Jobs and Internships

Collections Stewardship & Digitization Intern

Overview

Maine Maritime Museum (MMM) is an independent, nonprofit institution dedicated to celebrating Maine’s vibrant maritime culture. Because this culture includes different backgrounds, perspectives, and voices—and because our museum welcomes visitors from around the world—our institution is firmly committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. If you believe in museums’ important role to reveal the past, to inform the present, and to shape the future, we invite you to join our team. You will join us on the beautiful banks of the Kennebec River, on a twenty-acre campus where collaboration and creativity are encouraged.

Position Summary

This position will support an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant conducting a comprehensive inventory, cataloging, and digitization project in its principal collection storage space. 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. The internship provides exposure to wide-ranging Collections Management activities and an opportunity to work with a diverse collection that includes models, clothing and textiles, furniture, fishing gear, and other 3D and 2D cultural heritage objects.

The primary role of the internship is to enhance online collections access and engagement through assistance with photo-documentation and related digital asset management activities. Reporting to the Collections Manager, and working closely with other project staff and volunteers, the Intern will gain an understanding of best practices in digital collections, metadata standards, collection database management, and museum registrarial practice.

Specific Duties

• §  Prepare and transport objects for digital photography in imaging studio
• §  Maintain imaging lists with accurate object data
• §  Post processing of image files using photo-editing software
• §  Publish images to collections database
• §  Data entry in adherence to established metadata standards
• §  Object cleaning and rehousing
• §  Craft social media posts
• §  Generate reports
• §  Collections provenance research

Qualifications

• §  Baccalaureate or Graduate coursework in History, Art History, Museum Studies, or related discipline
• §  Excellent written and organizational skills
• §  Ability to perform repetitive tasks with close attention to detail
• §  Ability to work independently or in close collaboration within a team
• §  Desire and openness to learn new skills and methodologies
• §  Photography experience and post-processing knowledge a plus

Terms & How to Apply

This internship opportunity is part-time position for a period of 10 weeks, June 4-August 11, 2023. Internships are hourly positions and will not exceed 40 hours/week.  Compensation for this opportunity is $16/hour and includes off-site housing. Transportation to and from the museum is not provided.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@maritimeme.orgwith subject line “Collections Stewardship & Digitization Intern.” Review of applications will begin March 10, 2023. 

Maine Maritime Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, age, protected genetic information, status as a parent, marital status, political affiliation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

February 2023

Kennebec Explorer Camp Counselor

Overview
Maine Maritime Museum (MMM) is an independent, nonprofit institution dedicated to celebrating Maine’s vibrant culture. Because this vibrant culture includes different backgrounds, perspectives, and voices—and because our museum welcomes visitors from around the world—our institution is firmly committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. If you believe in museums’ important role to reveal the past, to inform the present, and to shape the future, we invite you to join our team. You will join us on the beautiful banks of the Kennebec River, on a twenty-acre campus where collaboration and creativity are encouraged.

Position Summary

The Kennebec Explorer Camp Counselor supports the mission and goals of Maine Maritime Museum by teaching and facilitating programs developed by museum educators and collaborative partners. These programs occur both on the museum campus and on field trips off site.

Under direct supervision of the Camp Leader and working in close collaboration with other camp staff, this position is responsible for preparing and delivering environmentally focused recreational camp programs and activities, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of campers, and overseeing early drop-off and late pick up for campers.

Successful applicants will have experience with elementary youth, such as through babysitting, camp roles, or youth leadership. This position requires creative thinkers who are passionate about fostering community through interdisciplinary learning and relationship-building. They must model mature, appropriate, and positive behaviors to campers through a cheerful and engaging demeanor, and exercise respect and safety in designing and delivering interactive, hands-on educational lessons and activities.  Camp counselors need to be comfortable teaching environmental sciences and maritime history through a variety of modalities such as creative play and art-making. The Camp Leader and education staff will provide training and lesson plans for the counselor position.

Specific Duties

• ·         Ensure a safe, friendly, and educationally engaging environment for campers, grades 2-5
• ·         Collaborate with Counselors and Leaders to develop and deliver lessons and activities
• ·         When not leading, assist with all educational programs and activities
• ·         Prepare materials, crafts and games for camp programs
• ·         Communicate regularly with all camp staff regarding plans, concerns, and new ideas
• ·         Ensure the timely, focused, and effective transition of campers from one activity location to another
• ·         Identify and support campers who require special attention; establish and follow action plans with other staff to ensure a positive experience for all campers
• ·         Engage with parents/guardians and provide them with excellent customer service
• ·         Report behavior management issues and injuries to Camp Leaders and Museum Educator
• ·         Read and adhere to regulations and procedures in camp operations binder, including injury log book
• ·         Prioritize a camper-focused atmosphere, be appropriate, minimize personal conversations and phone usage
• ·         Prepare for the day and be ready to supervise campers at 8am or 9:30am
• ·         Oversee early drop-off and late pick-up activities
• ·         Other duties and responsibilities as required

Job Requirements and Skills

·         Applicant must be over 16 years of age

·         Experience working with elementary aged children, such as through babysitting, camp roles or youth leaders. Camp experience and/or environmental education experience preferred but not required

·         First Aid certification preferred

·         Excellent time-management and organizational skills with the ability to work as a team-player

·         Ability to be flexible and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision

·         Knowledge and passion fostering inclusive learning environments and creating mentorship among campers

 

Terms and How to Apply

The Kennebec Explorer Camp Counselor position is a part-time (not to exceed 40 hours/week), seasonal position in Bath, Maine.  The position will not extend beyond the end of August 2023.  Pay: $15.00/hour.

Please submit your cover letter and resume to: hr@maritimeme.org

Maine Maritime Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, age, protected genetic information, status as a parent, marital status, political affiliation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

February 2023

The Castine Historical Society offers a graduate level internship for students enrolled in master’s degree or Ph.D. programs in museum studies, history, public history, or archival studies. The internship contract is for eight weeks at 35 hours/week, and is compensated with a $3,000 stipend. The start date is flexible between June 20 and July 5, 2023.

Castine is a small, coastal village that is home to the Maine Maritime Academy and a year- round population of 1,400 people which nearly doubles in the summer. It is part of the unceded territory of the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes, located where the Penobscot and Bagaduce Rivers meet on the Maine coast. Europeans built trading posts in the early 1600s and political claims to the peninsula and its deep, secure harbor remained contentious from that time through the War of 1812. Development in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries represents a microcosm of American commercial and cultural history.

The Historical Society occupies two historic buildings on Castine’s town common and is a 501(c)(3) membership organization with a paid staff of three and an active volunteer Board of Directors. Changing and permanent exhibits are hosted in the 1859 Abbott Schoolhouse. In 2015, the Society completed construction of a climate-controlled, fireproof storage facility, research center, and administrative offices located next door in its restored c. 1850 Grindle House.

This internship is designed to give graduate students an opportunity to gain experience with professional staff in a local history setting. In addition to the projects outlined below, the intern will participate in the day-to-day activities of the Castine Historical Society, attending staff and Board meetings as well as programs and fundraising events. No previous experience in these areas is needed. The Historical Society’s Collections Manager works with the student to structure the internship to meet requirements for academic credit as needed. While the internship will take place mostly on weekdays, some weekend hours are required.

The Historical Society will provide the intern with information on rental options for housing.

Projects

Collections

The Historical Society’s collections are at the core of its mission and programs, and include archives, photographs, artworks, and objects. Archival records comprise the largest part of the collections. The intern will be mainly responsible for physically processing archival collections and creating associated finding aids. Depending on interest, there is also an option to undertake a photo digitization project. Additionally, the intern will create and curate a small exhibition of materials at the local Witherle Memorial Library, based on the collection(s) they have worked with.

Walking Tour Program

The Castine Historical Society also provides free public tours of Castine history and private tours by appointment. The intern will join a small group of volunteers who give these tours. Resources and time to study Castine’s history are built into the first week of the internship. As well, the intern will shadow a volunteer guide and practice his/her tour before being the guide.

A Successful Candidate Will:

• Be currently enrolled in a history, museum, or archives related graduate program
• Show sincere interest in documenting and sharing local history
• Demonstrate proven attention to detail
• Possess social skills for working with staff and volunteers
• Work well independently and as part of a team
• Display professional behavior and a customer service attitude

To Apply

Send the following materials by Thursday, April 20, 2023, to Jules Thomson via email at curator@castinehistoricalsociety.org (please include the word “internship” in the subject line) or by post to Castine Historical Society, P.O. Box 238, Castine, Maine 04421.

• Cover letter describing your
  • Need for the experience offered by this internship
  • Course of study including internship requirements
  • Availability (start date is flexible between June 20 and July 5)
• Résumé summarizing work experience and education
• Letter of support from a faculty member in your graduate program
• Names and contact information for two references from previous work or volunteer experiences.

Interviews will be conducted virtually via Zoom.

The Castine Historical Society is committed to fostering equity and inclusion in the public history and information science fields. We strongly encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.

The Castine Historical Society (CHS), a vibrant and financially stable regional organization located in historic Castine, Maine, seeks an enthusiastic part-time Exhibit Coordinator to oversee its program of changing exhibitions.  This hands-on position is part of a team of four staff members, enhanced by volunteers, interns, and Board members. The Historical Society is an outward facing organization known for its innovative exhibitions, scholarly programs, and collaborations with community non-profits. 

CHS organizes thematic exhibits on Castine’s history every one to two years. The exhibits are open to the public from early June through mid-October. CHS relies on paid guest curators or in-house expertise to curate these exhibitions. The Exhibit Coordinator will work year-round with staff, the Exhibits Committee, and any contract guest curators to ensure that the exhibits are high quality and produced within budget and on a timely basis. The position is 14 hour per week for a total of 728 hours per year. It pays $20.60 per hour for a total yearly salary of $15,000. The schedule is adaptable to accommodate outside job opportunities. On-site work is required; however, occasional remote work is possible. This position will report to the Executive Director and serve on the Exhibits Committee.

Send résumé and cover letter outlining your museum exhibit experience by February 28 to director@castinehistoricalsociety.org. The Castine Historical Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strongly encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Exhibit Planning

·        Assist staff and Exhibits Committee to create a five-year schedule of exhibitions

·        Work collaboratively with the CHS Collections Manager to become familiar with Castine history and the CHS collection to assist with organizing exhibits

·        Assist Executive Director with the creation and monitoring of the yearly exhibition budget and help ensure that exhibits are produced within budget

·        Assist with hiring and supervising of exhibit consultants if required

Exhibit Production

·        Create and monitor an exhibit schedule to ensure exhibits open on schedule

·        Maintain high levels of scholarship while participating in researching content for exhibits as needed

·        Design exhibit layouts or assist contract exhibit curators with same

·        Assist Exhibits Committee members and or exhibit consultants to edit labels and interpretive panels

·        Coordinate off-site production of exhibit labels, interpretive panels, and exhibition furniture, or other installation design needs  

·        Schedule, oversee, and assist with exhibit installation and deinstallation with volunteers, staff, and exhibit consultants

·        Work with lenders to secure loans including preparing loan agreements, scheduling transportation, and all correspondence

Other Duties as Assigned

·        Perform other duties/tasks as assigned by supervisor

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, American studies, or a related field is required. The ideal candidate will have experience in exhibition coordination, design, and project management. A knowledge of and desire to continue to learn Maine, New England, and Castine history is essential. The candidate should be proficient in historical research and have excellent writing and editing skills. Must be proficient with technology, especially databases, scanners, and image processing, as well as Microsoft Office and Adobe suites. The ideal candidate will have experience working as part of a team and taking direction, as well as the ability to work independently. Must display exceptional attention to detail and have experience with project management including budgeting and scheduling and have excellent organizational skills.

You may need to sit and stand for extended periods of time, and occasionally lift items weighing up to 25 pounds. Proof of vaccinations for COVID-19 are conditions of employment.

Position: Visitor Services Associate 

(2 FT Seasonal Positions Available/Part-Time Considered), Eligible for PTO & Sick Days

Supervisor: Manager of Visitor Services

Rate: $18 per hour

Location: Downtown Bar Harbor, 26 Mount Desert Street

JOB SUMMARY

Visitor Services Associates are responsible for greeting museum guests, assisting in the museum shop and admissions, interpreting museum exhibits, maintaining the museum's appearance, and assisting with programs and tours as needed. All work is carried out within a decolonizing context and in a team-based work environment.

DAILY TASKS

• Open and/or close gift shop and admission desk and galleries, as required.
• Assist with gift shop and admissions operations, including selling and distributing admissions tickets and gift shop sales, tracking admissions and shop inventory, maintaining displays, and providing support for programs and tours, as necessary.
• Assist with technology within exhibition galleries, including TVs and iPads.
• Maintain and sustain clean, stocked, and organized workstations and public spaces, including cleaning and sanitizing as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Work Experience: Minimum 1-3 years of experience in a fast-paced, busy, customer service-focused retail, hospitality, or cultural environment.
• Minimum 1-year experience as a cashier, teller, or operating a Point of Sale system.
• Familiarity with technology, such as cash registers and online programs.
• Education: Associate’s degree or commensurate experience.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent time management and ability to work efficiently
• Demonstrated punctuality and dependability
• Ability to work well within a team environment, to communicate well, and to conduct constructive problem resolution
• Bi- or multi-lingual candidates and those proficient in American Sign Language are strongly encouraged to apply

Must be able to provide flexibility with scheduling and be available to work weekdays, some weekends, some night events, and assist with off-site programming from the middle of April through the beginning of November. Reliable transportation is required. Masks may be required for all staff at all times inside the museum (we will supply KN95 masks).

TO APPLY

Please email your resume and contact information for 2 references in PDF format. Save both files as Your Last Name_First Name_2023_Seasonal Staff. Send to shop@abbemuseum.org. No phone calls, please.

Operations Manager for the Fifth Maine Regiment Museum on Peaks Island

 

Basic Details:

• Date Posted: 2/15/2023
• Date Needed: 5/1/2023
• Location: Peaks Island, ME
• Primary Category: Administrative
• Salary: $20/hour
• Type of Position: Part-time

 

Experience Requirement:

The ideal candidate will have 1-2 years experience in organizational or corporate communications, managing staffing schedules, and/or coordinating a rental venue.

 

Description & Details:

This is a part-time, hybrid-remote position for a small, seasonal history museum.

 

The position requires approximately 20 hours/week from May-September, and approximately 10 hours/week from October-April. The position can be fully remote from November-March, partially remote otherwise. Candidates must be able to support the museum in-person, as needed, June-September. Some evening and weekend hours will be required to support private events and fundraisers.

 

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Operations Manager will report directly to the museum’s President of the Board of Directors.

 

Communications Support

• Candidate will support the President of the Board in preparing and issuing member newsletters, thank you letters, membership drive, and annual appeal fundraiser.

 

Facility rental coordination

• Candidate will coordinate rental of the museum facility for small private events, corporate off-site meetings, and evening programs.

• Candidate will promote the facility as an event venue.

• Candidate will order cleaning and office supplies as required.

 

Fundraising event support 

• Candidate will support the President of the Board in organizing several fund-raising events during weekend hours June - September.

 

Docents/Guest Services Associate Management

• Candidate will create and manage schedule for museum staff and volunteers.

• Candidate will promote and support evening programming June-September.

• Candidate will submit weekly payroll for museum staff.

Requirements:

Candidate should be comfortable with technology platforms for publishing communications, tracking donations, managing staff, and tracking payroll.

Excellent communication skills.

Preference given to candidates already familiar with:

• Google Drive
• Word / Excel
• Past Perfect
• Signup Genius

Minimum education requirement is an associate degree. Preference given to candidates with a degree in business administration, museum studies, or history.

Upon being hired by the Fifth Maine Museum, new employees are required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

 

Work conditions:

The Fifth Maine Regiment Museum is an oceanside, Queen Anne-style shingle “cottage” located on Peaks Island in Maine (accessible only by ferry from Portland), built in 1888. It is a rare survivor from the Civil War reunion era, a unique piece of American history. Today, the building houses the Fifth Maine Museum, a museum that tells two intriguing and related stories through objects, artifacts and exhibits: the story of the Fifth Maine Civil War Regiment and the history of Peaks Island--from its early settlement, to its days as the "Coney Island of Maine,” to its role during World War II and beyond. The Fifth Maine Museum is also an active community center, hosting dozens of community events each year for local non-profits and organizations.

The museum is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday from Memorial Day through the end of June, and again from Labor Day through Indigenous People’s Day. It is open every day of the week during July and August. Opening hours are 10am-3pm.

 

Physical requirements:

The museum was built in 1888 and is not fully ADA-compliant – the office on the second floor is only accessible by stairs. However, the dining room on the lower level can also be used as an office since Wi-Fi is located throughout the building. The museum is located about 0.5 miles from the ferry landing and can be reached by walking or using the island taxi service that is available at the ferry landing.

How to Submit an Application:

Please send your resume and two references to: fifthmainemuseum@gmail.com before March 15, 2022. Candidates will be contacted via email to arrange virtual interviews conducted between March 20th and March 31st. Candidates will be notified of the Board’s hiring decision by April 15th.

Archivist II

Augusta, Maine, United States | Professional & Technical | Full-time | Partially remoteply

Job Class Code: 0282
Grade: 19
Salary: $18.17 - $24.21
Opening: January 27, 2023

Closing: February 24, 2023
 

The Department of the Secretary of State, Maine State Archives is seeking candidates for an Archivist II position within the Archives Service Division. This important position will ensure access and serve as a reference archivist for Maine State Government’s records, dating from 1636 to the present day. The Maine State Archives is at the beginning of a new phase, as Maine State Government moves from a paper to digital format in records keeping. The Maine State Archives seeks a creative and visionary individual to serve as the Archivist II to ensure access to both paper and digital records for all Maine residents and state agencies. The Archivist II also works closely with the Archivist III to ensure the smooth operations of daily activities of the Archives Services division.

This is professional services work involving archival research and reference services in a specialized area.  This class is differentiated from the Archivist I level in that in the absence of the Archivist III, there are clear responsibilities for coordinating and supervising work of subordinate staff, contract workers, and interns involved in assisting researchers.  Work is performed under limited supervision. The Archivist II reports directly to the Archivist III. The work schedule is Monday through Friday.

The Maine State Archives strives to make the historical records of Maine State Government widely accessible to the public. The mission of the Maine State Archives is to make the operations of state and local government more efficient, more effective, and more economical through records management by preserving and providing access to the public the permanent historical records of Maine in our custody. 

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS: 

• The Archivist II monitors Search Room activities, coordinating and overseeing the work of paraprofessional employees in order ensure assistance is provided to users. This includes a primary responsibility to answer reference questions.
• Primary person to schedule and ensure staff support is assigned for visiting in-person researchers.
• Researches and references a specialized field or a major segment of records/record groups to develop finding aids for complex subject matter and obscure administrative history.
• Processes archival collections and catalogs materials in the RM (Access) database and ArchivesSpace and creates finding aids.
• Speaks before groups, provides tours, and responds to written inquiries from State agencies as needed.

To be successful, you will need:

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to government records.
• Knowledge of law, rules, and regulations pertaining to confidentiality.
• Knowledge of software systems related to digital imaging, management, access, and preservation.
• Knowledge of methods, techniques, and materials used in the care and preservation of permanent records in hard copy and electronic copy.
• Knowledge of sources, methods, and techniques of scholarly research.
• Knowledge of Maine and American History.
• Ability to learn and adapt new technologies.
• Ability to articulate highly technical concepts and requirements to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to speak in public.
• Ability to lift and carry approximately 40 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders.

Minimum qualifications: 

• A six (6) year combination of education, training, and/or professional experience in related archival services, information systems, electronic data storage management, and advanced research methods and techniques.

For more information or questions, please contact:  Lucia.A.Nadeau@Maine.gov or call (207) 624-9010.

Benefits:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: 

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,150.80-$11,345.04 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  

• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value). 

• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program. 

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

Maine State Government is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Apply

The Brick Store Museum is offering two internship opportunities this summer of 2023:

Internship Timeframe: Generally 8 weeks at 10 hours per week (100 hours total). The intern is expected to work with staff on a variety of projects within the timeframe agreed at the start.

Projects may include the following (finalized after acceptance and discussion with the intern to determine mutually beneficial project):

Collections Internship:

· Cataloging locations and updating condition reports for the Museum’s art collection, recently re-installed and re-organized on a new storage system, using PastPerfect5 software.

· Researching and writing Collection Spotlight articles highlighting objects in the Museum’s collection.

Education Internship:

· Assist completion of the Museum’s virtual Shipbuilding Odyssey maritime history smartphone tour, using ARCGIS StoryMaps and primary documents in the Museum’s archives.

· Work with Museum Education Team to develop and carry-out in-gallery activities corresponding to exhibitions.

Qualifications: Intern should be in the process of completing or recently completed his/her undergraduate or graduate degree in; history, education, museum studies, anthropology, archaeology or a related subject. Intern should be a self-starter, detail oriented, and able to work independently. Strong inter-personal skills and organizational skills a plus.

Stipends ($1000) are supported by the Spofford Museum Advancement Fund. Interns who complete their work can expect a stipend at the end of their service.

To Apply:

Please email your resume and cover letter explaining how your skills and experience to date would support one or more of the projects described above and which internship interests you to Joyce Schnaars, Museum Educator, at jschnaars@brickstoremuseum.org. Note: Interviews begin in March

Now recruiting for a dynamic Executive Director to continue to support the mission and goals of this established community-based organization. Responsibilities include Mission-driven directing of operations on two campuses; collaborating with the Board of Trustees for sustainable strategic planning; supervising a small team of employees and volunteers; fiscal management; grant experience. Responsibilities also include curating, interpreting, and leading exhibits, programs that are central to the Moosehead Lake Region's vibrant community history and heritage; the ability to engage a diverse public, officials, and agencies.

A successful candidate must possess exceptional written and verbal communication with a strong desire to be a dynamic leader.

Benefits of this full-time, salaried position, in the $41K range, include paid time off, training, and flexible scheduling.

Submit cover letter, resume, and the names of three professional references with contact information to:
Moosehead Historical Society, Inc.
P.O. Box 1116
Greenville, Maine 04441
email:  mooseheadhistory@myfairpoint.net

~ no phone calls, please ~ 

Mission: To devote our resources to the discovery, identification, collection, preservation, interpretation, and sharing of materials

which document the history of the Moosehead Lake Region and its people; to further interest in the history of the Moosehead Lake Region and its watershed, especially the settlements and towns and citizens, past and present. The Society's mission is also to protect and preserve the Eveleth-Crafts-Sheridan Historical House and any other real estate the corporation may hold.

Maine Historical Society

Job Description

Reference Assistant

POSITION TITLE:               Reference Assistant

STATUS:                               Non-exempt                                     

SCHEDULE:                         Part-time, up to 28 hours per week

REPORTS TO:                     MHS Research & Administrative Librarian  

DATE:                                    01/10/2023

1. POSITION SUMMARY

The MHS Reference Assistant supports research and collections in the MHS Brown Library by answering ready-reference questions, undertaking research and reproduction services, providing patron orientation and access to collections, and monitoring reading room activities. Work includes conducting reference interviews, retrieving and reshelving collections, implementing library policy and procedure, and supporting library operations. The position provides reference desk coverage, works directly with patrons, provides collection use instruction, and helps maintain an orderly reading room. Other duties include stack maintenance, reviewing incoming materials, as well undertaking research for the institution. The position is part of the Brown Research Library’s front-line staff and the MHS Collections & Research department.  

2. DIRECT REPORTS

This position does not supervise staff; occasionally supervises interns and volunteers.

3. FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• ·         Provides reference services for in-house, electronic and telephone inquiries including answering ready-reference questions, conducting reference interviews, patron communication, compiling statistics, and authoring written replies.
• ·         Provides patron orientation including researcher registration, outlining reading room policy and procedure, and collection handling.
• ·         Implements reading room security and provides oversight of active researchers.  
• ·         Supports the MHS Research & Administrative Librarian with fee-based research services and reproduction requests.
• ·         Retrieves and re-shelves materials in open and secure stacks.
• ·         Helps maintain a clean, secure, and clutter-free reading room.
• ·         Provides bibliographic instruction for MHS databases, including internal (Minerva/OPAC; Maine Memory Network; Collections Database; membership resources) and subscription databases (Ancestry.com; Heritage Quest; Sanborn Maps; JSTOR).
• ·         Recommends necessary updates to catalogues, finding aids or housing labels.
• ·         Supports in-depth and internal research requests as needed.
• ·         Performs stack maintenance, including shifting and filing collections, re-housing, and light preservation work.
• ·         Reviews incoming library materials (books, pamphlets, journals, etc.) for inclusion in library holdings.
• ·         Other duties as assigned.

4. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• ·         An advanced degree (or currently enrolled) in Library Science or related humanities-based program.
• ·         Familiarity with special collections/archival reference services and settings.  
• ·         Demonstrated experience with researching within special collections and archives, including using finding aids and collection handling.
• ·         Demonstrated proficiency in searching an online library catalogue.

·         Strong communication skills:  listening, written, and verbal.

·         An open and positive attitude and enjoy working with the public.

·         Strong computer skills and ability to learn new programs when needed.

·         Ability to solve problems in a changing environment, high degree of flexibility and adaptability. 

·         Ability to adhere to and implement institutional protocol and methodologies.

·         Strong initiative combined with a willingness to take direction. 

·         Reliability and dependability; ability to work independently or as part of a group.

·         Ability to multi-task and facilitate several projects simultaneously.

·         Ability to lift 25 lbs. and reach above one’s head.

5. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

·         MLS or equivalent in Library Science from an ALA Accredited Institution.

·         Special Collections reference experience.

·         Working knowledge of Maine history.

·         Familiarity with genealogical research and family history.

·         Working knowledge of Past Perfect Museum Software.

·         Familiarity with PC platforms, WINDOWS, and Office 365.

·         Experience with archival processing and creating finding aids.

6.WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed on-site in an office and library environment using basic office equipment such as a computer, printer, telephone, and copier.  Work requires sitting, walking, pushing carts, and lifting. All work is performed on-site.

7. SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION:

An ideal schedule is Wednesday-Saturday, 9-5PM. Some degree of flexibility within MHS business hours, but Wednesdays and Saturdays are required. A set schedule (week to week) is required.

$22.00/ hr. with paid time off (PTO). In-town parking is provided.

CONTACT and HOW TO APPLY:

Interested parties should email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two professional references to Cindy Murphy, Office Manager, at cmurphy@mainehistory.org. or

Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress St., Suite 2, Portland, ME 04101-3498  c/o Cindy Murphy.

Application deadline: February 12, 2023.