Project Cataloguer at the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library

Job Title: Project Cataloguer

Job Status: Full-time

Location: New York, NY

Salary: $55,000

Description

JOB TITLE: Project Cataloguer
DEPARTMENT: Collections
REPORTS TO: Museum Database Administrator
 
ABOUT NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Visitors experience 400 years of history through groundbreaking exhibitions, immersive films, and thought-provoking conversations among renowned historians and public figures at the New-York Historical Society, New York’s first museum. A great destination for history since 1804, the Museum and the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library convey the stories of the city and nation’s diverse populations, expanding our understanding of who we are as Americans and how we came to be.
 
JOB SUMMARY
The New-York Historical Society seeks a temporary, full-time Project Cataloguer for a period of 9 months to oversee the cataloging of the New-York Historical Society’s Native American-related Museum collections. The cataloguer will work in consultation with the Consulting Scholar for the project, Curators, Collections staff, and Conservators, as well as the Museum Database Administrator.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  • In consultation with Consulting Scholar, Museum Database Administrator, and Library counterparts, collaboratively develop and document data standards for the cataloguing of Native American objects and objects related to Native Americans;
  • Augment TMS Authorities as needed to support the new cataloging standards and search in consultation with the Museum Database Administrator;
  • Edit and enhance item level records for individual objects and constituents in the museum’s database (TMS), including adding or correcting Native American nomenclature and terminology and adding information related to Native American history and culture, as appropriate for the object and/or constituent;
  • Conduct object and constituent research as necessary;
  • Document the condition of objects and other necessary information in the museum’s database (TMS);
  • Develop object chats and other texts as needed for selected objects to be featured online;
  • Perform other reasonable duties as required by the cataloging project.
REQUIREMENTS
  • BA/BS degree in a related field required; MA in museum studies, art history, history, material culture or related field preferred;
  • At least three years of object cataloguing experience in a museum;
  • Experience with TMS collection management system required;
  • Knowledge of current museum cataloguing and registration standards required;
  • Excellent organization and writing skills;
  • A successful track record of detail-oriented research; experience with a museum research project is strongly preferred;
  • Knowledge of Native American material culture and history preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee with or without accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
 
Sedentary computer work required. May be required to stand for extended periods and lift objects. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
 
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary: $55,000/annually
New-York Historical Society provides a generous benefits package for eligible employees to support their health and wellbeing, which includes:
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick and personal days, and holidays observed by the Museum;
  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance;
  • Short and long-term disability coverage options;
  • 403(b) retirement plan with eligibility for employer contributions following one year of full-time service;
  • Flexible spending accounts for health-related expenses, dependent care, and parking and transit expenses;
  • Employee Assistance Program for all employees and their families;
  • 20% discount at the NYHistory Store, Cafe 77 and Clara restaurant, located within the Museum;
  • Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions across the city.

 

Apply via AAM

 

COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY

To ensure the overall health and safety of the New-York Historical Society community, all newly hired employees of the New-York Historical Society are required to be fully-vaccinated with an FDA or WHO approved vaccine against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, absent qualifying exemptions for medical, religious, or other reasons in accordance with all applicable laws. 

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

The New-York Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.