Collections Technician - Grand Rapids Public Museum

Posted  on 5/12/23

FLSA Status: Hourly

Hours: Part-Time - Some evenings, weekends & holidays required

Compensation: $16.00/hour

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is the oldest and second largest museum in the state of Michigan. We

are a place of never-ending learning and discovery, with programs and exhibits focusing on history,

science, and culture. The employee culture of the GRPM is one of teamwork, excitement, and learning.

As an integral part of the West Michigan community, the Museum is open daily to visitors, and hosts

after-hours public events and programs, as well as private events and weddings. The entire GRPM team

works to create positive visitor experiences through engaging exhibits and programs, and a safe, clean,

welcoming space.

SUMMARY:

The Collections Technician ensures the tracking, packing, and safe handling of the Museum’s collections

as they are used in exhibits, programs, events, and special projects. They must be able to safely handle

a wide variety of objects including small and delicate pieces as well as using proper equipment to move

large and heavy ones.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Safely packing and transporting collections objects within and between museum sites
• Cleaning, organization, and maintenance of museum objects, exhibitions, and storage areas
• Managing work rooms and archival supplies

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Safely and carefully transporting museum objects between storage, exhibition spaces, and classrooms at several facilities in Grand Rapids
• Explaining and demonstrating safe object handling practices to interns, volunteers, teachers, students, researchers, and members of the public
• Completing regular condition reports for museum objects
• Assist with ongoing object-level accessioning and collection inventory
• Prepare objects for research, loan, exhibition and program use
• Ensure proper storage environment for museum objects including re-housing and mount construction, pest management, and environmental monitoring.

WORKSKILLS:

• Strong people skills; work and communicate diplomatically and courteously with staff, other team members, volunteers, guests, departments and key stakeholders to meet common objectives and desired outcomes.
• Must be organized, dependable, punctual and possess a strong work ethic.
• Must have strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Must be proficient with various computer technology programs/systems.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace.
• Demonstrated ability to complete repetitive tasks.

EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge of basic museum conservation and registration practices, including artifact handling, packing, and storage methods.
• One year of museum or related experience required (two or more years desired).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in managing time, projects, processes and resources to produce desired outcomes.
• Demonstrate strong written and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Proven ability to function effectively in a team environment, as well as work independently
• Ability to work tactfully and effectively and follow both oral and written instructions.
•  Proficiency with tools as they relate to the assembly of storage systems, fabrication of support mounts for artifacts, special packing or shipping containers, etc.
• Familiarity with basic moving and handling equipment, such as two-wheelers, pallet jacks, etc.
• Must have a valid Michigan Driver’s License.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience and education.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to lift, push or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity to operate equipment, climb ladders, reach objects in high places, move objects, operate hand and power tools, move, bend, twist and stoop in performance of job duties.
• Perform job duties on uneven working and walking surfaces.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Multiple settings include standard business offices, climate-controlled warehouse storage areas, fieldwork, and public exhibition galleries.
• Indoor and outdoor work and may have exposure to chemicals.