What are the responsibilities and job description for the Collections Specialist, History position at Ohio Historical Society?

Position : Collections Specialist, History

Status : Full time, permanent

Location : Ohio History Center, Columbus OH

Salary : $20-22 per hour

Benefits : Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement pension, paid time off and holidays

Summary :

The history collections specialist reports to the Collections Management Manager of the Cultural Resources & Libraries division and works closely with archivists, librarians, registrars, and curators. The history collections specialist supports the collections' custodial care goals and values by implementing components of the goals, ensuring the intellectual and physical control of objects. The history collections specialist contributes to developing the care plan by providing input and feedback and ensuring that practices align with institutional goals and industry standards.

Essential Functions :

Coordinate and execute collections moves for projects such as space reconfiguration or large-scale re-housing, ensuring that collections are handled safely and efficiently during the moving process.
Manage collections-related activities across various departments, including support for projects, exhibits, and development initiatives. Collaborate with other collections specialists to ensure effective execution and alignment with departmental / divisional goals and provide guidance and support.
Coordinate and implement collection custodial care policies and procedures. Conduct reviews of current practices and suggest enhancements based on operational needs and feedback. Work with staff to ensure adherence to established procedures and facilitate training as needed.
Oversee on-site conservation work, such as encapsulating and building enclosures for objects in storage, cleaning storage areas and exhibits in support of the Exhibits Team, ensuring proper techniques and standards are followed.
Conduct regular checks on the environment and conditions of storage areas, performing routine cleaning and maintenance and addressing issues to ensure proper preservation of collections.
Develop and refine integrated pest management strategies, including overseeing the installation and calibration of data loggers, analyzing data trends, and implementing advanced measures to safeguard collections.
Conduct inventories and audits of collections on exhibit, in storage, and at sites. Analyze and reconcile data, address discrepancies as needed and ensure accurate and comprehensive documentation. Provide training and guidance to staff or volunteers on inventory and audit processes, ensuring adherence to best practices.
Manage and strengthen professional relationships with donors, vendors, conservators, and key stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
Create collections records and follow departmental and institutional standards. Monitor and ensure that the quality of collections records conforms to departmental and institutional standards and best practices identified by collection managers. Assign locations to objects and ensure that they are physically numbered.

Required Education & Experience :

Associate degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field PLUS five to seven years of relevant working experience OR

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field PLUS three to five years of relevant working experience.

Thorough knowledge of custodial care and policies, and current museum collection management and handling practices.

Knowledge of and experience with automated collection records systems and collections preservation.

Must be available for emergency response activities.

Desired Skills & Experience

Bachelor's degree in museum studies plus a minimum of three to five years of experience in collections management. Digital photography and intermediate image editing experience.

Working knowledge of standard museum / archives practices, including appraisal, acquisition, and cataloging, with practical experience applying these methods in a professional setting.

Proficient knowledge of standard practices for handling items, storage, and care / conservation / preservation, with experience in applying these practices in various scenarios and ensuring adherence to established protocols.

Knowledge of a variety of collection types and their physical and intellectual management requirements, such as 3D objects, artifacts, specimens or archival material.

Proficient in using information management systems like CollectionSpace. Demonstrated experience in managing and updating collection records, generating reports, and ensuring data integrity within these platforms.

Experience in program and / or project creation and implementation.

Understand basic project management processes.

Understand how evaluation data can be used for program improvement.

Ability to communicate with staff and the public, both orally and in writing.

Excellent presentation skills.

Ability to manage a budget.

Proficiency in various office software suites and virtual platforms, including but not limited to Microsoft 365.

Required Competencies

Work independently and in support of a team of curators, archivists, and registrars to complete work; set priorities and appropriate boundaries to fully focus on projects with clarity and a feeling of accomplishment.

Can locate and use resources to get things done, orchestrates multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal, uses resources effectively and efficiently, and arranges information in a useful manner.

Able to process information in a consistent manner, simultaneously displaying adaptability when necessary.

Engages and collaborates with a variety of internal and external colleagues and stakeholders, taking ownership of the process when appropriate.

Sound judgment and the ability to make reasonable decisions in the absence of direction.

Application Instructions :

Submit Resume / CV and professional cover letter through Ohio History Connection careers website : For questions or accommodations requests, please email or call 614-297-2500.

Ohio History Connection is an equal opportunity employer.

All prospective employees are required to undergo a fingerprint background check processed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation & Identification (BCI) in accordance with the Volunteer Children's Act. Additionally, prospective employees will also submit to a drug test. Both will occur after the offer of employment is accepted. The results of the background check and drug test are not immediate disqualifiers to employment and are reviewed in accordance with Ohio History Connection policies and procedures. Inquiries must be directed to the Human Resources Director at 614-297-2390 or via email at applicant@ohiohistory.org.

Salary : $20 - $22

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