Vacancy Announcement

Assistant Curator of Collections
State Historical Society of North Dakota

Location: Bismarck
Salary: $3,200 - $3,700 per month
Closing Date: June 12, 2013
Position Number: 00028927 (Position Classification Pending)
Requisition Number: None
Status: Full-time, Regular
Type of Recruitment: Internal/External
Job Order Number: None
Date Posted to Web: May 21, 2013

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, history, archaeology, anthropology, or a closely related field and two years of museum collections experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, best practices, concepts, and methodology related to museum collections management and the exhibition/display of historic objects.
• Familiarity with updating and maintaining museum databases and collections records.
• Good written and verbal skills in dealing with fellow employees, volunteers, and the general public. 
• Self directed, motivated, and organized.  
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to lift and move at least forty pounds.
• Must be able to move and manipulate both heavy and delicate objects.
• Must be able to climb ladders or portable stairs.

·         Demonstrated experience assisting with exhibit installation and de-installation.

·         Demonstrated experience making exhibit mounts and storage mounts.

Preference given to persons with:  

·         Master’s degree in a museum studies-related field.

·         Experience using the proper materials, tools, and techniques to handle and display artifacts safely.

·         Experience with museum cataloging procedures, including a familiarity with nomenclature, condition reports, exhibit data sheets, and photography for cataloging and condition reports.

·         Experience working with Past Perfect including modules such as inventory manager, and bar coding.

·         Experience with basic preventative conservation techniques including basic artifact cleaning procedures.

·         Experience with environmental monitoring including temperature and humidity levels using HOBO data loggers or similar equipment, basic integrated pest management techniques, and monitoring and controlling light levels in exhibits

·         Experience with the proper techniques to pack and unpack artifacts for shipment.

·         Experience with historical research techniques.

·         Ability to interpret schematic drawings.

Summary of Work:

The State Historical Society of North Dakota, headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota, is in the midst of a major expansion to the North Dakota Heritage Center.  The expanded North Dakota Heritage Center will feature approximately 40,000 sq. ft. of new and remodeled exhibit gallery space and 14,000 sq. ft. of on-site collections storage for museum collections.  The Assistant Curator of Collections will work with other Heritage Center staff, processing and moving collections, preparing objects for exhibition, and helping with exhibit installations.  This is a full-time position.

• This position reports to the Curator of Collections Management.
• Works closely with the Curator of Collections Management on daily operations related to the care, use, exhibition, and management of the artifact collections and records.
• Participates as a team member in divisional long range planning, exhibit teams, and other agency committees.
• Some travel, evening, and/or weekend work will be required at times, particularly during exhibit installations.
• Assists in the fabrication and design of exhibit mounts and storage mounts.
• Assists with installation and de-installation of exhibits at the Heritage Center and in the field.
• Assists in the regular cleaning of objects on exhibit
• Catalogs, photographs and houses museum collections.
• Assists with the reorganization of collections storage.

Application Procedures:

To apply submit the following:

1. Letter of interest
2. State of North Dakota Application for Employment (SFN10950)
3. A current resume
4. Names and addresses (including phone numbers) of three professional references

Submit the application documents to:

Human Resources Director
State Historical Society of North Dakota
612 East Boulevard Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58505-0830

Applications may also be submitted by email to [log in to unmask]. All application materials must be received (or postmarked) at the address above no later than 5 p.m. on the closing date.

Application forms are available at http://www.nd.gov/hrms/jobs/apps/application.htm; any Job Service location or at the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. 23-12-10.

Reference checks, verification of previous employment, criminal background check and/or background checks may be conducted on applicants selected for interviews.

For more information or assistance in the application or interview process contact Ronald Warner at 328-2666.

Benefits Provided:
The State Historical Society of North Dakota offers a full range of employee benefits including a comprehensive health plan, paid leave, a retirement plan, and more. For more information visit http://www.nd.gov/hrms/hr/weenk.htm

Equal Opportunity Employer:
The employing agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services, and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.