Description

Collection Curator

Organization: Ravalli County Museum & Historical Society

Reports to: Executive Director (ED)

FLSA: Exempt

40 hours a week

$17/hour

To apply for this position: please email a cover letter and resume to [email protected]

Job Overview: 

The Collection Curator (CC) will be the point person for museum artifact inventory and preservation.
The CC will ensure artifacts are stored and maintained correctly.
The CC will maintain artifact custody and donation documentation.
The CC will be an essential part of the Museum team, assisting with general Museum tasks, events, exhibits and programs.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Managing proper documentation of the museum collections, including accessioning and deaccessioning, cataloging, inventories, and other records.
Carrying out research on the collection, including verifying authenticity, tracing provenance, evaluating significance and judging quality.
Maintaining the collections management database (PastPerfect) and object files.
Ensuring proper care and preservation of the museum collections by managing the museum collections storage rooms, environmental conditions data and analysis, curatorial housekeeping, and conservation projects.
Contributing to exhibition planning and installation, including overseeing incoming and outgoing loans. 
Researching and writing clear, informative, accurate object labels, wall labels and other didactic materials.
Maintain museum library by ensuring inventory is recorded in collection database, loan process is followed, and communicating new additions (or wish list) to ED.
Create a comprehensive collections care/training manual to be used by volunteers and staff to ensure continuity in collections care moving forward.
Work with ED and other staff members to identify, locate and properly display collection objects in exhibits, displays and educational programs.
Long Term Goal: create an online database of museum collection to be available for perusal on the museum website. 
Regular attendance and communication with ED about scheduled attendance. 
Abides by all safety and security rules set forth by the organization and regulatory agencies.
Performs all other duties and responsibilities assigned by the ED and Board of Directors to achieve the mission of the Ravalli County Museum.
Qualifications and Experience

High School diploma with courses in history.
College degree or courses preferred.
Experience curating exhibits and collections care preferred.
Demonstrated Project Management experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to resolve problems by gathering necessary information to make effective resolutions.
Strong abilities to work both independently and as a team to accomplish goals in a reasonable timeframe.
Special Work Conditions

This position spends about 2-4 hours per day sitting, 4 hours per day talking or listening, frequent computer and telephone use. Good visual and hearing ability are needed throughout the day to communicate with members, customers, other organizations, and volunteers.  
Lifting to 25 lbs., including moving objects up and down stairs.  Reaching, bending, stooping, and carrying required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Requirements

High School diploma with courses in history.
College degree or courses preferred.
Experience curating exhibits and collections care preferred.
Demonstrated Project Management experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to resolve problems by gathering necessary information to make effective resolutions.