Summary of Work

The North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum features approximately 40,000 sq. ft. of exhibit gallery space and 14,000 sq. ft. of on-site collections storage. This position will work with other Heritage Center staff, processing and moving collections, preparing objects for exhibition, monitoring objects on display and in storage, monitoring exhibit and storage environments, and installing exhibits as part of a team.

• This position reports to the Curator of Collections Management.
• Works closely with the Curator of Collections Management and Curator of Exhibits on daily operations related to the care, use, exhibition, and management of the artifact collections and records.
• Catalogs, photographs, and houses museum collections.
• Assists with installation and de-installation of exhibits at the Heritage Center and at the Society’s statewide historic sites.
• Assists in the regular cleaning and maintenance of exhibits, including objects on display.
• Assists in the fabrication and design of exhibit mounts and storage mounts.
• Catalogs and processes condition reports for incoming loans.
• Participates as a team member on exhibit teams, museum collections committee and other agency committees.
• Some travel, evening, and/or weekend work will be required at times, particularly during exhibit installations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in museum studies, history, archaeology, anthropology, fine arts, 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 and ethnographic 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.
• Demonstrated experience assisting with exhibit installation and de-installation.
• Demonstrated experience making exhibit mounts and storage mounts.
• Demonstrated experience using the proper materials, tools, and techniques to handle, display, and pack 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 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.
• Self directed, motivated, and organized.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to lift and move at least fifty pounds.
• Must be able to move and manipulate both heavy and delicate objects.
• Must be able to climb ladders or portable stairs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a museum studies-related field.
• Experience working with Past Perfect and/or Proficio (ReDiscovery) including bar coding.
• Experience with basic preventative conservation techniques including basic artifact cleaning procedures.
• Ability to interpret exhibit-related schematic drawings.
• Experience with hand and power tools.
• Experience with matting and framing.

Application Procedures

All applications for open State Historical Society of North Dakota positions must be made via the State of North Dakota Careers site. Paper submissions are not accepted.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Application materials should include information that directly addresses how the applicant meets the minimum qualifications and summary of work. Applicants will be scored by their responses to the questionnaire questions.

Applicants are screened based on questionnaire score, qualifications, successful completion of the interview process, and a background and criminal investigation.

Anyone needing assistance or accommodations during any part of the application please contact Erica Houn: E-mail: e[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask] phone: (701) 328-2327, fax: (701) 328-3710. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the Application Process or uploading attachments please contact [log in to unmask] or (701) 328-3290.

Anyone needing more information on the position please contact Mark Sundlov at (701) 328-2124 or [log in to unmask] 

Applicants who are residents of ND and eligible to claim veteran's preference must attach Form DD214 (must show character of discharge). Claims for disabled veteran's preference must attach a current statement of disabled status from the Veteran's Affairs Office with the application for employment.

Learn more about the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum: https://statemuseum.nd.gov/?

Learn more about the State Historical Society of North Dakota: www.history.nd.gov

Visit North Dakota State government: http://www.nd.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

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.