Collections Manager

Los Angeles County Museum Of Natural History Foundation•Los Angeles, CA

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) is seeking a Collections Manager for its History Department, which houses extensive three-dimensional and archival holdings related to Southern California's social, cultural, political, and economic history. These collections are vital for exhibitions, research, and educational programming. The History Department includes the Seaver Center for Western History Research (2D archival collections) and the Material Culture section (3D objects). The new Collections Manager will be a generalist with expertise in archival collections, primarily working in the Seaver Center, but collaborating across the department. The role involves working at both the main museum building in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, and the Vernon Collections Center in Vernon, CA. NHMLAC values an adventurous, inclusive, authentic, and intentional workplace, fostering innovation and collaboration, and seeks candidates passionate about connecting history with Los Angeles's diverse communities.

Requirements

Master’s degree with specialization in an applicable field and experience in the collection, organization, care and/or conservation of historical archival collections; or a bachelor’s degree in an applicable field and 3 years collection experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Expert knowledge of factors important to the management of historical archival collections, such as historical time periods, preservation of common document, photo, and film types, and community standards and existing best practices in archival collections.
Working knowledge of the care and management of object-based (non-archival) collections.
Demonstrated experience assessing, arranging, processing, and describing collections and writing finding aids.
Experience with collections management systems or software typically used in historical or archival collections; working knowledge of metadata principles, cataloging standards (e.g., MARC, DACS, Dublin Core), and common tools like OCLC.
Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication.
Ability to write reports, grants, professional correspondence, and procedure documentation.

Nice To Haves

MLIS or MLS degree from an ALA-accredited program.
Experience with “born digital” historical/archival records and collections, and working knowledge of digital cataloguing and preservation.
Working knowledge of practices and topics in public history.
Working knowledge of legal topics such as copyright as it pertains to the collection and the use of its objects.
Experience supervising a diverse team of staff, volunteers, and students.

Responsibilities

Cares for the History collection on a day-to-day basis, including organizing, storing, securing and assisting with conserving objects.
Plans and oversees reorganization, re-housing and movement of the collection as necessary and/or directed by the Curator or the institution.
Leads or assists with the development and implementation of plans for collection growth and improvement.
Implements the department’s pest monitoring and management protocols.
Works cooperatively with other collection management and conservation staff to achieve the highest level of collection care and productivity across the History Department and the museum.
Provides documentation for the collection, including assessing and processing acquisitions, cataloging, entering/updating database records, creating finding aids, inventorying, enhancing documentation through digitization, and researching object information.
Initiates, plans, implements, and oversees projects independently and/or as directed by the curator or the institution.
Answers queries from researchers, colleagues, donors, and members of the public; facilitates and supervises visits and access to objects and metadata.
Scans/digitizes objects and shares collection records, finding aids, and related materials through external repositories.
Responds to requests to license collection materials for use or publication, including negotiating agreement terms.
Supports the Museum’s public activities and programs, including but not limited to collection tours, supporting exhibition development and maintenance, and participation in public events.
Stays current with professional fields related to the collection including trends and techniques in historical/archival collections management, archival research, conservation, digitization, informatics, documentation, ethics, and legal compliance, through avenues such as participation in professional societies, working groups, workshops, and conferences.
Trains, supervises, and manages collections personnel, including interns, students and volunteers.