Curator of Collections
About the Position
The Curator of Collections manages the Scott County Historical Society (SCHS) collection, including artifacts, archival material and photographs, according to professional museum standards and best practices. The position reports to the Executive Director and joins a team of three, including the SCHS Program Manager.
The ideal candidate for this position is an emerging museum professional who has a love for history—especially local—and an ability to care for a local history collection. We are also looking for someone with an ability to work independently but a strong understanding of the importance of the team for a small, close-knit organization.
About the Organization
Scott County Historical Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit museum, historic house, and research library with a mission to search, save, and share Scott County history. Located in downtown Shakopee since its founding in 1969, SCHS serves the entire Scott County community by preserving information and making it available through professional collection practices, engaging exhibits and educational outreach programs for people of all ages.
Internally, our team of three, including you, works every day to create a supportive, caring, and fun working environment that provides as many opportunities for personal and professional growth as possible within the means of our small organization. Alongside our mission to preserve and share Scott County history, we are committed to creating opportunities for emerging museum professionals.
Compensation and Schedule
This position is permanent, part-time, 20 hours per week at a rate of $18-$19/hour. It is not eligible for insurance benefits, but includes generous paid vacation and sick leave. Core hours are Monday through Friday, with occasional evening/weekend hours as required (3-4x/year). Day to day schedule has a high degree of flexibility, but hours are primarily on-site in Shakopee, Minnesota.
Essential Duties
Collections Management
Ensure collections are maintained according to adopted policies
Update and amend collections management policies as needed
Maintain Collective Access CMS database and train all users on standards and best practices
Assess objects offered for donation, respond to donation inquiries from the public, and make
Maintain donor and accession records for existing and incoming objects and archival materials, including cataloging, marking objects, and researching provenance
Make accession/deaccession recommendations to the Director and Board of Directors
Exhibition Development
Maintain three off-site displays, including rotating objects, creating new content, and collaborating with exhibit host organizations
Assist with exhibit development including seeking out exhibit opportunities with community curators, researching, writing scripts and object labels, design exhibit graphics, installing exhibitions, handling artifacts and creating artifact mounts
Preventive Conservation
Monitor environmental conditions throughout museum and work to correct imbalances
Implement integrated pest management procedures and track emerging issues
Assess collections storage spaces and implement improvements to organization as possible
Catalog, rotate and rehouse objects as necessary
Other job duties
Research Assistance
Develop strong knowledge of the contents of archive, library, and collection and working knowledge of Scott County history
Oversee access to SCHS collections by researchers, visitors and members
Administrative
Operate the museum, occasionally independently, including welcoming visitors, answering questions, taking admission, and making sales in the gift shop
Prepare a monthly Board Report detailing Collections and Exhibitions activities
Oversee collections interns, up to two interns per year, at high school or college level
Maintain lighting in gallery and library spaces
Participate in SCHS fundraising activities, public programs and events as required
Assist in preparing grant applications and developing projects for proposals
Other duties as required
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university with a degree in museum studies, public history, history, or a related field.
Two years demonstrated experience in a museum or equivalent organization AND/OR equivalent education/experience which reveals ability to work with collections and satisfactorily perform the duties of Curator.
Required Qualifications
Experience with Collections Management Software (CMS)
Knowledge of collections and museum management policies, artifact handling, museum registration, and preventive conservation in museum settings
Experience with historical research, strong writing, editing, project management skills, and ability to initiate and collaborate on projects effectively required.
Preferred Qualifications
Specific experience or background with Collective Access CMS
Demonstrated experience with artifact handling, collections management and policies, museum registration and accession procedures, preventive conservation, integrated pest management
Demonstrated experience or knowledge of best practices in exhibit design, graphics design, and/or mount making
Physical Capabilities Required
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
Ability to climb ladders up to 10’ in height
Ability to travel and provide reliable transportation
To Apply
Submit cover letter, resume, and three references to hhoagland@scottcountyhistory.org no later than July 15, 2022. For questions about the position or application process, email to the above or call (952) 445-0378.