Collections Technician

Job Overview

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called RiverWorks Discovery. Its mission is to inspire stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive.

The Curatorial Department manages a collection of over 22,000 artifacts related to Dubuque County and the history of the Mississippi River. Artifacts under care include the Mathias Ham House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the dredge boat Willam M. Black that is a National Landmark. Essential duties and responsibilities of this position can be grouped under Collection Management, Care, and Interpretation. Primary duties are records-based such as facilitating loans or donations and maintenance and research of catalog records. These functions are followed by monitoring environmental conditions and assisting in storage of artifacts. Additionally, this role is critical to effective use of artifacts and their stories in interpretation. See further details on specific duties under each category below.

This is a full time, permanent position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include vacation time, sick time, paid holidays, medical, dental, flex plan, and 403b retirement plan.

The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.

Primary duties

Collection Management (50%)
•Manages and processes incoming and outgoing loans & donations
•Review and research artifacts to better complete records to improve interpretation and use for education
•Updates collection records to reflect research and/or changes in tiering
•Primary management of the organization’s PastPerfect Online
•Collaborates with Curatorial team to survey, tier & deaccession or dispose of deaccessioned artifacts in compliance with the approved Collection Management Policy

Collection Care (30%)
•Provides proper care and preservation in storing and moving artifacts
•Manages the monitoring of environmental conditions (inputs data, produces monthly reports)
•Conducts randomized collection audit checks for updating condition status
•Assist Curator of Historic Collection in identifying and mitigating hazards to collection and take lead in care on case-by-case basis

Collection Interpretation (20%)
•Collaborate on full department initiatives to increase access to collection through social media and online exhibits.
•Give behind-the-scenes tours, facilitate, and create internal/external programs

Qualifications
•Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in History, Anthropology or related field; Master’s Degree or Certificate equivalent in Museum Studies, Public History, or related field preferred; or equivalent work experience of at least 2 years.
•Preferably have knowledge of PastPerfect Museum Software
•Compatible with Microsoft Suite of programs, specifically Outlook and Excel
•Ability to work independently
•Must be able to read, write and speak the English language
•Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation
•Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check

How to apply
To learn more, visit rivermuseum.org/join-our-team. Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, salary requirements and references to apply@rivermuseum.org or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.

Research suggests that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.