DESCRIPTIONMuseum Curator of Collections and Exhibits Recruitment Brochure
Recruitments posted as "Continuous" are subject to close at any time following an initial two-week posting period. Upon closing, the applications received will be screened and notices will be sent to the applicants regarding the status of their application. Under general supervision of the Museum Director, the Curator of Collections and Exhibits will manage the Museum’s collections, collections policies, and database; undertake relevant research and generate related interpretive materials; manage public research requests and permissions; participate in the planning and implementation of Museum exhibitions; and build constructive partnerships on behalf of the Museum.
JOB REQUIREMENTSThese examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The examples of work performed are neither restricted to nor all-encompassing of the duties to be performed under this job title.
- Provide for the overall care and protection of Museum collections — this includes the historic Sun House — and loaned items in accordance with professional standards and practices, and in accordance with relevant cultural sensitivities and practices.
- Create, organize, and maintain orderly records, including: forms, legal documents, files and retrieval systems associated with the Museum’s art, material culture, and archival collections; exhibition history and institutional archive; short- and long-term loans; areas of research. This also includes photographing objects, scanning, and digitizing.
- Populate and maintain the Museum’s collections database, including entering data, conducting database searches, and generating reports.
- Accession items into the collections using professional museum standards and procedures.
- Take the lead in the creation and management of emergency response plans focused on collections.
- Work with artists, collectors and other institutions in the loan of objects for long-term and exhibit-related purposes, including preparation of contracts and exhibit inventories, preparing loan forms, arranging necessary transportation, condition reporting, and meeting insurance requirements.
- Assist institutions and individuals with information and research requests.
- Maintain active relationships with community members, lenders, scholars, donors, artists, collectors and professional colleagues.
- Enhance community awareness of and engagement with the Museum’s collections through social media, programming, and other outreach efforts.
- Participate in the conceptualization, scheduling, development, design, and installation of temporary and long-term exhibitions.
- Work collaboratively with other Museum staff to oversee Museum volunteers and interns (specifically those working with collections) to ensure that the Museum’s objectives are met.
- As needed, assist in the daily operations of the Museum, Sun House, and the Wild Gardens.
- Other job-related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge Of: - Accepted museum practices pertaining to collections management and care, including, accession and loan procedures.
- Art handling and packing techniques.
- Standard artifact preservation, protection, and preventative conservation techniques.
- Pest management practices.
- Collections database systems.
- Word, Excel, and social media applications.
- Design principles and design software appreciated but not required.
Ability To: - Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Think critically and creatively.
- Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with staff, professional colleagues, and the public.
- Learn about and respect Native cultural practices.
- Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, polices, procedures, and work standards.
- Maintain accurate records.
- Be organized and detail-oriented.
- Set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
- Engage in rigorous scholarly and genealogical research.
- Work flexible hours when necessary.
- Lift 30 pounds.
- Climb ladders.
Experience and Education: - A Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred) in museum studies, art history, history, Native American studies, anthropology, library science, or a related field.
- A minimum of three years of work experience in collections management in a museum setting.
- Knowledge of early California art, and/or central California Indian history and culture, and/or Native American art, and/or early California history.
Necessary Special Requirements: - Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License.
SELECTION PROCEDUREApplications must be filled out completely. Applications will be reviewed by a screening committee and those applicants who appear to be among the best qualified will be selected for the examination process. This process may include a variety of techniques designed to test applicants’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job. An eligibility list will be established by ranking candidates by their overall score and a selection will be made from the candidates on this list. All employment offers are subject to a City-paid physical examination and a thorough reference and background check.
In accordance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, the City must verify, once an employment offer has been made, that all persons have written proof of their right to work in the United States.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 463-6244 so your request may be reviewed prior to the occurrence of the test.
The City of Ukiah is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce. Continually working to promote diversity, equity, transparency, and justice through the adoption and implementation of City practices, policies, and procedures. The City of Ukiah offers a competative benefits package to all full-time employees, including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees may receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
To learn more details, contact us at personnel@cityofukiah.com.
