Collections Technician
The Newseum is seeking an enthusiastic permanent, full-time Collections
Technician to help the collections stewardship staff with the care and
maintenance of the eclectic and growing collection.
The Collections Technician helps support the work of the Registrars and
Curator of Collections. In particular the Collections Technician is responsible
for the daily monitoring and maintenance of the exhibited collections at the
Newseum.
Responsibilities, including but not limited to:
- Monitor and record environmental conditions (temperature, relative
humidity, lighting, etc.) in gallery spaces through daily walk-through.
- Report and maintain records of exhibition conditions as they pertain to
exhibited collections
- Maintain upkeep of all environmental monitoring equipment (Arten meters,
hygrothermographs, Hobo, light meter, etc.).
- Resolve issues relating to the safe and proper exhibition of collections.
- Assist with the cleaning of exhibits and artifacts on display.
- Help train interns and part-time staff in the daily maintenance and
monitoring of exhibited artifacts.
- Aid in installation and de-installation of exhibited artifacts.
- Help coordinate artifact movement within and outside the museum ensuring
their proper handling and care.
- Help facilitate the unpacking, handling and processing of incoming and
outgoing artifacts.
- Complete condition reports, reporting conservation issues and
photographing artifacts while ensuring their proper handling and care.
- May be called upon to provide tours of the Newseum.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Art History, American Studies
or related field required.
- 1-2 years formal museum experience preferred.
- Knowledge of, or demonstrated interest in, conservation issues, artifact
care/handling and museum environmental control concerns.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Capacity to work in a collaborative environment as well as ability to work
independently.
- Ability to lift 40 lbs.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, weekends and
some evenings and periodically off-site at the Newseum Support Center.
- The Freedom Forum/Newseum may require applicants to successfully pass
pre-employment background and/or drug screenings.
The Freedom Forum/Newseum offers competitive pay and is
Metro-accessible.
Please submit a cover letter, resume and a list of three
references to:
Freedom Forum/Newseum
Human Resources Department
555
Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20001
E-mail: [log in to unmask]