Hiring Part-Time Collections Assistants for Legacy Project - CLOSED

"This project has been financed in part with funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society."

THE APPLICATION PERIOD CLOSED 9/5/2024. POSITIONS ARE FILLED.

St. Louis County Historical Society seeks applicants for two to four temporary, part-time Collections Assistants. Each position is 10-20 hours per week with a wage of $15 per hour.

Please submit your résumé and cover letter via email to jacob@thehistorypeople.org or at the address below (via USPS mail or in-person).

St. Louis County Historical Society

ATTN: Jacob Esselstrom, Curator

506 West Michigan Street

Duluth, MN 55802-1505

See the job description below for details.

Collections Asst Inventory Project 2024

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St. Louis County Historical Society

Job Description

Position Title: Collections Assistant

Reports To: Curator

Description Valid As Of: January 2024

Job Type: Part-Time, Temporary (10-20 Hours per Week)

Wage: $15 per Hour

POSITION SUMMARY

The Collections Assistant position directly assists the Curator with the completion of the inventory and cataloging phase of the Historical Society’s Collections Accessibility Initiative. This primarily involves the creation of new object records in the Society’s collections database (Proficio) and updating existing catalog entries. The position is responsible for documenting the physical details of uncatalogued objects in the collections, including the creation of digital images, as well as researching object history and provenance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Catalogue collections using collections software (Proficio)

• Measure artifacts, report condition, write a brief description, record object and accession numbers for items, provide location, assign object name using nomenclature stacked authority table, initial and date record and input any information written on the object ID tag.

• Follow Inventory Procedures.

• Identify and inventory accessioned/Found in Collection 3D artifacts in collections storage areas.

• Flag any records with question or concerns for the Curator/Senior Collections Assistant to address.

• Assign new box number for stored items.

• Maintain and handle collections and archival material in alignment with best practices.

• Research and document the known provenance of objects.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Curator.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Basic Abilities

  • Follows directions in keeping with the policies and procedures set forth involving the preservation and curation of collections.

  • Follows Museum Standards and Best Practices.

• Self-Management

  • Follows well-defined and realistic job specific goals set by the Curator; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates professional and ethical behavior.

• Adaptability and Teamwork

  • Small non-profit employees work together. Collections Assistant will need to self-manage, and be willing to assist co-workers, as part of a two-person team, without losing focus of project duties.

• Problem Solving

  • Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

• Technical Competence

  • Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform the job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.

    • Proficio, Past Perfect, or similar collections management software.

    • MS Word, Excel, Adobe, etc.

    • Baseline camera use.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of the job, the Collections Assistant is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time. There is a moderate amount of walking and physical activity required. Use of hands to feel and manipulate items, and reach with hands and arms are needed. Employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with staff assistance. The ability to stand on a ladder is necessary.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Art, Art History, History, Library Science, or Museum Studies, or similar program, or in the process of completing above degree(s).

Experience Preferred: One - three years in a museum, archival, or library setting performing the basic functions of this position.