Collections Assistant

Reporting to the Director of Collections & Archives, the Collections Assistant is a member of the Arts & Social Impact team, the team responsible for developing and delivering artistic explorations and cultural experiences for the Museum and external audiences who use our resources (educators, caregivers, families, schools and community organizations).

The Collections Assistant is primarily responsible for cataloging, developing programs in collaboration with other museum educators, and participating in ongoing outreach efforts. The Collections Assistant also works across all areas of object collection, this includes but are not limited to; rehousing and inventorying museum artifacts; taking digital images and scans; preparing and entering catalog records using the PastPerfect database; and evaluating holdings for deaccession consideration. The Assistant will also work alongside other collections staff and interns to monitor storage spaces for a stable climate, pest management, and general housekeeping needs for the overall care and maintenance of the Collection.

As part of Collections & Archives, the Assistant will attend regularly scheduled team, department, project, and all staff meetings as required. Project meetings may include upcoming exhibits and programs utilizing collection materials and assisting with selection, documentation, or access for internal and external requests. In addition to learning about the Museum’s Collection, the Assistant will also gain familiarity with the Institutional Archive and develop an understanding of basic processes and organization of these materials.

About Boston Children’s Museum’s Collections

Boston Children’s Museum has been a collecting institution since it first opened in 1913 and has a diverse collection of approximately 22,500 items of natural history specimens and humanities materials as well as a growing institutional archive, which documents over 100 years of the Museum’s history and current activities. Learn more.

Responsibilities

Cataloging – 50%

• Create or update object-level catalog records including the descriptions, condition notes, keywords, search terms, and locations.
• Evaluate artifacts' general physical condition and create reference images.
• Rehouse objects and clean storage spaces as needed.
• Reconcile digital catalog records with all associated documentation for donor information, provenance, history of use, or other related background information.
• Exercise strong ethical and empathetic practices when handling sensitive materials, beyond those subject to NAGPRA regulations.
• Assist in researching provenance and cultural associations of materials in service of ongoing goals around repatriation of NAGPRA and other cultural materials.

Programming – 25%

• Support the Director with the implementation of collections programming as part of museum-wide events, initiatives, and other partnerships.
• Plan and facilitate collections and/or archive programs
• Create a thoughtful selection process for materials to be used in the hands-on programs.
• Coordinate with other programs teams to ensure the collections or archive programs are in alignment with the teams’ goals.
• Monitor and maintain collection displays in all exhibit spaces, report changes or issues and work with Exhibits to reset displays.

General – 25%

• Primary on responding to incoming Collections and Archives phone and email inquiries.
• Assist with other general storage maintenance and upkeep.
• Assist with or facilitate the Storage Tours for staff, contractors, researchers, and other visitors as needed.
• Support and serve as a liaison to the public and other Museum departments to share collections as a resource.
• Participate and support the Arts & Social Impact team’s initiatives in leveraging and expanding access to our Collections; and support the ongoing conversations with community partners and artists.
• Support institutional and departmental initiatives, goals, and operations. Collaborate with Museum leadership to further the Museum’s mission, and to ensure a cohesive staff culture. Participate in required all-staff activities, discussions, meetings, and training.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

• College degree in related fields such as Museum or Cultural Studies, History, Public History, or Archeology preferred with a minimum of 3 years of work experience; preferably within a museum environment
• Experience and demonstrated knowledge of handling a variety of museum artifacts and cataloging
• Familiarity or experience with digitization and documentation using digital photography and scanning
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of collections management and care, preventative conservation methods, and inventory methods
• Working knowledge of office procedures and equipment
• Strong organizational skills; critical thinking and problem-solving
• Strong communicates skills written and verbal;
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, accountable, and dependable
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, Windows applications and databases.
• Familiarity with online document-sharing sites (e.g. Google Docs, Drop Box)

Preferred Requirements

• Direct experience with PastPerfect
• Familiarity with NAGPRA regulations and repatriation processes
• Interest in or previous experience with creating social media content

Working Conditions

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position the Collections Assistant is required to sit, stand, and walk at varying intervals, sometimes for extended periods of time. Some work at heights involved with shelving and retrieving collection materials and assisting with exhibit installation. Must be able to lift and carry 25 pounds.

Work Environment: The work environment may vary depending upon the physical location where work is performed (internally or externally, at a desk or in storage). General office environment with shared common office space and equipment as well as various on-site storage spaces.

Proximity to natural history specimens, textiles, and ethnographic materials (which may have historically been treated with pesticides for preservation) and to sacred and funerary Indigenous collection holdings. Other collection-related hazards include but are not limited to dust, sharp and heavy objects, and working at heights. Staff assistance and PPE will be made available for potential hazards as needed.

Other Factors: The work schedule is Monday-Friday 9-5 with some flexibility as needed. Business casual dress code preferred for meetings and public-facing work; Attire appropriate for safety and comfort—e.g. closed-toed shoes, long pants—when working in storage spaces recommended. Nitrile gloves or other non-latex gloves are typically worn when handling collection materials. Occasional weekend and evening hours may be required. Work may be performed both inside and outside of the Museum setting.

Job Benefits

(Benefits eligibility is based on regular weekly hours per week)

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Up to 12 Sick days
• Mass Earn Sick Time
• Up to 10 Vacation days
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Qualified Transportation Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Short- Term & Long-Term Disability
• American Alliance Museum Access
• New England Museum Association Access
• Free Admission to 100+ Museums

Contacts

jobs@bostonchildrensmuseum.org

About

OUR MISSION
Boston Children’s Museum engages children and families in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning.

OUR VISION
Boston Children’s Museum is a welcoming, imaginative, child-centered learning environment that supports diverse families in nurturing their children’s creativity and curiosity. We promote the healthy development of all children so they will fulfil their potential and contribute to our collective well-being and future prosperity.

OUR VALUES
Creativity. Respect. Excellence. Accountability. Thoughtfulness. Equity.
Boston Children’s Museum is a curious, experimental, and creative learning organization. We have a child and family centered focus, welcoming and respecting all Museum audiences. We collaborate and show mutual respect and support for our colleagues. We recognize that each person has equal, intrinsic worth and deserves to be treated with dignity. We are a culture that innovates, changes, and pushes boundaries to keep the museum relevant. We are responsible to each other and strive to keep our commitments to our colleagues. We have a commitment to high ethical standards. We recognize the importance of work-life balance, respecting the importance of personal growth and family. We have an ongoing commitment to fairness in all aspects of the Museum and we embrace alternative ways of thinking.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $23.60 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• Office

Work Location: In person