Objects Collection Specialist

Missouri Historical Society; St. Louis, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Missouri Historical Society seeks personnel for the Indescribably Grand: 1904 St. Louis project to fully catalog a wide range of artifacts for the World’s Fair Object Collection.

You will work with staff to ensure accurate data entry, linkage to authority records, and high-quality imaging. This grant-funded role involves collaboration across collections management, curatorial, registration, and conservation teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in museum-related field is required; master’s is preferred.
• Experience with cataloging and museum collections management encouraged.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Completely catalog objects in the permanent collection per standards using Mimsy XG.
• Collaborate with collections, curatorial, and conservation staff for accuracy.
• Conduct historical research using diverse resources.
• Construct custom housings and select suitable off-the-shelf methods for housing.
• Write quarterly posts for the MHS blog and assist with social media content.
• Perform other duties as assigned; essential functions may evolve.

Skills

Museum collections management

Cataloging

Data entry accuracy

Written and verbal communication

Time management

Physical handling of artifacts

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Public History, History or related field

Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Public History, History, or a related field (preferred)

Tools

Mimsy XG

Windows

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Library and Research Center - St. Louis, MO 63105. Position Type: Full Time. Salary Range: $19.24 - $19.24 Hourly.

Position Summary

As part of the Missouri Historical Society's Indescribably Grand: 1904 St. Louis project, these positions are responsible for completely processing a wide variety of artifacts— artwork, clothing and other textiles, furniture, chinaware, silverware, knickknacks, medals, awards, and much more in the World’s Fair Object Collection to make them intellectually accessible to staff through the Mimsy XG collections management database and to the public via the online cross collections search. Processing will consist of fully cataloging the objects in accordance with the cataloging standards adopted by the Missouri Historical Society in 2015 and reconciling objects to original donations as necessary. These positions will also work closely with a contract photographer and digital assets staff to produce and link publication quality digital images of the objects to the database records. Cataloging will include entering data for specific fields; creating associated people, subject, place and other authority records as needed; physically numbering artifacts with the most appropriate method for the object type; and ensuring that all data and imaging is correct and complete for each record completed. The Specialists will utilize resources such as donor files, library and archival materials, genealogy databases, etc., and collaborate with the collections management, curatorial, registration, and conservation staff. These positions will also be expected to permanently house the objects in this collection by working closely with collections management staff to determine the best method of housing—whether a custom construct, utilizing an off-the-shelf product, or a combination of both. The use of appropriate archival materials and design will ensure long-term preservation of and physical access to each object.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Completely catalog objects in the permanent collection per MHS’s cataloging standards by using Mimsy XG’s capabilities to its fullest extent to maximize efficiency, accessibility, and productivity
• Work with collections and curatorial staff to ensure accuracy of information and the use of appropriate authority sources
• Conduct historical research using a variety of resources
• Construct custom housings and utilize off-the-shelf products for housing a variety of object types
• Write quarterly posts for the MHS blog, History Happens Here, and compile additional information for other social-media posts.
• This job description describes the general duties and level of work performed by employee assigned to this position, but it does not describe every function of this position. Employees may be assigned other duties, and the essential functions may change or be changed from time to time.

QualificationsEducation and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Public History, History or related field is required; Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Public History, History, or a related field is preferred.

Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of and commitment to all aspects of museum collections responsibility, according to national professional standards and best practices
• Proficiency with handling artifacts, including heavy or fragile ones
• Knowledge of object cataloging and data entry in a museum collections management database; experience with Mimsy XG is desirable, but not necessary
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively with minimal day-to-day supervision
• Consistent and methodical work approach
• Strong organizational, planning, project and time management skills; patience and attention to detail are critical
• Proficiency using Windows operating system and basic software including Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to sit for long periods of time, to safely lift 50 lbs., to climb ladders, and to operate equipment such as carts, flatbeds, and pallet jacks for transporting objects

This grant funded Temporary position begins on December 1, 2026, with an end date of March 30, 2029.