Description:
The Collections Specialist serves on the Collections Team in the Museum Experience Department of The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature under the supervision of the Curator of Collections and is responsible for the processing and stewardship of a wide variety of artifacts and specimens in The Bishop Collection to make them intellectually accessible to staff and the public.
Essential Functions:
- Catalog objects in the permanent collection per The Bishop cataloging standards.
- Work with collections staff to ensure accuracy of information.
- Conduct thorough historical research on objects using a variety of resources.
- Construct custom housing and utilize off-the-shelf products for housing a variety of object types.
- Conduct routine condition reports of collections objects.
- Create or update digital profiles in the museum’s CMS, digitize analog records, and capture high-quality digital images of objects.
- Help maintain the cleanliness and care of permanent collections objects on exhibit.
- Assist with exhibition installation and deinstallation including gallery preparation and casework.
- Create four social media posts per month relating to the Museum’s collections.
- Collaborate with the Curator and other staff/volunteers/interns on in-house exhibitions.
- Assist the Curator on the maintenance, and implementation of Collections core documents and procedures.
- Assist the curator with loan objects and traveling exhibition documentation.
- Research and write interpretation for objects within the Visible Storage gallery.
- Provide support for volunteers and interns.
- Occasionally present museum tours or talks when requested by the Learning and Events department.
Skills:
- Knowledge and commitment of museum collections best practices, standards, and ethics.
- Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work efficiently and effectively with minimal day-to-day supervision.
- Consistent and methodical work approach.
- Strong organizational and time management skills; patience and attention to detail are critical.
- Familiarity with museum CMS systems (preferably PastPerfect 5.0)
- Familiarity with using a digital camera.
- Familiarity with archival materials used to properly house object for permanent storage.
- Exhibit installation and deinstallation skills/basic preparator skills.
- A positive attitude and passion for working with a variety of museum collections.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
Range of Experience:
- BA or BS degree in museum studies, history, anthropology, or other science field
- 2+ years’ experience in collections work