Collections Assistant (1-year term position with benefits)

MIT Museum

mitmuseum.mit.edu

COLLECTIONS ASSISTANT (MOVE), MIT Museum (MITM)-Collections Team (multiple openings) (part-time, 30 hrs/wk.), to pack and move museum collections as part of MITM’s efforts to move to its new location and later relocate most if its collections to a new off-campus facility. Will use knowledge of accepted museum standards and work with conventional collections information management systems to assure the long-term care and preservation of a broad range of diverse objects and materials. Will report to the collections manager.

The MIT Museum embraces the Institute’s broad mandate to maximize public access to knowledge and to make research and innovation accessible to all.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Collections Manager and using accepted museum standards, provides support to the collections management team by completing work associated with object handling and preparation for upcoming collection moves.
Re-houses, packs, crates and unpacks artifacts using approved methods and materials.
Provides safe transport of objects and other collections materials to and from storage, workstations and other museum areas.
Use the museum’s collections information management system and other technologies to track and record object locations throughout the packing process as instructed.
Builds custom boxes, mounts, pallets or other supports for artifacts.
Assists with inventory and photography as needed.
Assists with light cleaning of objects.
Assists with loading and unloading of trucks during scheduled shipments.
Provides ongoing support in general maintenance and organization of the packing work areas, tools and machinery, as well as regularly reviewing environmental monitoring sensors and data.
Helps supervise temporary packers and train collections staff in packing/building techniques as needed.
Participates in Collections Team and Museum-wide meetings, training sessions, and projects as required.
Performs other collections related duties as required.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 2 years of experience as preparator or in a similar position in a museum, gallery or arts organization.
Knowledge of museum standards and best practices in the care, safe handling, packing, and crating of 2-D and 3-D artifacts.
Experience handling and packing 2-D and 3-D artifacts.
Basic skills in woodworking relating to crate and custom pallet fabrication.
Knowledge of archival materials and fine art packing techniques including proficiency in custom box-making, soft-packing and cavity packs.
Experience with shop equipment, power and manual woodworking tools, scissor lift, forklift, and other specialized warehouse equipment.
Basic computer skills and experience using museum and/or collections databases.
Must be able to climb ladders (of at least 10 feet or more) with the ability to lift, push, pull, and support heavy objects, crates, and other items up to 70 pounds in weight.
Valid MA license.
Excellent interpersonal skills. A positive and collegial work ethic, and the ability to work collaboratively within the Collections Team and the Museum staff as a whole.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience with matting and framing of works on paper.
Familiarity with cameras, photography, and image editing software such as Photoshop and Lightroom.
Familiarity with the MimsyXG collections information management system and database.

How to Apply

To apply visit the MIT Human Resources portal following the application link. Submit a letter of interest and resume following the application instructions in the HR portal.

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