Associate Registrar, Permanent Collections at Autry Museum of the American West

Job Title: Associate Registrar, Permanent Collections

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Salary: $24.50 – $26.50/hr

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POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Registrar, Permanent Collections is a member of the Collections Management Department and reports directly to the Senior Registrar, Permanent Collections. Responsibilities include accessioning of new acquisitions into the Autry Museum of the American West collections, and other tasks related to the movement, storage, documentation, installation and deinstallation of the museums’ collections.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Accessioning responsibilities:

The Associate Registrar, Permanent Collections is responsible for accessioning activities for the Autry Museum of the American West collections. After title has been obtained, the Associate Registrar assigns accession numbers to objects; updates database records; applies accession numbers to objects according to established methods and standards; tracks objects using the barcoding system; coordinates photography with the Autry staff photographer; and assists the Senior Collections Manager with preparations for the rehousing and storage of newly accessioned objects.

Inventory Responsibilities:

Responsible for on-going barcoding and inventory of the museum permanent collections. Includes generating barcodes and reconciling physical locations with information in the database, matching barcodes with objects on shelves, and documenting objects needing updated location changes.

Tracking Responsibilities:

Responsible for recording the location and movement of all objects in the museum-owned collections; for coordinating, monitoring and recording any movement of collections off premises or between campuses that are not loan related.

Gallery Change Out Responsibilities:

Responsible for the coordination of permanent collection gallery related work in tandem with exhibits, conservation, and curatorial departments; preparing objects for installation or deinstallation in core galleries; drafting condition reports, tracking and implementing work necessary for objects on exhibit; and attending meetings related to permanent collections activities, as needed.

Housekeeping/IMP:

In conjunction with the Collections Management Department and Conservation, the Associate Registrar will conduct monthly storage space and gallery space cleaning, including cases and secure areas not accessible by Facilities staff, Security, custodial, and outside contractors and vendors, as needed.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

General Collections Management Department Work:  All members of the Collections Management Department are responsible for the overall security and wellbeing of the Museum collections, including monitoring and practicing proper handling and transport of collections; being always present and alert in collections areas; knowing and following Museum policy and procedures regarding security of the premises and collections; and being available for after-hours emergencies.

Other Duties as Required:  The professional staff members of the Autry Museum of the American West act as a team to promote and perform to the best interests of the institution.  As a member of this team, the Associate Registrar, Permanent Collections will be called upon to represent the department and/or the institution at special events, to participate in institutionwide projects, and to participate in special department projects.  All staff is required to work the Autry American Indian Marketplace and the yearly Masters of the American West event. The Autry reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Academic: Bachelor’s degree in related field, i.e. Museum Studies, History, Anthropology, Conservation or Art/Art History.

Professionalism:  Three to five years of related experience in registration methods in a museum, or an equivalent combination of academic qualifications and work experience.

Current knowledge of Collections Management theory and practice obtained through membership in professional organizations, practical training, reading professional literature, and attendance of meetings, workshops and seminars.

Computer skills:

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word for generating forms, correspondence, and other documents.
• Demonstrated skill in using Excel Spreadsheets, Adobe Photoshop or related programs.
• Experience using Microsoft Teams for collaborative projects and file management.
• Ability to operate a digital camera and work with image files.
• Knowledge of museum collection databases required, MIMSY preferred.
• Understanding of museum barcoding systems preferred.

Photography skills:  Knowledge of digital camera equipment, software, and the digitization process is an advantage.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Standing or walking 2-4 hours at a time, up to 8 hours per day.
• Sitting at a computer 2-4 hours at a time, up to 8 hours per day.
• Lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Required upon occasion to lift objects weighing up to 100 pounds and carry them up to 100 feet with one or two other staff members.  
• Pushing or pulling of heavy carts, crates, and other containers.
• Working with manual and light-duty power tools.
• Bending, squatting, reaching, and lifting overhead, kneeling, climbing ladders up to 12 feet high.
• Occasional work in indoor low temperatures
• Valid California driver’s license and willingness to drive box truck.

The Associate Registrar will work at both the Museum campus and the Collections Storage campus.