Collections Move Technician

Milwaukee Public Museum Inc; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Milwaukee Public Museum is seeking 1 temporary, part-time Collections Move Technician to support moving its 4 million object collection to a new building. The role operates within the Cultural Sciences and may assist across all collections.

The position requires standing, bending, lifting, and fine dexterity, with duties including labeling, barcoding, photographing, packing, and using EMu. The schedule is Monday through Thursday from 8:30–3:30 for about one year, with potential extension and

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in Museum Studies or related field (in-progress or completed).
• Experience with museum collections preferred.
• Ability to read labels and transcribe numbers accurately.

Responsibilities

• Safely handle and manipulate museum objects.
• Read and transcribe identifying numbers from object labels, catalog books, and catalog cards.
• Swiftly generate digital records from transcribed data into a spreadsheet.
• Create, tie, and attach barcodes to museum objects.
• Photograph objects and drawers of objects as required.
• Critically assess object stability and material makeup, pre-packing.
• Pack and unpack various types of objects safely and securely.
• Fabricate basic packing supports out of archival materials.
• Construct crates and other large scale packing material.
• Operate a standard pallet jack to move packed crates.
• Perform basic operations within the museum’s collections database, EMu.
• Other move-related collections duties as assigned.

Skills

Fine dexterity

Detail oriented

3D spatial reasoning

Teamwork

PPE usage

Independent work

Education

Museum Studies or related field

Tools

EMu

Excel

Job description

MPM is seeking 1 temporary, part-time Collections Move Technician to support the museum’s goal of moving its 4 million object collection to a new building. This position will operate within the Cultural Sciences but may be asked to assist with projects across all collections. This technician will work collaboratively under the supervision of the museum’s Collections Move Project Assistant. Initial work will focus on work in the History collections. In addition to these tasks, future projects may include preparing and packing anthropological material and assisting with natural science projects on an as-needed basis.While most of the work will be done at MPM, some work may be done at an offsite storage location or at the site of the new museum.This position will require consistent standing, bending, and lifting throughout the day and tasks that require repetitive movements for long periods of time.The schedule for the position is Monday through Thursday from 8:30 – 3:30, and the position will run for approximately 1 year with the possibility for extension. To perform this job successfully, ideal candidates will be expected to complete the following duties:Safely handle and manipulate museum objectsRead and transcribe identifying numbers from object labels, catalog books, and catalog cardsSwiftly generate digital records from transcribed data into a spreadsheetCreate, tie, and attach barcodes to museum objectsPhotograph objects and drawers of objects as requiredCritically assess object stability and material makeup, pre-packingPack and unpack various types of objects safely and securelyFabricate basic packing supports out of archival materialsConstruct crates and other large scale packing materialOperate a standard pallet jack to move packed cratesPerform basic operations within the museum’s collections database, EMuOther move-related collections duties as assignedEducation and/or Experience:Undergraduate or graduate degree in Museum Studies or a related field (complete or in-progress), along with past experience with museum collections. A documented history of collections experience may be substituted for a formal degree.Competencies:Comfortable undertaking fine dexterity work and handling delicate materialsAbility to complete repetitive tasks consistently, while maintaining accuracy, safety, and integrityDetail oriented, with strong problem-solving skillsAbility to wear PPE appropriate to the tasks assignedStrongly developed 3D-spatial reasoning skillsCapable of working independently and as part of a teamThe ability to use a ladder, and spend much of the day standing, bending, and liftingFamiliarity with Microsoft products, with specific experience in ExcelProficient typing skillsBenefits:Dental and Vision InsurancePaid Time Off package401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer MatchFree Museum MembershipMuseum Shop, Food & Beverage DiscountsParking Subsidy/Discounted Bus PassThe Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) is a natural and human history museum located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum is among the oldest in the United States, with a history dating back to the 1850’s. We offer great career opportunities for people with all levels of training, experience, and education. We are a composition of diverse and talented staff working together as a team to offer our visitors the best possible immersive experience in learning and enjoyment.A career with the Milwaukee Public Museum allows you to connect your skills and abilities in a rewarding position with a non-profit organization doing good work in our community. MPM provides an unlimited opportunity to gain knowledge about our world, as you connect with visitors, donors, innovative staff members, curious students, interns and volunteers in your day-to-day-work. See what MPM has to offer and consider applying today!The Milwaukee Public Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.