Museum Assistant, Study Room at the Yale Center for British Art
Job Title: Museum Assistant, Study Room
Job Status: Full-time
Location: New Haven, CT
Position Focus:
Reporting to the Head of Study Room at the British Art Center, the Museum Assistant works effectively as part of the Study Room team, assists and oversees patrons using Study Room for research and teaching. The Museum Assistant retrieves and re-shelves drawings, prints, photographs, rare books, manuscripts, and archives for patrons; maintains the order and ensures the special care, security and proper user handling of collections; coordinates organization of materials for classes and presentations in the Study Room and produces lists of work and other supporting materials as required; cataloging of works on paper using the appropriate collections management systems. This individual will also research and answer routine questions. This individual may represent the Study Room on YCBA committees and working groups as needed.
Essential Duties
1. Serves as source of specialized information to the public, visiting scholars, and students. Explains and describes the collection and available reference material through workshops, lectures and in response to inquiries. 2. Maintains the order of and ensures the special care, security, and proper user handling of collections and exhibits. Reconstructs, repairs, and restores art/specimens using preservation and conservation techniques. Catalogues and makes routine identifications of new acquisitions. 3. Conducts research related to the collections and exhibits. Selects art/specimens for display. Prepares collection for exhibition. May assist with installing and disassembling exhibits. 4. Composes correspondence related to the collections and exhibits. Oversees and instructs support staff. 5. May prepare budget and financial material related to particular collection. May collect specimens for use in exhibits. Performs clerical functions incidental to curatorial activities.
Required Education and Experience
Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and a high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate’s degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Required Skill/Ability 1:
Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills. Ability and willingness to deal pleasantly and effectively with the public, including faculty and students.
Required Skill/Ability 2:
Proven ability to work in a museum, library or archive. Demonstrate physical ability and willingness to handle large print boxes and bulky portfolios up to 40 pounds.
Required Skill/Ability 3:
Demonstrated excellent computer skills. Demonstrated intermediate proficiency with and use of Microsoft Office suite and database applications. Willingness and ability to learn new computer technology.
Required Skill/Ability 4:
Demonstrated ability performing art historical, historical, and bibliographic research.
Required Skill/Ability 5:
Strong attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment. Excellent attendance, punctuality and reliability, as attested by references.
Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:
Previous work experience in a museum, library or archive.