Museum Collections and Exhibits Coordinator

New Mexico Junior College; Hobbs (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Junior College's Western Heritage Museum & Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame seeks a Museum Collections and Exhibits Coordinator to oversee traveling and permanent exhibits, museum collections, loans, and records under limited supervision. The role educates the public about the museum and its holdings while coordinating with staff.

Responsibilities include managing environmental controls, coordinating loans, designing and installing exhibitions, ensuring collection security, and

Qualifications

• Associates or bachelor's degree in museum science, museum studies, or related field, preferred.
• One year of experience in collections management or curating, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Administers traveling exhibits, permanent exhibits, museum collections, loans, and records.
• Monitors environmental conditions to preserve artifacts in storage, exhibits, and transit.
• Oversees incoming and outgoing loans, including shipping, inventory, and logistics.
• Ensures collections security by implementing preservation and risk management practices.
• Plans, designs, installs, and deinstalls exhibitions from concept through completion.
• Coordinates with staff and external partners to develop exhibitions and maintains schedules and contracts.
• Contributes to museum communications, including website, social media, and newsletters.

Skills

Communication

Detail oriented

Organizational skills

Planning

Research

Forklift certification

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in museum science or related field

Tools

Past Perfect database

Job description

TITLE: Museum Collections and Exhibits Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Western Heritage Museum & Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame

SUMMARY

Under limited supervision, administers traveling exhibits, permanent exhibits, museum collections, loans, and all records. Works with other staff members to assist with educating the public about the Museum, exhibits, and collections.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of southeastern new mexico’s prehistory, history, and contemporary cultural context.
• Monitors and manages environmental conditions to ensure the safety and preservation of artifacts in storage, exhibition, and transit.
• Oversees incoming and outgoing loans, including shipping, inventory, and logistics.
• Ensures collections security by implementing and updating preservation and risk management practices.
• Collaborates with the museum's curatorial and exhibits specialist on all projects.
• Plans, designs, installs, and deinstalls exhibitions from concept through completion.
• Coordinates with staff and external partners to develop high-quality exhibitions and maintains exhibition schedules and contracts.
• Collaborates with the organization and management of collection storage and related materials.
• Applies practical knowledge in exhibit design, including layout, mount-making, artifact handling, label writing, and text panel development.
• Provides basic carpentry and electrical support for exhibit installation and maintenance.
• Contributes to museum communications, including website, social media, publications, and newsletters.
• Supports institutional goals through committee service and collaboration across the college.
• Pursues ongoing professional development and contributes to organizational growth.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.
• Nothing contained herein shall limit the President in assigning the employee to various college activities for which he/she would be qualified in order to meet the needs of New Mexico Junior College.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates or bachelor's degree in museum science, museum studies, or related field, preferred.
• One (1) year of experience in collections management or curating as a museum professional; OR an equivalent combination or education, training, and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of proper museum procedures.
• Proficiency in Past Perfect database.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational, planning and research skills.
• Ability to handle many projects at once.
• Ability to become forklift certified.
• Ability to prioritize.
• Ability to lift 50lb.

Additional Information:

In compliance with federal law, all individuals hired will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.