The Park City Museum in Park City, Utah has an immediate opening for a full-time Collections Assistant.  The successful candidate will work closely with the Curator of Collections and Exhibits on a wide range of collections initiatives to help advance the Museum’s mission and strategic plan.  The Collections Assistant will work under the supervision of the Curator.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist Curator with cataloging all new accessions and processing a significant backlog of old donations and temporary custody material, including a wide variety of objects, photos and archives. 
  • Positively identify and classify items, assign and apply Object ID numbers, create database records and enter information into PastPerfect, photograph/ scan items and attach images to PastPerfect, complete condition reports, re-house objects using appropriate materials and conduct background research.
• Assist Curator with a full-scale collections inventory and associated database clean-up, problem-solving, storage reorganization, and rehousing.
  • Inventory items found in storage, verify storage locations and accession paperwork, record findings on collection inventory forms and update information in PastPerfect.  Identify storage issues and attempt to solve numbering and cataloging problems.
• Assist with data-cleanup, cataloging and preservation of the Kendall Webb Collection of acetate and nitrate negatives. 
  • Rehouse negatives according to best practices, update and standardize information in PastPerfect, catalog all un-cataloged material, identify and sort acetate and nitrate negatives, assist with digitization tasks.  Work with the Curator to design and develop long-term cold storage.
• Assist with other collections management projects such as creating object mounts and boxes, collections moves, storage reorganization, database management, old accession/loan paperwork, etc.
• Help with traveling exhibit installs/de-installs and other exhibit tasks as needed.
• Assist with content development, object selection, mount-making, writing, editing, research, etc., for in-house exhibits as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Public History or a related field strongly preferred.
• A minimum of two years’ experience working in a museum, historical society, or similar institution.
• Experience with cataloguing, inventories and other collections work in a museum setting. 
• Must have knowledge of preservation methods for museum collections; experience with mount-making and rehousing would be beneficial.
• Excellent object-handling skills required; knowledge and experience with various material types, including cellulose-based films, a plus.
• Proficiency with museum databases and ability to complete data-entry with accuracy and efficiency.  Must be able to work at a computer for long periods of time.  Standard office computer skills, including Microsoft Office, are required.  Experience with PastPerfect and Adobe Creative Suite a plus.
• Must be extremely well-organized and detail-oriented with expert time-management skills.  Must have the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and assignments at once while staying focused, flexible and cognizant of deadlines.  Must be able to follow-through and complete projects in a timely manner.
• Self-motivated with strong work ethic and a proven capacity to work independently and take initiative.  Must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions.  Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and think outside the box to come up with creative solutions.
• Must possess a high level of professionalism with excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills.  Proven ability to work collaboratively and contribute to group projects.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, editing and speaking. Must have legible handwriting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of professional museum best practices.  Must be able to develop a keen knowledge of and strict adherence to existing Museum collections policies and procedures.
• Familiarity researching museum collection pieces and ability to place in larger historical context.
• Ability to read, write and speak Spanish a plus.
• Must have a passion for managing museum collections and the ability to see how day-to-day work can result in achieving long-term goals.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

General open office environment with some time spent in collections storage spaces (both onsite and offsite) and museum galleries.  This position requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, carrying, using hands to handle and feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing.  Position requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision, as well as the ability to focus.  Must be able to climb ladders, lift up to 40 lbs., bend, stoop, kneel, crawl and/or crouch.  Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary.

Additional Employment Details

This is a full-time salaried position, typically Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekends.  The employee is expected to contribute 40 hours per week, which includes a paid 30-minute lunch break each day.  Benefits include paid vacation days, personal and sick leave, floating holidays and health insurance.  Salary range is $50,000 – 55,000 per year.  There will be a probationary period of three months after the start date.

Application deadline:

Applications are due Sunday, October 1st, 2023 before midnight.  Applications must be received by deadline to be considered for the position. 

Please send resume, cover letter and three references to:

Ms. Courtney Titus, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at ctitus@parkcityhistory.org with “COLLECTIONS ASSISTANT” in the subject line.  No phone calls please.

About the Park City Museum:

The Park City Museum is a history museum in Park City, Utah that serves a variety of visitors, including the local community and tourists. The Museum’s collection of objects, photographs and archives is remarkably diverse in type and size and offers valuable insights into the history of Park City. Programs offered by the Museum include school and youth groups, museum, walking and cemetery tours, lectures, family programs and special events. About 100,000 visitors enter our front doors annually.

EEO Statement

The Park City Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements and experience, without regard to sex race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.