Curator of the Davis Map Collection

Location: Alpine

Department: Sul Ross State University Museum

Until Filled: Yes

Appointment Date: 11/01/2023

Salary: $41,727.00

Required: A Bachelor’s degree is required. At least three years curatorial experience. Knowledge and/or experience relating to collections management and conservation, and artifact provenance research. Demonstrated experience with exhibition development, design, and installation processes. Experience in a museum’s curatorial department. Exceptional written and verbal English communications skills; Object-based teaching experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheet software; internet software; email; and database software. Proficient in all aspects of social media including Facebook, Instagram and other media outlets.

Preferred: A Bachelor’s degree is required preferably in American history with a concentration on Texas history or a related field or in museum studies; master’s degree or Ph.D. preferred. Experience in a university setting. Fluency in Spanish. A record of research/publication.

Primary Responsibilities

The Museum of the Big Bend Curator of the Davis Map Collection oversees the Yana & Marty Davis Map Collection, one of the largest and most diversified selections of Texas maps in the state, and an important component of the Museum’s collections overall. S/he interprets these maps for through exploring unique special exhibition, adult and student programming opportunities, and is responsible for ensuring the collections is conserved and cared for according to industry-standards for collections of ephemera and 2D objects and artifacts.

Duties

The Curator of the Davis Map Collection has broad responsibilities for interpreting, developing, and managing the Yana & Marty Davis Map Collection and should advise the Director on its care and use including:

• Managing rotating permanent collection displays and temporary exhibitions in dedicated galleries.
• Conducting or assisting others with access to and research on objects in the collection.
• Assisting with training of docents and University students in the specific content of the collection.
• Collaborating with the Curator and Museum Educator to engage students in curatorial and education projects and to plan a broad range of public programs.
• Will be responsible for reporting and keeping records for SRSU SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools)

Museum Operations & Fundraising

Provides fundraising support at all fundraising events. When needed, the Curator of the Davis Map Collection will be responsible for opening and closing museum and museum gift shop, supervising volunteers and student workers and can act in the absence of the Director; assist with museum reports and grant applications.

Maintains a working relationship with the Center for Big Bend Studies, Archives of the Big Bend at the Bryan Wildenthal Memorial Library, the Brewster County Historical Commission and the Texas Map Society.

Serves as the museum’s security officer by handling security codes, key cards and first responder to security alarm issues.

Support and follow the Museum’s Strategic Goals.

Responsible for personal safety and the safety of others; must exercise due caution and practice safe work habits at all times.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk long distances; sit; lift heavy objects; use hands to finger, handle, -or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.

Working Conditions

Usual: Exempt from overtime provisions. Position is Security Sensitive.

Special: Must be able to handle movement and storage of collection materials.

Other Information

Texas Law requires a 60 day waiting period before new state employees are eligible to enroll in health insurance.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

It is the policy of Sul Ross State University to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons in accordance with their individual, job related qualifications and without consideration of race, creed, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and ancestry. Equal employment opportunities shall be afforded in all personnel actions or decisions including, but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, demotion, termination and salary. Retaliation is prohibited against a person who opposes a discriminatory practice, files a charge, testifies, assists or participates in an investigative proceeding or hearing.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report

The Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at https://srinfo.sulross.edu/udps/

The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.

A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can contact the Office of Student Life, located on the Alpine Campus in the Morgan University Center, Room 211 or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 432-837-8424 or emailing stulife@sulross.edu

About SRSU

Sul Ross State University Alpine Campus is in the Scenic Davis Mountains of West Texas, is a member of the Texas State University System, is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees, and has an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students of campus in Alpine, Texas. At an elevation of 4,480 feet, and on the periphery of the Chihuahuan Desert, Alpine enjoys mild winters and cool summers. Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Big Bend National Park, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are all within one to three hours driving distance from Alpine.

The SRSU campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde comprise Rio Grande College. RGC offers upper-level courses leading to bachelor’s degrees as well as master’s degree programs and works closely with its partner institution, Southwest Texas Junior College, to provide a seamless transition to RGC for their students. All RGC students hold an Associate degree from an accredited institution or they have completed 42 semester credit hours of transferrable work.

More information is available regarding Sul Ross State University and position openings See http://www.sulross.edu our website.