Collections Assistant- Historic Equipment Collection

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Collections Assistant to accession, re-house, and curate its historic equipment collection. The role involves inventory, location verification, and updating databases, with some outreach duties. Compensation is $15/hour for 5–19 hours per week.

Primary worksite is the EMS Museum storage facility, ~3 miles from campus. On-site-only position requiring personal transportation; remote or hybrid work is not offered.

Qualifications

• Background in museum curation or historic science equipment.
• Ability to learn new software platforms.
• Ability to conduct research using print and online sources.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and sit or stand for extended periods.
• Strong interest in museum collections care and management.
• Basic computer and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Inventory the historic equipment collection and conduct a detailed inventory.
• Confirm object location accuracy and update housing/storage needs.
• Create digital images of objects and update collections management records.
• Assist with outreach and other duties as assigned, primarily in storage facility.

Skills

Museum curation

Historic science equipment

Research skills

Basic computer skills

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Collections Assistant- Historic Equipment Collection

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking to hire a collections assistant to accession, re-house, and curate our historic equipment collection.

Job Description and Position Requirements:

The Collections Assistant will work closely with the EMS Museum curator to conduct a detailed inventory of the historic equipment collection in storage and on exhibit, confirm object location accuracy, identify object housing and storage needs, create digital images of objects as needed, and create or update collections management database records. Some duties, including outreach, will be assigned as needed. Compensation is $15/hour. 5-19 hours per week.

The EMS Museum's collections include earth materials (rocks, minerals, fossils, industrial by-products), mid-century industrial art (paintings, works on paper, sculpture), and historic scientific equipment and tools of research and education. The primary work location will be at the Special Services Building (Old Radio Astronomy Building on Google Maps) - approximately 3 miles from the main Penn State campus. This facility is not accessible by bus, bike, Catabus, or by walking, therefore the employee will need to supply their own transportation. This is not a hybrid position.

Qualifications:

• Background in museum curation, historic science equipment, or an interest in learning
• Ability to navigate new software platforms
• Ability to conduct research using print and online sources
• Ability to lift and move up to 40 lbs., sit or stand for extended periods, maintain attention to detail for prolonged periods, read cursive writing, and write legibly.
• Strong interest in museum collections care and management
• Basic computer and communication skills

The Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum & Art Gallery is comprised of an exhibition gallery on the campus of Penn State University Park plus the EMS Museum collection storage center off campus. While there may be an opportunity to work in the gallery on occasion, 95% of the project tasks take place in the collection storage facility.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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