Preservation & Museum Specialist 5 (Curator of History)
Preservation & Museum Specialist 5 (Curator of History)
- Description
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~The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision right away.
It will be in your best interest to apply as soon as possible~Who we are:
The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture was founded as the Eastern Washington State Historical Society, and is the largest cultural organization in the Inland Northwest. The state agency is accredited by the Alliance of American Museums and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Since its founding in 1916, the museum has served visitors and the state of Washington by offering changing exhibitions and programs and currently serves over 130,000 visitors a year.The museum’s extensive permanent collection serves as the memory of the people of the Inland Northwest. The collection numbers over one million artifacts and ephemera, including fine art and material culture from the Americas, Europe and Asia. Collection stewardship is central to the museum’s mission and use of the collection is guided by preservation standards that ensure the collection’s health for generations to come. The museum also proudly balances preservation with public access by supporting loans from our collections to other museums nationwide. Displays of the collections change often in content and theme, along with displays of Plateau contemporary and traditional arts. The museum currently features an open conservation lab that includes objects and art from our permanent collection and teaches our visitors how we store, conserve, and display these objects.
Who we are looking for:
We need someone that is able to quickly become familiar with our collection and begin developing ideas and concepts for planning future exhibitions. You will be helping our region understand its history and be better connected to the past through our collections and exhibitions.This will be YOUR domain to develop and manage! You will have a great resource team to utilize and collaborate with that includes a collections manager, exhibition designer, and exhibition team. However because you won’t have direct supporting staff, you will need to be confident and able to manage everything from phone calls from prospective donors, exhibition development, oversee and develop collections, curating exhibitions, composing exhibition text that can include wall labels, brochures, publications, etc.
You will need to have a strong background in history and research and be someone that works well with a team. You will need excellent critical thinking skills and demonstrable, competent writing ability that can be “publish-ready” without editorial oversite. You need to be a respectful, humble, and caring person to all we serve and love teaching people what they may not know.
Why a professional like yourself would want this position:
What an exciting thing to say that you love what you do! You have this once in a lifetime opportunity to make your mark on a 100 year old institution. YOU get to set the tone, define the history of the museum, and be the leader in a new era! You will get to take a broad role in museum leadership to set the course for the museum exhibitions and collection development. You have an exhibition calendar that allows you to shape the exhibitions and programs for the future. You get to use your creativity, knowledge of history, and love of arts to raise awareness, inform, and teach not only a local community, but also visitors from beyond our region!We want your love and knowledge of history to spread through our community.
If this sounds like you, please apply! - Duties
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Some of what you will enjoy doing will include:
- Curate exhibitions that are regionally and historically relevant to the Inland Northwest
- Lead exhibition project teams, working collaboratively with registrars, educators, designers, and development staff
- Identify themes and develop exhibitions from the permanent collection
- Lead ongoing Campbell House restoration and oversee maintenance activities for the Campbell House including contracts and bids, in alignment with the 2018 Campbell House Master Plan
- Oversee the use of the Campbell House for a variety of activities including educational programs, membership events and rentals
- Coordinate Campbell House Committee meetings, fundraisers, and events
- Provide gallery walkthroughs and lectures
- Identify subject experts and partner organizations
- Develop publications supporting exhibitions and permanent collection
- Identify and acquire important objects that are regionally and historically relevant to the Inland Northwest, aligning collecting activities with the board approved 2007 Collection Plan
- Synthesize donor interviews, research, and provenance as part of the acquisition process
- Oversee de-accession projects
- Qualifications
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REQUIRED:
Bachelor’s degree in History, Museum Studies, or an applicable subject matter in a related field.
AND- At least three years of experience working as a curator at a Museum or Historical Society.
- A record of successful exhibitions as evaluated by theme, research, content development, object selection, publications, and public reception.
- Conducting historical research.
- Developing and managing a collection of historic objects and/or archives.
- Managing a collections database.
The preferred candidate will have the following competencies
Knowledge- Specialized knowledge of regional history and American history as it relates to the Inland Northwest experience.
- Museum administration and methods, including methods of documenting, researching, organizing and caring for collections.
- Demonstrated knowledge of collection management standards.
- Knowledge of and familiarity with American Alliance of Museums standards and best practices as related to collections stewardship.
- Preferred: Knowledge of State rules and regulations relating to finance and contracting.
Skills and Abilities
- Clear and positive communication with supervisor, customers and co-workers.
- Excellent community relations and customer service skills with regard to developing exhibitions, collections, and educational programs.
- Ability to deliver programming, including speaking in public.
- Ability to lead collaborative process in developing exhibitions and programs.
- Excellent writing skills; ability to write for different purposes and audiences.
- Coordinate with other team members to ensure assigned work is completed on time, on budget and to the highest level of quality standards expected.
- In team role, balance tasks and process so work gets done and positive team climate is maintained at all times.
- Prepare accurate exhibition interpretive content.
- Ability to lift up to 30lbs.
Behaviors
- Detail oriented in research, writing, and communication.
- Build and maintain trust, confidence and respect for customers, supervisors and coworkers.
- Team player who listens and seeks to understand other perspectives from museum staff, community members, and colleagues.
- Awareness of cultural sensitivities especially with regional tribes.
PREFERRED:
- Master’s degree in History, Museum Studies, or an applicable subject matter in a related field.
- Managing, conserving, and maintaining a historic house.
- Supplemental Information
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In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:
- A letter of interest, describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position;
- A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and
- A list of at least three (3) professional references with current telephone numbers.
READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY:
- The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the “duties summary” section of your application in Careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and the supplemental questionnaire.
- A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application. Responses to the supplemental questionnaire regarding work experience must be reflected in the “duties summary” section of the application.
- By submitting materials you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
- Prior to any new appointment into the Department of Enterprise Services, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran’s Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers.
Note: Applicants claiming veteran’s preference points must attach the documentation with each on-line application. If you do not provide appropriate documentation to qualify for these preference points, the points will not be awarded.
For additional information on Veteran’s Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.
We thank you and are grateful for your serviceShould you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446or jobs@des.wa.gov
The State of Washington is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture. We encourage women, veterans, people of color, and persons with disabilities to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, age, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.
Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or that need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
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Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.Insurance BenefitsEmployees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
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01What is your level of education?
- Bachelor’s degree in History, Museum Studies, or an applicable subject matter in a related field.
- Master’s degree in History, Museum Studies, or an applicable subject matter in a related field.
- I have a degree in an unrelated field
- I do not have a degree
02How many months of experience do you have working as a curator at a Museum or Historical Society?- I do not have this experience
- 1-11 mos.
- 12-23 mos.
- 24-35 mos.
- 36-47 mos.
- 48-59 mos.
- 60 or more mos.
03Please check ALL that apply that you have experience with:- A record of successful exhibitions as evaluated by theme, research, content development, object selection, publications, and public reception.
- Conducting historical research.
- Developing and managing a collection of historic objects and/or archives.
- Managing a collections database.
- None of these apply
04How many months of experience do you have managing, conserving, and maintaining a historic house?- I do not have this experience
- 1-11 mos.
- 12-23 mos.
- 24-35 mos.
- 36-47 mos.
- 48-59 mos.
- 60 or more mos.
Required Question
- Agency
- State of Washington
- Address
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View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
- Phone
- View Posting for Agency Contact
- Website
- http://www.careers.wa.gov