Conner Museum collection and exhibitions. Responsible for training and supervision of personnel handling the collection. Researches, manages, and documents the collections. Assist with planning and implementation of exhibitions, lectures, and programming.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collections Care – Responsible for the care and conservation of the Conner Museum artifact collection, exhibitions, objects, artwork, and/or documents in storage and on exhibition, including environmental monitoring, special transportation arrangements, object security, and regular physical checks. Coordinate conservation treatment for the permanent collections, schedule and manage periodic cleaning of all objects in collection.

• Registration Management – Manages the care of permanent and temporary objects in the collection by maintaining a current inventory, managing the collection database software, cataloging and storing the collection, creating systems and schedules for management of collections, and coordinating research on the collections. Creates collection reports as needed or requested.

• Exhibition Assistance – Works with Director and Curatorial Council in the creation, coordination, installation, research and management of permanent and temporary exhibitions, related programming, and/or research and acquisition of objects in accordance to the museum’s collection acquisition plan.

• Research Support – Carries out background research and updates collection files. Engages and supports faculty or student researchers with objects, exhibitions, or writings/articles regarding the museum’s collection, acquisitions, or exhibitions. Monitors and tracks use of objects by faculty or staff.

• Digital Media Oversee digitization of collection. Works with Curatorial Council & Museum staff to display objects or collections in a way that makes them accessible and engaging to the general public. Writes materials and articles for website, media communications, training programs, or external publications.

• Training Provides object handling and collection care training to faculty/student researchers, museum staff, volunteers, and/or academic departments. Trains volunteers and museum staff on the collection and permanent exhibits for the general public.

• Administration Manage and process all documentation, files, and databases associated with the collection, loans, temporary and permanent exhibits, and related equipment tools. Coordinate with administrative staff on inventory and insurance coverage of permanent and temporary collections.

• Collaboration with other departments or external entities, in areas such as tourism, fundraising, marketing, and conservation.

Performs other duties as assigned to further the mission of the museum, university, and museum’s collection and conservation efforts.

The above represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assists in the planning, organization, implementation of events, festivals, exhibitions, lectures, and all other museum events.
• May supervisor student employees and/or external collaborators.

Minimum Requirements
Education – Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience – Two years of related experience
Knowledge of – Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications
Ability to – Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills. Maintains attention to detail and utilizes sound judgment.

Preferred Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Collection Management, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of museum collection management and database applications.
• The ability to exert moderate force and lift moderately heavy objects.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.