Collections Assistant
BUFFALO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE POSITION DESCRIPTION
Collections Assistant
Inspiring curiosity through exploration
Dep’t./Division: Collections
Position Title: Collections Assistant
Primary Reporting Responsibility: Director of Collections
Status: Full time/exempt
Overview: The staff of the Buffalo Museum of Science accomplishes its goals through the implementation of strong team processes and procedures. All staff are recruited, trained, directed and developed with this in mind. While staff will have position descriptions and well-defined reporting responsibilities, they are required to be flexible in both. They will at times be asked to perform as part of project teams or task forces, where their reporting responsibility and work requirements may be different from, while related to, their basic position description. BMS senior staff is committed to identifying, nourishing, and employing the unique strengths and interests each person brings with them to their position here.
Summary of Position: Seeking an organized and energetic individual to manage and develop the Museum’s catalog using PastPerfect Museum Software.
The Collections Assistant will ensure the overall integrity, functionality and security of the Collections Management Database as it relates to the permanent and loaned collection of the Buffalo Museum of Science. In addition to cataloging new acquisitions, the candidate will implement a collection wide inventory and photo documentation project.
Essential Functions:
• Manage and maintain PastPerfect database
• Photo document BMS collection items as assigned
• Implement online access to the Museum’s catalog
• Work closely with Collections Department staff to ensure the proper and consistent entry of data and to develop internal standards for data entry and reporting utilizing approved museum standards
• Work closely with the IT Department to ensure the overall integrity, functionality and security of the data stored within
• Work closely with others utilizing the database to ensure the proper and consistent entry of data
• In conjunction with IT, coordinate maintenance of files and consistent data backup
• Data entry as required
• Perform general administrative duties as required
• Complete special projects and basic research as assigned
• Transition older collection databases into pan-collections catalog using PastPerfect Software
• Supervise volunteers and interns where appropriate
• Participate in team projects as needed
• Facilitate and supervise access to the Museum’s collection
Qualifications, Experience, Skills:
• Minimum of Bachelors degree in museum studies or related field. Masters degree preferred. Advanced coursework in biology or natural sciences recommended.
• Demonstrated experience with database software, specifically PastPerfect, required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experience in object photography required
• Good people skills – speaking, listening, writing, friendly disposition
• Strong organizational and creative problem-solving skills
• Self-motivator, ability to work independently
Physical Requirements:
• Able to move moderately heavy items
• Position requires sitting at a desk and utilizing a computer for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.
Salary:
• Please include salary requirements with application
Please send cover letter, curriculum vitae, salary requirements and names of three references via USPS or email to:
Kathryn H. Leacock
Director of Collections
Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14211
Applications will be accepted until November 7th 2015.