Collections Registrar

Brookgreen-Gardens-1; Murrells Inlet (SC); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

403(b) retirement plan

Employee discounts

Job summary

Brookgreen Gardens seeks a part-time Collections Registrar to maintain records across sculpture, history, library, and archival collections in Brookgreen's storerooms and vaults. You will classify, arrange, and describe objects, ensuring accuracy in PastPerfect and related catalogs while supporting researchers on site.

The role emphasizes careful handling of artifacts, collaboration with curators and volunteers, and contributing to exhibitions and publications with clear notes and condition

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in archival, history, or related field.
• Experience with collections management and data entry.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Ability to work with staff, volunteers, researchers.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and organize records for sculpture, history, library, and archival collections.
• Describe and arrange records according to museum standards; assist with exhibitions and publications.
• Assist researchers on site and support documentation, conservation, and loans.
• Digitize or catalog archival documents and photographs as needed.
• Maintain accuracy of the collections database and object files.

Skills

Research

Writing

Staff collaboration

Education

Undergraduate degree

Tools

PastPerfect

Job description

Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, is a unique blend of art, nature, and history. Established in 1931, our mission is to preserve and display American sculpture and regional plants, animals, and historical sites for the education and enjoyment of the public. Spanning over 9,100 acres, Brookgreen Gardens includes a renowned sculpture garden, wildlife preserve, botanical gardens, and a rich historical landscape, offering a dynamic and inspiring experience for all visitors.

Position Summary

The Collections Registrar maintains physical and intellectual control over records of enduring value within Brookgreen's sculpture, history, library, and archival collections. This position selects, arranges, and describes records in accordance with standards adopted by the American Alliance of Museums, ensures the long-term preservation of the collections, conducts research, and assists researchers. The Collections Registrar also supports documentation, exhibition, and interpretation activities related to the sculpture and history collections.

Key Responsibilities

Sample job duties include:

• Maintain accurate records in the collections database (PastPerfect) and manual data log, including accession, deaccession, condition, storage, exhibit, loan, and location information.
• Maintain information files (Objects File) for all accessioned objects, ensuring documentary photographs are on file.
• Observe and document the unpacking of incoming objects to confirm no damage or deterioration has occurred.
• Prepare condition reports and photograph objects for incoming and outgoing loans and temporary exhibitions.
• Organize library books and archival records, and order conservation materials.
• Digitize and catalog archival documents and photographs.
• Research American figurative sculpture, sculptors, and Brookgreen's history to support acquisitions, exhibits, educational programs, and publications.
• Assist with installing and deinstalling indoor exhibits, and provide support to researchers working onsite.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree, with experience in research, record keeping, or archival/registrarial activities.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, American figurative sculpture and museum registration principles and practices.
• Experience with collections management and data entry software (PastPerfect Museum Software preferred).
• Strong research and writing skills, including the ability to write for publications.
• Ability to work comfortably with staff, volunteers, and researchers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in an appropriate field of study.
• Additional museum experience.

This is a part-time, exempt position based in Brookgreen's collections and archives areas. Work may involve the careful handling and moving of collection objects. Employment is contingent upon a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Why Brookgreen?

Brookgreen Gardens offers an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance, 9 paid holidays, paid time off starting at 15 days annually (prorated upon hire and growing with tenure), a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, and Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts. Employees also enjoy a complimentary household membership, complimentary guest tickets, free daily access to Huntington Beach State Park, employee discounts on food and retail, and an Employee Assistance Program — all while working in one of South Carolina's most treasured destinations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Brookgreen Gardens is an equal opportunity employer committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment which is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Collections Registrar | Collections | 08.2026