Museum Assistant

POSITION PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Museum Director, the Museum Assistant works 20 hours a week and provides assistance to Birmingham Museum operations through educational programming, visitor experience, collection work, and limited curatorial tasks such as research, exhibit development and interpretation.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides interpretive experiences for visitors by greeting, conducting public tours, and offering exceptional customer service.
2. Collaborates in research and development of virtual and physical exhibits.
3. Contributes to the planning of special events, exhibits and tours.
4. Supports collection maintenance of digital, physical, and archival materials in accordance with museum standards, including use of specialized hardware, software and technology.
5. Participates in the coordination and training of Museum volunteers.
6. Additional related duties as assigned.

NECESSARY SKILLS:

• Excellent writing, interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Windows-based applications, Adobe and image management software, and experience with/ability to learn archival programs such as PastPerfect museum software.
• Ability to work cooperatively in teams and with the public.
• Ability to quickly learn new museum organizational systems and software.
• Possess a genuine interest in human culture, public history, antiques, artifacts and engaging with a varied audience about the history of Birmingham.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule per Museum needs including all public hours of the Museum, weekend hours, and occasional attendance at evening events and meetings.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate work toward, or a Bachelor's Degree in, History, Museum Studies, or a related field.
• Previous work experience in a museum setting, including: exhibit planning; visitor services; leading educational tours; and promoting exhibits, events, and local history through the use of digital/social media is preferred. Past experience working with children is a plus.
• Other combinations of education and experience that could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job may be considered.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift at least 40 lbs.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work with historic materials and artifacts that may require special handling or may contain irritants such as dust, mildew, etc.
• Must be able to work in a historic building setting with associated environmental and physical conditions such as stairs.
• Must be able to work a varying schedule which may include evenings and weekends.

TOTAL REWARDS:

• Flexible schedule
• Parking (Chester Street deck)

EQUIPMENT:

• Office space including desk, computer, and phone
• City provided keys
• City provided tools and supplies