Collections Move Technician- Cultural Sciences

MPM is seeking 1 temporary, part-time Collections Move Technician to support the museum’s goal of moving its 4 million object collection to a new building. The technician will operate within the museum’s Cultural Science department, with possible work in the history, anthropology, and archival collections. The Technician will work collaboratively under the supervision of the museum’s Collections Move Project Manager.

Initial work will focus on packing the museum’s decorative glass and ceramics collection, comprising over 23,000 items. In addition to these tasks, future projects may include work with ethnographic or archaeological material, textiles, firearms, decorative arts, furniture, fine art, photographs, and other objects of an anthropological or historical nature.

The schedule for the position is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 – 3:30, and the position will run for approximately 1 year with the possibility for extension.

Essential Duties:

• Safely handle and manipulate museum objects

• Read and transcribe identifying numbers from object labels, catalog books, and catalog cards

• Swiftly generate digital records from transcribed data into a spreadsheet

• Create, tie, and attach barcodes to museum objects

• Photograph objects and drawers of objects as required

• Critically assess object stability and material makeup, pre-packing

• Pack and unpack various types of objects safely and securely

• Fabricate basic packing supports out of archival materials

• Construct crates and other large scale packing material

• Operate a standard pallet jack to move packed crates

• Perform basic operations within the museum’s collections database, EMu

• Other move-related collections duties as assigned

Required Education and/or Experience

Undergraduate or graduate degree in Museum Studies or a related field (complete or in-progress), along with past experience with museum collections. A documented history of collections experience may be substituted for a formal degree.

You will be successful in this position if:

• You are comfortable undertaking fine dexterity work and handling delicate materials*

• You have the ability to complete repetitive tasks consistently, while maintaining accuracy, safety, and integrity*

• You are a detail oriented person, with strong problem-solving skills

• You have the ability to wear PPE appropriate to the tasks assigned*

• You possess strongly developed 3D-spatial reasoning skills*

• You are capable of, and enjoy working both independently and as part of a team

• You have the ability to use a ladder, and spend much of the day standing, bending, and lifting*

• You have familiarity with Microsoft products, with specific experience in Excel

• You possess proficient typing skills*

• 
  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

is a natural and human history museum located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum is among the oldest in the United States, with a history dating back to the 1850’s. We offer great career opportunities for people with all levels of training, experience, and education. We are a composition of diverse and talented staff working together as a team to offer our visitors the best possible immersive experience in learning and enjoyment.

A career with the Milwaukee Public Museum allows you to connect your skills and abilities in a rewarding position with a non-profit organization doing good work in our community. MPM provides an unlimited opportunity to gain knowledge about our world, as you connect with visitors, donors, innovative staff members, curious students, interns and volunteers in your day-to-day-work. See what MPM has to offer!
The Milwaukee Public Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.