Collections Assistant

Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society•Buffalo, NY

2d•$34,000 - $38,000

About The Position

Join The Buffalo History Museum as the full-time Collections Assistant. This two-year, donor funded role offers emerging museum professionals a unique opportunity to work closely with our extensive museum collection, helping to preserve and document invaluable artifacts. You will gain hands-on experience in managing collections and archives while connecting deeply with the rich heritage of the Buffalo area. The expected salary for this role ranges from $34,000 to $38,000 per year. You can get great benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b), Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, and Paid Time Off. If you are passionate about history and eager to make an impact, this position could be the perfect stepping stone in your career. Join us in shaping the narrative of Buffalo's past. Your responsibilities as a Collections Assistant As a full-time Collections Assistant at The Buffalo History Museum, you will play a pivotal role in collections and archives management, dedicating 80% of your time to working closely with our knowledgeable collections and archives staff. Your responsibilities will include coordinating targeted inventories on potential deaccessions, ensuring compliance with museum policies, and maintaining detailed documentation. You will oversee the preservation and cataloging of the Iconography Collection, ensuring that best practices guide our efforts in addressing storage and housing challenges. The remaining 20% of your role will focus on conducting research on collection items to enhance our understanding and interpretation, as well as facilitating communication with external organizations regarding deaccessions, including organizing transfers and shipping. What matters most To thrive as a full-time Collections Assistant at The Buffalo History Museum, candidates must possess a strong appreciation for our mission and commitment to preserving local history. A degree in museum studies, Library and Information Science (MLIS), or a related field, or relevant work experience in the museum sector, is essential. Proficiency in collections management software will enable you to manage our extensive museum collection effectively. A solid understanding of best practices in collection management, including handling, documentation, storage, and preservation, is crucial. Strong problem-solving and project management skills will help you adapt to changing priorities while managing multiple tasks and projects efficiently. Attention to detail and accuracy is vital for completing your responsibilities. Additionally, the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team or independently, combined with excellent communication skills and competence in Microsoft Office 365, will contribute to your success in this dynamic role.

Requirements

A strong appreciation for our mission and commitment to preserving local history
A degree in museum studies, Library and Information Science (MLIS), or a related field, or relevant work experience in the museum sector, is essential
Proficiency in collections management software
A solid understanding of best practices in collection management, including handling, documentation, storage, and preservation
Strong problem-solving and project management skills
Attention to detail and accuracy
The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team or independently
Excellent communication skills and competence in Microsoft Office 365

Responsibilities

Coordinating targeted inventories on potential deaccessions
Ensuring compliance with museum policies
Maintaining detailed documentation
Overseeing the preservation and cataloging of the Iconography Collection
Conducting research on collection items to enhance our understanding and interpretation
Facilitating communication with external organizations regarding deaccessions, including organizing transfers and shipping