JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Deadwood History, Inc. (DHI) is currently seeking an Exhibits Assistant.  DHI is the nonprofit organization that oversees the operations of the Adams Museum, the Days of ’76 Museum, the Historic Adams House, and the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center.  DHI is located in Deadwood, South Dakota, in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills.  Please visit our website at www.deadwoodhistory.com to find out more. 

JOB TITLE:  Exhibits Assistant

REPORTS TO:  Exhibits Director

SUMMARY OF POSITION:  Assist the exhibits director with the planning, designing, development, and installation of long-term and temporary exhibits as they support the mission of the organization. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Work with the executive director, exhibits director, and museum exhibits committee to plan, schedule, construct, repair, and evaluate exhibits at four different and unique locations.

·         Assist in establishing exhibit goals and guidelines.

·         Assist with the development of exhibit designs and direct and participate in the construction, fabrication, installation, maintenance, and de-installation of exhibits.

·         Maintains inventories of exhibit supplies, materials, and tools. 

·         Ability to integrate various forms of technology into exhibits. 

·         Consults with other museum staff to perform necessary research to ensure exhibits are historically accurate.

·         Writes introductory, panel, and label text for exhibits

·         Responsible for content identification, research, and fact-checking for long-term and temporary exhibits.

·         Maintain and upgrade audio-visual exhibit functions in consultation with technical experts.

·         Assist curator of collections with packing and/or shipment of exhibit loan items. 

·         Assist with the design and writing of publications and brochures.

·         Be available to augment educational programming on occasion. 

·         Assist with special museum events.

·         Other duties as assigned by the executive director and/or exhibits director. 

 

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:  Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in art, design, history, American studies, or related field.  Three or more years experience in museum or similar environment including demonstrated experience in exhibit design, fabrication, graphics, and installation.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills:  Creative, forward-thinking, and highly motivated; ability to work alone and in a group setting; adhere to work production schedules; be flexible and accepting of change; accept constructive criticism; excellent written and oral communication skills; strong research skills.  Working knowledge of appropriate computer-based technology.  Must be able to operate, or learn to operate, a variety of power and manual tools.  Knowledge of basic carpentry skills. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Physically capable of being able to stand for long periods of time, sitting, bending, kneeling, and lifting or moving objects up to 60 pounds; climbing stairs and walking over varied terrain. 

TO APPLY:  Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Carolyn Weber, Executive Director, at [log in to unmask].  Deadline for submission of applications is December 29, 2017.