Collections Specialist McClung Museum UTK

Reporting to the Collections Manager & Registrar the Collections Specialist manages aspects of the McClung Museums permanent collections (which includes archaeological material cultural collections and paleoethnobotany) by overseeing documentation safety access and direct care. Working with historic collections that include sensitive information this position serves an important role in preparing maintaining and securing the documentation of the museums permanent collection such as accession files catalog records data reports condition reports and loan agreements. This position serves as a point of contact for local state and federal agencies as well as staff students partners and others when requesting access to permanent collections. The Specialist collaborates with Curators and Exhibitions staff to provide guidance and assistance for exhibiting installing and de-installing permanent collections objects. This position also plays an important role in implementing and enforcing the Collections Management Policy across all collections areas.

Collections Management: 50%

1. Manages the museums permanent collections records documentation and images ensuring proper provenance and permits for new acquisitions and collections while incorporating appropriate practices standards philosophy theory and ethics of collection stewardship.
2. Makes decisions based on appropriateness ethics and the museums mission about individual access to permanent collections for local state and federal agencies as well as university groups individuals or other private entities for learning research or reference.
3. Using specialized knowledge of museum best practices and ethics manages electronic and digital records including updating scientific and auxiliary information and associated meta data for new and existing collections maintaining computerized databases providing content for the museums website providing content or oversight for exhibitions and on-line collections access.
4. Manages historic documentation of collections including databasing digital images correspondence archives publications and loan records using collections management software.
5. Identifies object condition and material; prepares catalogs and constructs housing and identifies long-term storage solutions based on object needs.
6. Responds to verbal and written requests including inquiries from the general public regarding loans accessions and donations.
7. Processes accessions and handles incoming and outgoing loans including providing documentation and securing accurate provenance and any relevant permits.
8. Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position or other related duties as assigned including but not limited to monitoring collections storage and exhibition environments ensuring lab safety conducting inventories organizing storage equipment and logistics and ordering supplies.
9. Other duties as assigned.

Research education and outreach duties: 25%

1. Supports the research programs by working in collaboration with curators to determine appropriate objects for exhibitions identifies concerns based on condition reports and pulls and prepares objects for exhibition.
2. Advances collections information by conducting collections-focused research and analysis in field of expertise to determine proper documentation and provenance and best practices for object handling and housing .
3. Uses specialized knowledge to serve public programs and educational activities by developing and presenting outreach materials for education such as object study workshops exhibition best practices input (temporary and permanent) and direct participation in public outreach events as needed.
4. Develops and presents content for tours presentations informal classes and other similar activities upon request.
5. Trains and supervises collections assistants students volunteers and interns to carry out daily custodial duties registration activities object preparation and research.
6. Provides collection access to the research community faculty students and visiting researchers with the use of collections.
7. Participates in scholarly activity outside the university that promotes the museums permanent collections as exemplified by attending or presenting at professional meetings and/or engaging in professional development activities.
8. Other duties as assigned.

Collaborative responsibilities compliance and support: 25%

1. Using knowledge of museum collections best practices recommends and enforces priorities for short and long-term collections care and management.
2. Advises oversees and collaborates with the museums exhibition team on best practices for object handling based on the objects condition report and material for object exhibition installation and de-installation; advises local state and federal agencies on consultation of repository objects as requested.
3. Implements the Collections Management Policy in collaboration with the Collections Manager & Registrar.
4. Serves as an active part of NAGPRA compliance and repatriation activities for the permanent collection by analyzing identifying and flagging items; works alongside the Collections Manager & Registrar to collaborate and comply with Office of Repatriation requests and deadlines.
5. Provides support to the Museum community by serving on internal or external committees as needed.
6. Develops grant proposals for collections improvements and other collections-based initiatives; assists with grant proposals across the museum by providing information or narratives specific to the museums permanent collections as needed.
7. Provides support for promotional and institutional advancement activities including opportunities to engage with donors and participate in behind-the-scenes tours.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelors degree in a related field (Anthropology Art History or similar)
• Experience:
  • At least two years of collections management in a museum or similar setting.
  • At least one year collections database management or similar program.
• Knowledge Skills Abilities:
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current museum best practices and standards for collection care collection and database management documentation digitization conservation and registration methods for collections.
  • Capable of performing physical hands-on problem solving and database upkeep and research and the ability to pivot between the two.
  • Flexibility in managing multiple ongoing projects; ability to pivot between tasks as needs and priorities shift.
  • Detail oriented and highly organized; can follow or create processes and complete them with consistency.
  • Knowledge of Office suite collections-specific software and other computer-related skills.
  • Ability to supervise students and communicate directions and expectations effectively.
  • Ability to manage projects and budgets for collections-related purposes.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and with interdepartmental teams and initiatives.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-basedvisa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:
  • Masters degree in a related field (Anthropology Art History or similar)
• Experience:
  • At least one year of experience working with NAGPRA-related collections.
  • At least one year of experience supervising and training students volunteers or interns.
  • Experience using established occupational health and safety practices.
• Knowledge Skills Abilities:
  • Knowledge of museum standards and best practices in the care safe handling packing and crating of 2-D and 3-D objects.
  • Knowledge of archival materials and fine art packing techniques including proficiency with custom box-making soft-packing and cavity packs.
  • Knowledge of museum or collections databases.
  • Ability to prioritize the urgency of competing requests to meet established deadlines.
  • Skills to interact with different kinds of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Supervisory skills necessary for directing other people working with collections including volunteers students and interns.

Work Location

• Knoxville TN - Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range:MR08
• Anticipated hiring range:
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structurehere
• Find more information on UT Benefitshere

Application Instructions

To express interest please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References