Collections Technician - Grand Rapids Public Museum

Posted on 1/23/25

FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-exempt

Hours: Part-time up to 29.0 hrs/wk. Some evenings, weekends & holidays are required as needed

Compensation: $17.00/hour to start, (.50 after 90 days, .50 after 1 year)

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is the oldest and second-largest museum in the state of Michigan. We are a place of never-ending learning and discovery, with programs and exhibits focusing on history, science, and culture. The employee culture of the GRPM is one of teamwork, excitement, and learning. As an integral part of the West Michigan community, the Museum is open daily to visitors and hosts after-hours public events and programs, as well as private events and weddings. The entire GRPM team works to create positive visitor experiences through engaging exhibits and programs, and a safe, clean, welcoming space.

SUMMARY:

The Collections Technician ensures the tracking, packing, and safe handling of the Museum’s collections as they are used in exhibits, programs, events, and special projects. They must be able to safely handle a wide variety of objects including small and delicate pieces as well as using proper equipment to move large and heavy ones. This position reports to the Registrar & Collections Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Safely and carefully transporting museum objects between storage, exhibition spaces, and classrooms at several facilities in Grand Rapids.
• Explaining and demonstrating safe object-handling practices to interns, volunteers, teachers, students, researchers, and members of the public.
• Completing regular condition reports for museum objects.
• Assist with ongoing object-level accessioning and collection inventory.
• Prepare objects for research, loan, exhibition and program use.
• Ensure proper storage environment for museum objects including re-housing and mount construction, pest management, and environmental monitoring.
• Cleaning, organization, and maintenance of museum objects, exhibitions, and storage areas.
• Managing work rooms and archival supplies.
• Other duties as assigned.

WORKSKILLS:

• Strong people skills; work and communicate diplomatically and courteously with staff, other team members, volunteers, guests, departments, and key stakeholders to meet common objectives and desired outcomes.
• Must be organized, dependable, punctual and possess a strong work ethic.
• Must have strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace and department software systems.
• Demonstrated ability to confront problems head-on and ability to resolve them.
• Demonstrated ability to complete repetitive tasks. 

EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge of basic museum conservation and registration practices, including artifact handling, packing, and storage methods.
• One year of museum or related experience is required (two or more years desired).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in managing time, work assignments, processes and resources to produce desired outcomes.
• Demonstrate strong written and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Proven ability to function effectively in a team environment and work independently.
• Ability to work tactfully, and effectively and follow both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and work well with others.
• Ability to be flexible and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to operate with confidential sensitive information.
• Proficiency with tools as they relate to the assembly of storage systems, fabrication of support mounts for artifacts, special packing or shipping containers, etc.
• Familiarity with basic moving and handling equipment, such as two-wheelers, pallet jacks, etc.
• Must have the ability to drive larger vehicles, i.e. cargo/moving vans, box trucks
• Must have a valid Michigan Driver’s License.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience and education.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Manual dexterity to operate equipment, climb ladders up to a height of 12 feet, reach objects in high places, move objects, operate hand and power tools, move, bend, twist and stoop in performance of job duties.
• Perform job duties on uneven working and walking surfaces.
• Must be able to move and lift up to 50 pounds.
• You must also have the ability to walk, climb stairs, and stand for extended periods.
• May require work from mechanical lifts at a height of 45 feet.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Multiple settings include standard business offices, climate-controlled warehouse storage areas, fieldwork, and public exhibition galleries.
• Indoor and outdoor work and may have exposure to chemicals.
• Professional, creative, and business setting with friendly, public interaction.