Project Description

Maine Maritime Museum (MMM), located in Bath, Maine seeks two Collection Specialists to fill roles associated with an Institute of Museum and Library Services Museums for America grant. MMM plans to conduct a comprehensive inventory, cataloging, and digitization project in its principal collection storage space, which holds more than 9,000 objects. The project will provide the museum with substantially improved intellectual and physical control of a large portion of its object collection, resulting in increased access and improved collection care. A quality online catalog will increase public access to the collections, provide an opportunity to reach wider audiences, and expand collaborative opportunities with educators and cultural heritage organizations. Staff will be able to create programming more efficiently, and researchers will have access to a more robust and accommodating online database. The museum currently cares for more than 20,000 objects, over 2,000 linear feet of archival material, and thousands of reference materials.

Position Description

The Collection Specialist is a full-time, two-year grant-funded project position at Maine Maritime Museum to run from October 2021 - December 2023. This position will be responsible for inventorying, cataloging, and imaging historic materials in the museum's principal storage area. The roughly 9,000 items include models, clothing and textiles, furniture, fishing materials, and other 3D and 2D cultural heritage objects. Catalog information, including basic condition reporting for each item, will be added to item records in the museum's Collection Management System. Digital assets, including images, will also be added to each item record. Working under the supervision of the Manager of Collections and Library Services and the Assistant Curator, the Collection Specialist will follow cataloging and digital imaging standards adopted by the museum, participate in regular project meetings, and adhere to best practices for object handling.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in history, art history, American studies, or a related field is required. Graduate coursework in history, art history, library science, museum studies, or other related fields are preferred. Previous cataloging, object handing, and digitization experience is required. Familiarity with FADGI, Dublin Core metadata standards, PastPerfect, and American maritime material culture are preferred. This position requires the ability to perform well in a team environment, sit and stand for extended periods of time, and occasionally lift items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Salary is $18.00 per hour.

Application Requirements

Applications will be accepted until both positions are filled. Please send cover letter and resume by email to hr@maritimeme.org, or mail to Debbie Seybold, Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St, Bath, ME 04530.

Date posted: August 2021

This position is subject to sex offender and criminal background checks.

MMM is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MMM follows CDC guidelines.