Museum Curator, Collection Management

Apply on the City of Santa Clarita's website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclarita/jobs/4633384/museum…

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees the daily care of the historical site and all collections and exhibits through necessary maintenance, storage, preservation, and conservation of collected materials.

• Conserves and organizes objects; creates and prioritizes a conservation plan for objects and researches potential funding sources; improves and enhances the collection through physical improvements.

• Assists in the development and implementation of the museum disaster plan; trains staff on disaster preparedness protocols.

• Provides documentation for the collection, including cataloging, entering, and updating database records; inventorying; and researching object, specimen, and/or material information; contributes to the museum’s collections management database and maintains collection records.

• Cleans the historic facility and collection items using proper procedures; plans and implements pest monitoring and management protocols.

• May lead or participate in ongoing or original research related to the collection and initiate grants aimed at research or collection improvements.

• Partners with appropriate contractors on preservation or conservation as needed; prepares agreements for assigned projects and monitors compliance; facilitates onsite work of independent contractors.

• May lead the work of part-time seasonal employees and volunteers.

• Promotes the museum and presents at community meetings of historical clubs, schools, committee groups, and stakeholders.

• Assists with the implementation of historical programming and educational activities; presents lectures or other programs to community groups, museum audiences, and professional organizations.

• Ensures the safety and maintenance of the historic facility and grounds; ensures that facilities and grounds are free of safety hazards and coordinates safety measures.

• May contribute to collections and conservation efforts for other City-owned historical sites.

• Maintains current knowledge of trends and innovations in the field of museum studies and conservation procedures; reviews professional research and literature, government regulations, and documentation; attends and participates in meetings, conferences, and workshops of professional peers and associations; participates in professional development activities.

• Adheres to professional museum standards.

• Establishes positive working relationships with City employees, outside vendors, community members, educational institutions, other museums, historical organizations, and visitors; represents the museum and City at various meetings and events.

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Museum Studies or related field is highly desirable

• Bachelor’s Degree in Museum Studies, Art History, or a related field

• Two years of progressively responsible professional experience in historical preservation and conservation, collections management, curating exhibitions, developing and implementing public programs, education and/or research or a closely related field

• Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver license

Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the principles and practices of historical site and museum maintenance and the ability to assist with a large, complex operation with extensive property value and inventory.

• Strong knowledge of curatorial practices and procedures and the ability to conserve and preserve historic materials.

• Strong knowledge of the principles of historic education and interpretation and the ability to analyze and evaluate programs and procedures.

• Strong knowledge of current trends in the field of museum studies.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple projects and programs simultaneously and be sensitive to deadlines and changing priorities.

• Strong customer service skills and the ability to provide program information to visitors in a professional, helpful manner.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with coworkers, community groups, and visitors.

• Ability to work successfully and collaboratively within a team environment with a flexible approach.

• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to make presentations to visiting groups, community members, and visitors.

• Strong written communication skills and the ability to develop and maintain reports and conservation documentation.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze problems, identify effective solutions, and implement changes.

• Strong file management skills and the ability to set up and maintain effective tracking and filing systems.

• Strong work ethic and the ability to maintain confidentiality, behave ethically and professionally, and exercise discretion and sound judgment.

• Ability to lift, drag, and push artifacts, materials, and documents weighing over 50 pounds