Description

Position Summary: Manages the Museum’s art and artifact collections, including accessioning and deaccessioning process, loans, inventory, storage needs, collections database management, monitoring Museum environment, and assisting curatorial department with exhibit preparation. This position manages 3D artwork and historical collections, including large agricultural equipment and ethnographic collections.     

Applicants must include a resume and a cover letter that meaningfully addresses the minimum position requirements. Incomplete applications will not be considered and applicants will not be notified. All applications must be submitted via Indeed.com, emailed applications will not be accepted.                                                                                    

Working Conditions: Typical museum environment to include: extended periods of working at a desk, including use of a computer; interacting with the public on a daily basis, including special events; occasional lifting of heavy objects; occasional climbing ladders. The position will require travel to satellite locations and locations throughout the county, as well as occasional travel to conferences and meetings. Some activities take place outside of regular business hours.

Reports to: Deputy Director, Library & Collections

Supervises: This position plans, assigns and approves tasks and responsibilities as supervisor of collection-related volunteers and interns and supervises temporary collections employees.

Responsibilities

Provides organization, accountability, and collections stewardship for the entire collection.
Works with staff to manage large and small collections projects such as surveys, moves, re-housing, conservation/preservation priorities, inventory, etc..
Builds storage and travel mounts, palletizing and crating collections.
Works with the Deputy Director, Library & Collections to create, implement, and uphold policies and procedures.
Handles all aspects of the accessioning process: Deed of Gift paperwork, obtaining approval of committees, supervising and performing cataloging, photography and storage, and handling all donor relations.
Responsible for deaccessioning, when appropriate, including disposition of objects and artwork.
Processes loans of objects into and out of the Museum, including long-term renewable loans.
Monitors collections and gallery environment. Maintains facilities reports and collects all environmental data.
Manages collections database, supervises volunteers and staff using the database; enters new records, refines, corrects and maintains records entered. Responsible for the digitization of object and art records and collections and software upgrades. 
Assists Curatorial Department in researching collection items for exhibits, making mounts for exhibits, and handling loaned objects. 
Manages use of objects for exhibitions, including verifying object lists, completing condition reports, and installing and deinstalling objects in galleries.
Collaborates with Curatorial Department in identifying and researching objects for exhibits. 
 
Representative Tasks & Major Responsibilities
Works with curatorial team to ensure that objects are appropriate for display and ensures the safe install and deinstall of objects on exhibit. 
Conducts regular inventories of the collection.
Trains and supervises docents and interns in all areas of Collections Department activities, including cataloging, photography, appropriate storage methods, numbering, inventorying, preventive collections care and using collections management database.
Researches provenance for all accessions and deaccessions.
Monitors Museum environment, integrated pest management program, Halon system, and HVAC systems.
Develops and maintains disaster plans and collection management policies. 
Interacts with general public regarding referrals, research, and Museum functions.
Acts as a resource for other local museums.
Performs limited conservation activities on collections objects, including the George Stuart Historical Figures®.

Requirements

Minimum Position Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes)

•         B.A. in Museum Studies or related field. M.A. preferred.
•         Proven application of collections management skills and survey and inventory projects.
•         At least three years' experience in museum collections management, including loans, insurance, artifact handling and collections database management (PastPerfect preferred).
•         Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office applications, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook. Comfortable learning and using databases, online information systems, and museum-relevant information technology applications and hardware/software.
•         Supervision of volunteers, interns, and part-time staff.
•         Excellent communication skills.
•         Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse personalities and varying levels of knowledge/experience.
•         Strong storage organization skills, and experience with mount-making and rehousing/survey inventory projects. 
•         Strong time management, teamwork and prioritization skills.
•         Innovative and/or motivated approaches for collections, outreach, and providing access to collections, especially with workflow and logistics. 
•         Ability to direct collections management tasks or make comparable decisions with or in the absence of a supervisor. 
•         Genuine enthusiasm for the services and mission of the Museum of Ventura County
•         Ability to motivate staff and foster a positive work environment.

Preferred (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes):

•         Experience with large scale collections relocations/moves.
•         Strong public speaking skills.
•         Bilingual (English/Spanish preferred)
•         Enthusiasm for or interest in learning local art and history.