Museum Technician

Maymont Foundation; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 16,740 - 24,552; Part time

Job summary

Maymont Foundation in Richmond, Virginia is seeking a part-time Museum Technician to support preventative conservation, monitor the museum environment, and assist with collections and exhibition-related projects. The role involves physical handling of objects, recording condition reports, and collaboration with the Collections & Exhibitions Manager.

The position participates in curatorial tasks, records management, and may assist conservators on-site as needed, contributing to Maymont’s mission

Qualifications

• Experience in a museum setting with considerable object handling.
• Background in conservation, preservation practices, art history, or museum studies.
• Some experience in registration or cataloguing.

Responsibilities

• Care for the collection according to maintenance schedules.
• Monitor and report status of the museum environment.
• Assist with emergency procedures or treatments as needed.
• Prepare objects for exhibition and assist with displays.
• Assist with cataloguing the collection and other curatorial tasks.
• Maintain condition reports and inventories.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Physical stamina

Independent work

Teamwork

Education

Museum studies background

Conservation experience

Job description

Museum Technician

Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park, located in Richmond, Virginia, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature Center, arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation, committed to creating experiences that delight, educate and inspire its guests.

The Historical Resources Department is seeking a part-time Museum Technician. The position is responsible for executing preventative conservation procedures to ensure the highest standards of care for the Maymont collection, historic features, exhibition areas, and museum storage. The position also monitors all aspects of the museum environment and reports issues to the Collections Manager. The position reports to the Collections & Exhibitions Manager and is a key player in the historical resources team. The position works with the Collection & Exhibitions Manager to coordinate and carry out collections and exhibition-related projects. The Museum Technician may also assist with other curatorial tasks such as registration or records management. As part of the historical resources professional staff, the Museum Tech participates in other Maymont activities and special events as needed.

Essential Functions

• Cares for the collection according to weekly, quarterly, and annual maintenance schedule (e.g. routine vacuuming and dusting of exhibit areas)
• Cares for museum storage areas and makes improvements as necessary
• Monitor, record and report status of the museum environment (e.g. IPM, building changes, light levels, climate, etc.)
• Performs hands‑on tasks to mitigate conditions potentially harmful to the collection, the interiors, or the historic structure
• Performs required object handling and directs others who assist
• Assists with emergency procedures or treatments
• Updates condition reports on the collection and interiors; creates condition reports for new accessions
• Photographs objects and building conditions for records
• Prepares objects for exhibition; helps to create museum displays
• If requested, provide assistance to conservators and other specialists working on‑site
• Assists with collections surveys and object examination
• Assists with cataloguing the collection and other curatorial tasks
• Conducts yearly collections and archives inventory and reconciliation of records
• Assists with digital assets management
• Maintains and catalogues the reference library
• Assists with recording and documenting building and systems repairs and preservation work
• Provides support for day‑to‑day operation of the historical resources as needed

Core Competencies

• Careful respect for and sensitivity to the special needs of various materials, historical artifacts and works of art
• Excellent manual dexterity, flexibility, physical stamina
• Able to work both independently and as part of the Maymont team.
• A high level of trust and commitment is required

Education and Experience

• Experience in a museum setting, with considerable object handling experience.
• Background in conservation or preservation practices, art, art history, or museum studies and some experience in registration or cataloguing is preferred.

Physical Demands

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking and talking for extended periods
• Frequent climbing, bending, stooping and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work inside and outside in all weather conditions
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus

FLSA Status: Part‑Time, Hourly

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and perform other job‑related duties. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Maymont Foundation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Ability to pass a background check needed