Assistant Collection Manager at the George Eastman Museum

Job Title: Assistant Collection Manager

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Rochester, NY

Salary: $19.50 – $21.55 (Hourly Wage)

JOB SUMMARY:

Assists the Collection Manager with the care, organization, preservation, and description of objects held in the Department of Photography (DOP) Collection at the George Eastman Museum. Supports the Collection Manager with facilitating access to and providing information about the collection to museum staff, external researchers, and visitors.

JOB DUTIES:

  • Maintain intellectual and physical control of collection: Organize, catalog according to museum standards, house appropriately, and track the movements in and out of storage for all works in the care of the DOP, including incoming acquisitions, works for upcoming and past exhibitions, temporary and long-term loans, and miscellaneous materials related to the collection.
  • Maintain storage spaces: Assist Collection Manager in maintaining cleanliness and organization in all storage spaces. In collaboration with the Conservation Department, care for and preserve the DOP collection according to the most up-to-date scientific research and best practices. This may include but is not limited to monitoring for pests (integrated pest management or IPM), monitoring the environmental conditions in DOP collection storage spaces by compiling data from hygrothermographs, dataloggers (PEM2 and Hobo) and adding data to eClimateNotebook, sharing the information with appropriate staff, and making recommendations accordingly.
  • Support the Gannett Foundation Photography Study Center: Aid the Collection Manager in providing access to the collection for internal and external visitors. Schedule and supervise visits to the Gannett Foundation Photography Study Center as assigned. Visitors include high school and university classes, scholars, photographers, special guests, and members of the public, as well as GEM staff, interns, students, and volunteers.
  • Assist researchers: Respond to internal and external inquiries related to photography collection as assigned.
  • Catalog the collection: Work with other DOP staff to establish and maintain cataloging standards. Create and maintain records for works in DOP’s care in the museum’s collection management system, The Museum System (TMS). Train interns, and volunteers in the application of DOP cataloging standards and protocols as assigned.
  • Maintain supplies: Assist Collection Manager in maintaining stock of housing supplies for collection objects.
  • Provide education: Assist the Collection Manager and Curators in training staff, interns, students and volunteers in the proper handling of collection materials. Occasionally present lectures about photography collection materials and/or their care. These may occasionally fall outside of regular business hours.
  • Refine collection: Assist DOP collection manager and curators in evaluating, refining, and enhancing the photography collection.
  • Organize exhibitions: Position may have the option to organize occasional collection installations for the Selections from the Collection Gallery.
  • Perform additional responsibilities/projects as assigned by the Collection Manager or Curator-in-Charge of the DOP.
  • The duties of this position require standing, walking, sitting, lifting/carrying (40lbs), pushing/pulling (40lbs), balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, speaking, hearing, seeing, depth perception, color vision, and repetitive motion.
  • Work takes place in an office environment with moderate to light noise but Collection duties may require work in high, precarious places with exposure to extreme heat/cold conditions due to climate requirements for the collection.

 

Requirements

Education Requirements:

  • Required: Bachelor’s degree in the history of photography, collections management, museum studies, or a related field.
  • Preferred: Master’s degree in the history of photography, collections management, museum studies, or a related field.

Experience Requirements:

  • 3-6 years previous collection management experience.
  • Knowledge of current preservation protocols and proper handling of all photographic materials, both historical and contemporary.
  • Knowledge of the history of photography.
  • Knowledge of current museum standards, best practices, and ethical guidelines.
  • Experience in proper handling of collection items.
  • Knowledge of photographic process and related identification techniques.
  • Knowledge of issues surrounding intellectual description of museum collections, in particular how to catalog photographs.

Skills and Competencies Requirements

  • Collaborative approach and ability to work both independently and with a team.
  • Positive demeanor and welcoming attitude toward all visitors to the Gannett Foundation Photography Study Center.
  • Other required assets:
    • Attention to detail
    • Highly organized
    • Critical and analytical thinking
    • Ability to work independently or in a group
    • Flexibility
    • Problem solving skills
    • Excellent communication skills
    • Good command of the English language, both written and spoken

 To be considered for this position, please email a cover letter, a current CV or resume to Stephanie Hofner, Collection Manager at shofner@eastman.org

The Eastman Museum is committed to advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility at our institution and in our society.  The Eastman Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.