Collections Assistant Archivist Position, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, New York, NY
Posted October 16, 2015
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is one of America’s leading historic, cultural and educational institutions. Opened in 1982, the Museum, anchored aboard the former USS Intrepid, a national historic landmark, has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and currently welcomes almost one million visitors annually. The Museum’s mission is “to honor our heroes, educate the public and inspire our youth.” The Museum pursues this mission through a dynamic and enriching exhibition environment recounting human stories behind the machinery on display in relation to the service era of the Intrepid: in World War II, the Cold War, NASA recovery missions and three tours in Vietnam. In connection thereto, the Museum delivers a broad range of credible, innovative, and engaging educational programs supplementing classroom learning in history, science, and leadership as well as extensive public and proprietary programs honoring those who serve our country – all to inspire our youth.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum seeks a highly motivated individual to fill the full-time position of Collections Assistant, Archivist. This person will report to the Collections Manager and work with the larger Exhibits Department to fulfill the mission of the Intrepid Museum. The Collections Assistant, Archivist will support all aspects of the Collections Program including accessioning, policy development and exhibition preparation. Within the Collections Program the Collections Assistant, Archivist will focus on the historic archives. This position requires high attention to detail, strong communication skills, physical agility and a positive attitude.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Processing and entering incoming archive acquisitions, archive backlog, photographs, and new collections items discovered on board into The Museum System (TMS) and ArchivesSpace
- Managing the implementation of ArchivesSpace at the Museum; act as primary contact with vendor and other departments
- Supporting staff with training presentations about collections management
- Completing research requests and write features for the website
- Assisting with ship documentation project which includes: photographing ship’s spaces, recovering historic objects and completing the associated data entry in TMS.
- Aiding in the research and development of collections and archives policies
- Working with preparators to fabricate mounts and install exhibits as needed
- Serving on monthly Collections Committee and others as assigned
- Performing other duties as required
The ideal candidate will have:
- A Master’s degree in Library & Information Science from an ALA accredited institution with a concentration in archives
- A minimum of 1-2 years’ experience, or an equivalent combination of education and training, working with archives and historic collections
- Proficiency in the use and application of library and archival descriptive and content standards
- Experience with object handling and preventative conservation; knowledge of accepted museum registration and collections management procedures and practices
- Understanding of ArchivesSpace and collections management databases (TMS)
- Experience with processing photographs and/or architectural records is preferred
- Familiarity with digital preservation methods preferred
The candidate must be technically literate, including experience with digital photography and the processing and management of digital media. He/she must have strong organizational, interpersonal, project management, and computer skills. The candidate must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. He/she must be able to maneuver through dimly lit narrow passageways, climb up/down steep ladders and move heavy collections objects with assistance. Ability to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as necessary.
For consideration e-mail resume with salary requirements to: [email protected].
Be sure to include the title of the position you are interested in and your salary requirements.
We offer a competitive salary, benefits and the opportunity to be a part of a very rewarding time in the Museum’s history!
NO PHONE CALLS. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an equal opportunity employer.