Assistant Collections Manager
Mount Vernon, OH - USA
Job Summary
Essential Duties:
- Responsible for the daily morning cleaning and monitoring of the Mansion and North and South Dependencies and the occasional cleaning of other outbuildings.
- General Cleaning
- Vacuums traffic areas; Rotates shutters according to schedule.
- Specialized Dusting/Vacuuming
- Dusts a variety of types of historically significant artifacts including metals ceramics furniture textiles and other fragile object types using methods approved by the conservation profession. Carefully handles and moves objects in the course of dusting.
- After a training period assists with monitoring the environmental conditions in display and storage areas and records environmental readings through the use of hygrothermographs and HOBOs.
- Assists with ongoing maintenance of a pest management program in the exhibition areas. Monitors pest traps and reports potential problems.
- Assists collections staff with collections management activities such as maintenance of accession and loan files the accession of artifacts proper documentation of incoming and outgoing objects inventories object numbering and object re-housing projects.
- Assists collections staff in the movement of objects both on the estate and off-site. Serves as an approved object courier for incoming and outgoing loans of artifacts. Under the Collection Managers supervision and according to department procedures carefully handles and packs artifacts for transit.
- Researches and enters collection object information into collections management database system.
- Supports collections staff during the installation and deinstallation of on-site and traveling exhibitions and object rotations in the Museum and Mansion.
- Works closely with interpretation and security staff to monitor the safety of objects displayed in the Mansion Museum and Outbuildings. Reports damage according to departmental policies to the Conservator and files report with Collections Manager. Serves as an active member of the collections department emergency response team.
- Serves as a liaison with the marketing department during film and photo shoots in the Mansion and other exhibition areas where objects are displayed. Ensures the safety of collections objects and structural components of the interior of the Mansion during filming and photography.
- Works with Operations and Maintenance staff and outside contractors when work needs to be performed in the vicinity of collections objects.
- Carries out additional duties as assigned.
- Masters degree or equivalent experience in Museum Studies Conservation or a related field.
- Prior museum experience highly preferred especially in the dusting and handling of fragile valuable objects. Must be able to successfully complete MVLA training on the care and handling of historic artifacts.
- Knowledge of methods of historical research museum practices and basic collections care.
- Strong computer and records management skills including word processing and database management.
- Good organizational and communication skills and ability to work in coordination with a number of other departments.
- Excellent hand skills and attention to detail in order to perform precise and detailed duties like sewing and labeling. Legible handwriting is required.
- Experience with hand tools power tools pallet jacks and various other equipment preferred.
- Ability to meet tight deadlines and to work weekends holidays and overtime as assigned.
- Willingness and ability to travel locally nationally and potentially internationally including possessing a current valid drivers license.
- Dependability reliability and punctuality are of the utmost importance.
- Ability to follow directions and complete assignments successfully.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to handle delicate artifacts and artworks with care often requiring fine motor skills and close visual focus. The role may require standing walking crawling or bending for extended periods during exhibition preparation as well as lifting and carrying objects up to 30 pounds. Occasional use of ladders or lifts for exhibit installation may be needed.
- 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
- Employee recognition at 5 years of service
- Monthly employee events
- Employee referral program
- Flexible work schedule
- On-site Library
- Discount on Public Event Tickets
- Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
- Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
- Free parking
Required Experience:
Manager
About Company
George Washington’s Mount Vernon is the historic home of George and Martha Washington, located 13 miles south of Washington, DC. Guests can see the historic mansion, stately rooms, and outbuildings preserved to the year 1799, the last year of George Washington’s life. Owned and operat ... View more