Collection Technician presso Chicago History Museum

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Collection Technician (Part Time) provides collection management assistance during the acquisition, processing, inventory, movement, and use of the collection, ensuring that all collection materials are handled in a safe and prudent manner, stored appropriately, and documented and tracked according to museum standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist Collection Managers and other staff in transporting and documenting materials received for acquisition consideration
• Assist Collection Managers with the re-housing, marking, and documentation of accessioned materials
• Return declined and/or unsolicited materials received by the Museum for acquisition consideration
• Assist Collection Managers in preparing and maintaining acquisition and deaccession records, including incoming and outgoing receipts, catalog records, project files, authority files, etc.
• Assist in transporting collections objects in-house and to and from CHM collection storage facilities to support research requests, photography, exhibitions, and other activities, unpacking and repacking objects as necessary
• Track movement of objects (to and from on-site or off-site storage, photography, conservation, exhibit prep areas, etc.)
• Inventory collections, including rehousing and building mounts as appropriate
• Conduct object research using various collection records
• Perform routine storage and/or gallery maintenance
• Monitor and document collection storage, exhibition, and work areas for signs of pest activity or infestation
• Monitor and document environmental conditions in collection storage, exhibition, and work areas
• Anticipate supply needs and order as necessary
• Lift, carry, and otherwise move and position objects weighing up to 40 lbs
• Create a team spirit and enhance communication within the Collections Department so that staff members work collaboratively and in a supportive manner across departmental and functional area boundaries  

OTHER DUTIES:

• Provide assistance during media film shoots, programs, and events
• Provide assistance during exhibition installations, deinstallations, and rotations
• Recruit, train, and supervise collection volunteers
• Other duties as assigned

REPORTS TO: Senior Collection Manager

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: The Collection Manager works as part of a team that includes the Director of Collections, Senior Collection Manager, other Collection Managers, Archivists, Registration staff, Conservators, Photographers/Imaging Specialists, and Rights and Reproductions staff. The Collection Technician also works with Properties and Exhibitions staff to maintain the cleanliness of exhibition and storage areas. The Collection Technician may work with the Departments of Exhibitions, Education, and Communications to facilitate requests for access to the collection. Additional constituencies may include donors, researchers, other institutions, and CHM visitors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA in history, art history, museum studies, or related field
• Minimum six months of experience working with original collection materials in a museum, library, or archives environment
• Some knowledge of standard museum collection management practices and procedures
• Experience handling artifacts in a museum or special collection setting, with some cataloging or collection management experience preferred
• Experience filing and maintaining electronic and physical records in an office environment
• Ability to work in teams, as well as independently
• Experience building custom storage containers and crates preferred
• Experience transporting collection objects within the museum and/or between satellite storage facilities preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills 
• Strong visual acuity
• Excellent physical coordination including both fine and gross motor skills
• Excellent memory and attention to detail
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to work on site at the Museum
• Ability to work on at offsite storage locations as needed
• Ability to follow verbal instructions and complex written procedures
• Ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move and position objects weighing up to 40 pounds
• Ability to ascend and descend ladders and lifts
• Ability to balance multiple tasks, responsibilities, and demands for time
• Ability to deal diplomatically and effectively with all constituencies
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and/or weekends
• Commitment to the mission, values, and programs of the Chicago History Museum

CHM has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy requiring COVID-19 vaccination(s) for all employees.

This decision was made in accordance with CHM's duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is as safe as possible during these uncertain times. We believe that adopting this policy safeguards the health of our employees and their families, our customers and visitors, and the community at large from infectious diseases that may be reduced by vaccinations.

To Apply: Please submit the following as a single document: cover letter and resume. Online submissions with incomplete information may not be considered. E/O/E D/V/M/F. No Phone Calls please.

This job description is not intended to be an express or implied contract between CHM and any employee. CHM employees are employees at will. CHM reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position as necessary to meet changing business needs. CHM is an equal opportunity employer. This job description is not intended to be an express or implied contract between CHM and any employee. CHM employees are employees at will. CHM reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position as necessary to meet changing business needs. CHM is an equal opportunity employer.