Please visit Collections and Exhibitions Technical Specialist for complete job posting and application instructions.
The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Collections and Exhibitions Technical Specialist to act as the Collections Manager of the EMS Museum & Art Gallery’s diverse collections.
The successful candidate will bring: advanced knowledge of the principles, theories, procedures, and practices of museum collections management to the EMS Museum collections; experience with application of best practices of museum collections stewardship that are consistent with ethics and standards developed by national and international professional societies of museum collections stewardship (e.g., Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC), the Association of Registrars and Collections Specialists (ARCS), American Alliance of Museums Collections Stewardship Professional Network (CSAAM)); ability to implement appropriate policies and practices governing management, preventive conservation, security, physical and digital access, and documentation of the collections; and proficiency at reviewing, updating, and maintaining the EMS Museum’s collections management database including information on object provenance, location, condition, inventory, and use.
The Collections Manager will: engage in all hands-on aspects of collections stewardship including object handling, rehousing, storage configuration, environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, and risk assessment to facilitate the use of collection objects for exhibition, loans, research, and other educational endeavors; maintain awareness of trends in collection care and stewardship for all EMS Museum collections (i.e., earth materials, technology, industrial art); be knowledgeable of national and international legal, permitting, and shipping regulations applicable to the collections; have an understanding of rights and reproduction and copyright law; be mindful of accessible resources (e.g., space, budgets, personnel); combine organizational thinking skills with a general knowledge of the disciplines and history embodied in the EMS Museum`s collections; be adept at conducting and communicating research and interpretation of objects and materials relevant to the disciplines represented by the EMS Museum collections; review, edit, and implement policies and procedures for collections care, preventive conservation, risk management, object handling, and use of EMS Museum collections; develop and maintain professional contacts, memberships, and interdisciplinary collaborations with university, regional, national, and international museum professionals, researchers, and scholars; be able to create written and oral presentations that promote the EMS Museum collections, collections management practices, and further the missions of the EMS Museum and the College to both broad and targeted audiences; possess intellectual interests compatible with EMS Museum collections, object-based learning, engaged scholarship, lifelong learning, and informal science education; and assist in the development and execution of the EMS Museum’s strategic goals.
Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher (Master’s degree preferred) plus six years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This position requires the following clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
For full consideration, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume with their application.
This is a limited-term staff position, funded for one year for the date of hire, with excellent possibility of refunding.
The Pennsylvania State University’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences takes an active role in building a talented, inclusive, and culturally competent workforce. We understand that our shared future is guided by basic principles of fairness, mutual respect, and commitment to each other. Applicants should provide evidence, either woven through their application materials or as a separate diversity statement, of a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusive excellence, and belonging and of engagement which creates an inclusive environment in their department/workplace.