UCHS News
The Umatilla County Historical Society has opened two staff positions at Heritage Station Museum. (See job descriptions below.) Applications (resume, cover letter, current references) may be mailed to The Umatilla County Historical Society, P.O. Box 253, Pendleton, OR 97801. Application review will begin March 21.
Collection Manager
Job Description
Job Summary: The Collection Manager will be responsible for professional duties in acquisition and management of the Umatilla County Historical Society collection of historic objects, photographic images and archival materials, and supervision of volunteers working with the collection.
Reports to: Executive Director
Works with: Exhibit Coordinator
Supervises: Volunteers
Terms of Employment: 40 hours/week
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1. Document new acquisitions for museum collection for research and exhibit.
2. Research, catalog, and inventory artifacts and archival collection.
3. Maintain museum registration records, condition reports and statistical data.
4. Inspect collection to ensure its preservation and maintenance in good condition.
5. Provide insurance reports as required.
6. Review requests for loans from museum collections.
7. Develop policy recommendations regarding organization, storage, security, and handling requirements for collections.
8. Respond to written, telephone, and in-person inquiries regarding historic objects, photographs, and research.
9. Train and supervise volunteer collection staff.
10. Assist with identification of and preparation of objects for exhibit, as needed.
11. Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Qualifications:
B.A. or B.S. degree, preferred; or two years’ progressively responsible work experience, especially in a museum environment; or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training. Experience should include:
1. Computer literacy
2. Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
3. Knowledge of museum standards for collection management, or willingness to learn.
4. Ability to work independently and as leader/member of a team.
5. Ability to lift 40 lbs. and dexterity required for care and handling of fragile objects.
6. Commitment to excellence.
Exhibit Coordinator
Job Description
The Exhibit Coordinator is responsible for the development, installation and maintenance of exhibits to be used at
Reports to: Executive Director
Works with: Executive Director
Collection Manager
Store Manager
Educational Programs Coordinator
Supervises: Exhibit Committee
Terms of Employment: 20 hours/week
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Exhibit
1. Development, installation and maintenance of exhibits for
2. Development of touring exhibits; coordination of security and transport for the exhibits; paperwork (scheduling, loan and condition forms, and insurance).
3. Managing incoming loans (agreement paperwork, monitoring objects for security and upkeep, ensuring timely return to lender).
4. Preparing educational materials for docent education.
5. Ensuring the preservation and security of the UCHS collection and loaned objects during exhibit preparation and presentation.
Other duties, as assigned by the Executive Director, including but not limited to:
1. Assistance with marketing the exhibits and
2. Providing information on upcoming exhibits to Store Manager and Educational Programs Coordinator to be used in planning complementary activities.
Requirements:
1. Understanding of the mission and long-term goals of Umatilla County Historical Society.
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
3. Design skills and knowledge of use of software, including FreeHand, PhotoShop.
4. Knowledge of audio and video technology, or willingness to learn.
5. Willingness to conduct necessary research.
6. Coordination with other entities during exhibit planning.
7. Knowledge of accepted conservation practices for exhibiting historic objects, or willingness to learn.
8. Ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs