Temporary - Collections Storage Assistant

Two foundational things are true at History Colorado: We love Colorado. And we believe in the transformative power of history. We are a people-driven, history-centered movement building a better future. We are stronger when we do this together, building new knowledge and shared meaning that improves lives today and for our descendants. 

As an agency of the State of Colorado and a non-profit organization, we are committed to serving all Coloradans. We offer access to our state’s history through enriching experiences at eleven museums and historic sites, with dynamic and relevant exhibits and activities. We work with school groups and young learners through field trips, day camps, and traveling programs. We’re also home to a free public research center, Colorado’s Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP), and the Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), the nation’s largest preservation program of its kind. We steward 15 million objects, photographs, and archival resources that make up the State’s collection, and serve tens of thousands of learners of all ages through dynamic programs.

We strive to be a place of belonging for all Coloradans. We’re committed to Colorado’s diverse communities through education, engagement, and access. We know we’re succeeding when more voices, perspectives, and experiences are part of History Colorado. It's our vision that every Coloradan feels rooted, draws strength from those who have come before us, and knows they belong in this place.

In pursuit of a more just and equitable Colorado, we embody the grounding virtues listed below as the foundation of all aspects of our work: our thinking, communication, process, outcomes, and evaluation. Our work is guided by, for, and of the communities we build, belong to, and serve, and we commit to:

• Being in Community

• Amplifying and Centering Voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color 

• Co-creation and Shared Authority

• Humility and Reflection 

• Responsiveness and Flexibility

• Shared Destiny

We are Colorado. Together, our generational work centers communities, deepens knowledge and catalyzes the transformative power of history.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our EDI Homepage: https://dpa.colorado.gov/about-us/edi.   

This position is term-limited for 9 months and does not include benefits. For the duration of the 9 month term period, the employee will be expected to work 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday.

The Collections Storage Assistant will work with the Associate Registrar and Collections Manager to complete tasks essential to the operation and maintenance of History Colorado’s offsite storage facility. They will work to prepare deaccessions for removal, complete inventories of specific storage spaces, help prepare collections for transport, create permanent storage for new collections, and other duties as assigned.

• Complete an auction for deaccessioned materials from the 2016 deaccession audit and recent 2025 and 2026 deaccessions

• Work to prepare large volumes of book for deaccession and removal

• Complete an inventory of the oversize boxes in the High Bay storage space

• Complete an inventory of and prepare for transport the items in slot racks in the High Bay storage space

• Complete research into potential deaccessioned materials

• Create custom housing and find permanent storage for the Found in Collection and accessioned materials on the large rolling rack at North Storage

• Find permanent housing for the new National Guard Collection

• Help with storage reconfiguration and movement of collections

• Any other Collections Management and Registration tasks as assigned

• Experience Only: Six (6) years of professional experience in collections management, museum registration, archives, or a closely related field.
• OR Education & Experience: A Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Art History, Library Science (or related degree) AND two (2) years of professional experience.
• OR Advanced Education & Experience: A Master’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Art History, Library Science (or related degree) AND one (1) year of professional experience

• Ability to lift 50lbs on a regular basis

• Handling, storage, and experience with large collections or high volumes of activity at a medium to large institution (or comparable experience)

• Experience working with a range of collection types

• Strong computer skills and proficiency with collections management databases, metadata standards, and cataloging standards common to museums and archives, experience with Argus preferred

• Knowledge of museum collection standards and conservation practices including the standard agents of deterioration, their effects on different types of artifacts, and how to best mitigate their effects (theft, fire, water, temperature, relative humidity, pests, light, contaminants, etc.)

• Experience conducting detailed inventories and recording inventory in spreadsheets

• Knowledge of museum collection storage and housing standards and ability to determine best applicable techniques

• Understanding of museum deaccession best practices and theory

• Experience conducting provenance and artifact research

• Proven application of collections management skills and inventory, survey, and inventory projects

• Strong ability to make decisions, be self-directing and work independently, and show motivation

• High level of proficiency with collections management databases

• Strong storage organization skills

• Collections management experience with large collections or high volumes of activity at a medium to large institution (or experience that is comparable)

• Experience in project management, meeting deadlines, and flexible multi-tasking in a fast-paced and sometimes ever-changing environment

• Effective communication and cooperation with other museum staff, especially Collections Management and Registration

• Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.

• Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement. Experience should be varied and not one dimensional and demonstrate a wide range of community involvement.

• Job Fit – Experience will be evaluated to determine how well your past experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred

Essay Questions:

1. History Colorado staff has been working together in response to the events that happened in 2020 to discuss as an institutional community the ways in which History Colorado can advance the work of anti-racism. These grounding virtues are the result of our collective process. Please go to the link below to see the virtues (https://www.historycolorado.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2020/Anti-Racism_Grounding_Virtues.pdf) and tell us: how have these guiding principles shown up in your previous work and/or how would you contribute to these virtues in your position at History Colorado?

This position is not part of the classified personnel system; applications will be accepted from Residents and Non-Residents of Colorado. Incumbent will be required to live in and complete work for History Colorado within Colorado.

History Colorado is committed to anti-racism practices across its institution and outlined in our grounding virtues. As such we encourage members of Black, Indigenous, People of Color  (BIPOC) LGBTQ+  and differently abled communities to apply for this position. To see these virtues click this link: (Anti-Racism Grounding Virtues).

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application, but will be used to supplement information to the application. Part of the selection process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application, you describe the extent that you possess the education, experience and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the special and/or preferred qualifications. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process. Felony convictions or conviction of crimes of moral turpitude or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from being considered for this position. Should your background check reveal any charges or convictions, it is your responsibility to provide Human Resources with an official disposition of any charges.

Fair Pay & Compensation: History Colorado is committed to pay equity. The posted salary range represents our good faith estimate for this role. Final offers are determined by a comprehensive salary analysis in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, considering factors such as a candidate’s relevant experience, education, work location and internal equity.

ADAAA Accommodations: History Colorado is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the ADAAA, we provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that applicants with disabilities can participate fully in the application and hiring process. If you require an accommodation to complete the application, participate in an interview, or perform any other part of the selection process, please contact our ADAAA Coordinator at Jesus Garcia (303) 866-2136 or email [email protected]. We are here to ensure you have a positive and accessible experience.

E-Verify Participation: We utilize E-Verify to verify the work authorization of all new team members. Following your job offer, you'll need to complete Section 1 of the I-9 form by your start date. Per federal regulations, we’ll also need to review your original identity and work eligibility documents within your first three days on the job. For more details on your rights and responsibilities, check out dhs.gov/e-verify.