Collections Assistant- Historic Equipment Collection

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s EMS Museum is seeking a Collections Assistant to accession, re-house, and curate our historic equipment collection, working with the EMS Museum curator. Responsibilities include inventorying the collection, confirming object locations, creating digital images, and updating records in the collections management database.

Some outreach duties may be assigned. 5-19 hours/week, $15/hour.

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.

Responsibilities

• Accession and re-house the historic equipment collection.
• Conduct detailed inventory and verify object locations.
• Create or update collections management database records.
• Some outreach duties may be assigned.
• Coordinate object housing and storage needs.

Skills

Museum curation

Navigate software platforms

Research skills (print/online)

Lifting/moving ability 40 lbs

Interest in museum collections care

Basic computer & communication skills

Job description

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

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.

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.

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