Amherst Museum
Job Description
Position: Collections Management Intern-Temporary Full-Time
Reports to: Curator-Exhibit/Collections
Background: Amherst Museum, a mid-size local history museum located near
Buffalo, NY, will employ a full-time intern for a 6-month period, to assist
with all aspects of collections management. This is an exciting opportunity
for an individual to gain experience working with diverse collections and
gain knowledge associated with cataloging and handling objects from the
mid-19th century to the present at a time when the Museum is relocating
objects into a new on-site collections storage facility and also is in the
process of reinterpreting and refurnishing several historic houses on the
Museum’s 35-acre site. This internship is funded by the New York State
Council on the Arts.
Distinguishing Features of the Position: The temporary (6-month), full time
(40-hrs/week, paid Collections Intern is primarily responsible for assisting
Amherst Museum’s professional curatorial staff in the care and management of
the Museum’s permanent collection with specific emphasis on cataloging,
number, housing, and tracking artifacts being relocated from the Museum’s
two older storage areas. The intern will also conduct provenance research as
needed. Data will be entered into PastPerfect 4.0 collections database. Work
will be performed in the older storage areas and at the new on-site
facility. Types of objects include, but are not limited to, furniture,
household objects, floorcoverings, and household linens.
Typical Work Activities include but are not limited to:
· Numbering objects using standard methods and appropriate museum numbering
materials.
· Packing and rehousing objects as needed in preparation for their
relocation to the new facility.
· Tracking objects as they are moved from the old storage building to the
new facility or to historic houses
· Conducting provenance research for objects
· Cataloguing using the Museum’s computer database system
· Assisting curator in assessing condition of objects and in preparing
deaccession and accession reports and paperwork.
· Assist with maintaning environmental monitoring at the new facility
· Working with, and occasionally supervising, collections management
volunteers.
· Maintaining a journal documenting all work being done for this project.
Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics
Good basic knowledge and understanding of current museum collections
management methods including cataloging, artifact handling techniques and
appropriate storage materials. Good computer literacy including some
experience using database management system(s), specifically software
designed for collections management. Some knowledge of NYS history is a
plus. Strong organizational skills and high energy level combined with
adaptability. Good Verbal and written communication skills. Ability to be
self-starter, yet able to follow instructions and get along with a diverse
work force and work well as part of a team. Ability to complete projects and
reports in a timely fashion. Valid Driver’s License. Physical condition
commensurate with demands of the position, including ability to lift at
least 50 lbs.
Minimum Qualifications:
Completion of a B. A. in Museum Studies, American History, American studies,
Anthropology or related fields (with museum studies components) from an
accredited college or university, plus one-year experience with artifact
handling techniques and knowledge of general museum collections management
practices.
OR
Completion of studies in MA program in Museum Studies form an accredited
graduate program and some experience with artifact handling techniques and
knowledge of general museum collection management practices.
OR
An equivalent of training and experience as indicated in (a) and (b).
Note: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated
toward meeting full requirements.
Salary: $7,500 for 6 months at 40-hours week. Housing, including utilities
(except phone) will be provided.
Dates: Internship will run from June 1st to Nov 1st.
Applicants can send a resume and cover letter to Jessica Johnson, Exhibit
Collections Curator, Amherst Museum, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst, NY
14228 or by email to: [log in to unmask]
Jessica Johnson
Curator of Exhibitions Collections
Amherst Museum
3755 Tonawanda Creek Road
Amherst, NY 14228
www.amherstmuseum.org
[log in to unmask]
(716)689-1440
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