historical collections specialist

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving the development, care and management of museum or other historic collections, including three-dimensional objects, documents, photographs, artwork, and electronic medium. These collections cover both historic and prehistoric and cultural as well as natural history.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

· Maintains a collection of various objects and materials of historic significance; analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the collection to identify collection priorities; develops and implements a collecting program to strengthen the collections; works with administrators and donors to build collections.

· Assesses the physical condition of the collection and establishes treatment priorities; evaluates environmental conditions for the proper exhibition and preservation of collections.

· Conducts research on collections and assists other researchers; performs appropriate conservation applications on collection items; organizes collection storage areas.

· Catalogues objects and maintains collection records; documents collections and provides for appropriate security.

· Initiates exhibit programs and provides topical outlines and research; coordinates implementation with administration, exhibit personnel and other curatorial staff.

· Develops and manages curatorial budget.

· Provides consultation to museums and historic sites regarding specialized curatorial methods; insures agency compliance with federal laws and regulations.

· Gives public presentations and prepares publications on the collections and historical topics related to the museum and mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society.

LEVEL DESCRIPTORS:

This job family has four levels which are distinguished based on the complexity of work, the experience required to perform assigned duties, and the responsibility for the supervision of others.

Level I: Code: U12A Salary Band: H

This is the basic level of the job family where employees build their skills in collections care and management. Typically employees perform routine duties involving the receipt, classifying, recording and storage of historical artifacts and other items of historical significance. They generally serve as an assistant to an experienced curator under close supervision and perform clearly defined tasks using established methods and techniques.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include basic knowledge of history; of anthropology; of archeology; of cultural material; and of source material for performing research. Ability is required to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in history, anthropology, museum studies or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of experience in the care and management of a historical collection for each year of the required education.

Level II: Code: U12B Salary Band: I

This is the career level of this job family where employees perform a full range of curatorial functions in collections care and management at the full performance level. Some responsibilities may be assigned on a limited basis for providing training and guidance to other personnel assisting on assigned projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those required at Level I plus knowledge of current professional standards for collections care; of collections registration methods; and of appropriate storage and exhibition materials. Ability is required to organize collection storage; to conduct research on collections; to make presentations to the public; to prepare programs and publications; to assess collections condition; and to prepare collections for exhibit.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, anthropology or a closely related field and two years of experience in the care and management of historical collection or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Level III: Code: U12C Salary Band: J

This is the specialist level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities involving a wide range of advanced level curatorial management work in the care and preservation of historical collection. This may include responsibility for a collection which is large in size and scope or of a specialized nature or for collection consisting of a large variety of objects or materials. Responsibilities may also be assigned for coordinating the work of others in the care of various artifacts included in the collection or research activities concerning the collection; and training of other curatorial staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level consist of those identified in Level II plus knowledge of federal laws and regulations governing historic collections; and of basic cleaning and conservation procedures; and ability to train other curatorial staff.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level II plus one additional year of qualifying experience.

Level IV: Code: U12D Salary Band: K

This is the leadership level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities for the direct supervision of others in maintaining a historic collection. This includes assigning and reviewing work, insuring completion of assigned projects or activities, and providing training and assistance to assigned staff, and may include administrative responsibilities such as performance management, employee development and disciplinary actions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level consist of those identified in Level III plus knowledge of supervisory practices and principles and ability to supervise or direct the work of others.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level III plus one additional year of qualifying experience.