Job Announcements
Registrar/Collections Manager
Elkhorn Valley Museum
Salary: $15.25/hour, Hourly Non-Exempt
Schedule: 35hrs/week, may include evenings and weekends
SUMMARY:
The Registrar/Collections Manager reports to the Executive Director and will perform duties related to museum operations, collections care, and customer service that support EVM’s mission. This role involves overseeing the acquisition, cataloging, storage, and loan of artifacts, ensuring compliance with professional standards and legal requirements. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for cultural preservation. The registrar may assist with exhibit development and programming centered around the collection. This position should have an interest in and knowledge of the history of Nebraska, particularly the Northeast Region and the Elkhorn River Valley.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collection Management: Oversee the acquisition, deaccession, and cataloging of items in the museum’s collection. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all collection items, including provenance, condition, and location. Leads artifact committee meetings and provides a subsequent report.
- Documentation: Ensure proper documentation of all collection items, including condition reports, accession records, and loan agreements. This includes photographing objects, exhibits, and locations and maintaining accurate donor records. Manage loan agreements and oversee the condition and return of borrowed items.
- Condition Monitoring: Regularly inspect and assess the condition of collection items, galleries, and storage rooms (temperature, humidity, pest control, etc) Implement and oversee conservation practices to ensure the preservation of artifacts and artworks.
- Compliance: Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards related to the acquisition, management, and disposition of collection items. Stay informed about current best practices and industry standards.
- Research: Fulfill research requests from the public regarding artifacts, institutional history, and regional history. Contribute to the historical research of the permanent collection to authenticate artifacts and enhance museum exhibitions.
- Collaboration: Work closely with other museum staff and volunteers to support exhibition planning, collection research, and educational programs. May assist with tours and events.
- Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director
Minimum Knowledge & Skills:
- Qualifications:
- A degree in history, museum studies, arts management, museum management, public history, or an equivalent combination of museum training and experience in collections work and research
- Skills:
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.
- Proficiency with collection management software, database systems, and Microsoft Office.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to grow and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the museum.
- Knowledge: Familiarity with professional standards, legal regulations, and best practices in museum registration and collection management. Familiarity with digital photography and scanning.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and move objects up to 40 pounds with or without assistance.
- Ability to perform tasks requiring manual dexterity, including handling delicate and valuable items.
- Ability to work for extended lengths of time while sitting and completing data entry
The above is intended to describe the general requirements for the performance of this role. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. This description does not constitute a contract, implied or otherwise.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Libby McKay, Executive Director via email: [email protected] by 5 pm CST, October 4th, 2024. Elkhorn Valley Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. (posted 9/4/2024)
Part-Time Curator/Archivist
Gage County Historical Society and Museum
Salary: $18/hr, 30 hours per week
Time Period: Two Years
Benefits: None
JOB OVERVIEW
As a member of the GCHS team, this position will support the Executive Director. This part-time position is an ideal position for an individual with previous professional experience in museums. The curator performs a broad range of work involving the museum collection, research, supervisory, museum engagement, and exhibitions. In the absence of the director, the curator is responsible for supervising other employees and volunteers.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Collections Management
- Accession and catalog objects into the museum’s permanent collection.
- Create and improve Past Perfect database entries, including digitization of paper records and photographing objects.
- With the director’s input, create and update collections related policies as needed.
- Lead the donation process including gathering background research, making recommendations for potential donations, leading Collections Committee meetings, and contacting donors.
- Manage incoming and outgoing loans.
- Inform the director of possible deaccessions and gaps in the collection.
- Meet with the director monthly to go over collection and storage needs.
- Assist the director in creating exhibits using the collection.
Collections Care
- Collaborate with director and maintenance in recording, maintaining, and interpreting environmental monitoring data of galleries and collections storage areas.
Community Archives
- Inventory the archival records, noting unnecessary duplication, uncertain accession information, and condition issues.
- Organize and describe archival collections in the creation of finding aids.
- Assist Director in identifying remaining needs of the Community Archives project.
Supervisory
- Get with the director monthly over volunteer assignments.
- Supervise, train, and assist volunteers and interns in collections related projects.
- Supervise other employees and volunteers when the director is not in the office.
General Administrative Assistance
- Assist the director in greeting, orienting the visitors with the museum, and operate the gift shop.
- Respond to phone calls and email when appropriate.
- Create social media posts and newsletter articles related to assigned projects.
- Assist with events when appropriate.
- Additional office duties as assigned.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- The starting pay for this position is $18 per hour.
- Working hours are 30 hours per week, usually within the hours between 10am and 4pm, Monday through Saturday. The exact hours and days to be worked during the week are negotiable.
- The place of employment will be the Gage County Museum.
- Appointments may be terminated by either side in writing by giving a minimum of two weeks’ notice within the probationary period and thereafter.
- This is a part time job and provides no benefits.
- This is a two-year position.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in museum studies or a related field
- Experience working with museum collections.
- General knowledge of museum standards and best practices
- Ability to think creatively and work independently.
- Detail-oriented
- Excellent at writing for various audiences
- Strong project and resource management skills
- Ability to lift to thirty-five pounds.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Excel and Word
- Excellent communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in museum studies, similar curriculum, or equivalent work experience
- Experience with digital content creation (website and social media)
- Experience with museum database software
- Experience creating museum exhibits.
Position will be up until a qualified candidate is found. Please contact the director at [email protected] to get an application. (posted 8/27/2024)
Maintenance Technician
Harold Warp Pioneer Village (Minden, Nebraska)
Salary: $15.50/hour
Pioneer Village is currently looking for part-time applicants for a maintenance technician position to assist with museum operations. The main duties include handling plumbing, electrical work, carpentry tasks, basic maintenance, and performing mechanical repairs. It is also crucial to have the ability to oversee contractors during professional repair projects.
Candidates should be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Nebraska Driver’s License. The role includes a mix of indoor and outdoor tasks, with some activities involving bending and lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds. The starting hourly wage is $15.50, dependent on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The schedule offers flexibility, including occasional weekend and holiday shifts.
For more information on the application process, you can contact Pioneer Village at 308-832-1181 or visit our website www.pioneervillage.com.
Office Administrator
Harold Warp Pioneer Village (Minden, Nebraska)
Salary: $15.50/hour
Pioneer Village is currently seeking a full-time office administrator to support daily museum operations. The role involves managing memberships, events, budgets, and general office tasks. Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting museum staff and board with budgeting and bookkeeping
- Providing excellent customer service
- Supply Management
- Coordinating events, meetings and schedules for contractors, vendors, board and staff
- Performing administrative tasks as needed
Applicants must possess robust computer and communication skills, be a minimum of 18 years old, and possess a valid Nebraska Driver’s License. The work mainly occurs indoors with sporadic lifting of up to 20 pounds. The starting hourly wage is $15.50.
For more information on the application process, you can contact Pioneer Village at 308-832-1181 or visit our website www.pioneervillage.com.
Curator of Collections/Program Director
Hastings Museum (Hastings, Nebraska)
Hours: 40 hours, may include evenings and weekends
Salary: $21.37-$30.42 per hour, full benefits
The Hastings Museum is seeking a self-motivated and enthusiastic team member to oversee the collections department and ensure that the Museum’s collections, exhibits, and programs fulfill the brand, mission, and goals. This is a full-time permanent position. See full description below. Apply at https://hastingsne.seamlessdocs.com/f/CurCollectProgDir. Resumes and additional information may be submitted to [email protected]. Applications accepted until 5 pm CDT July 12, 2024.
The Hastings Museum (https://hastingsmuseum.org/) is the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver. Kool-Aid was invented in Hastings and is the topic of a popular exhibit at the Museum, as well as nearly 50,000 square feet of other cultural and natural history displays, a full-dome planetarium, a large format theatre, and an outdoor classroom. Collections range from North American animals to local history. A renovation of collections storage is currently underway to bring everything into one area, improve preservation, and enhance the records. This person will be responsible for overseeing this work including planning for compact mobile storage units.
Museum Educator
Hastings Museum (Hastings, Nebraska)
Hours: 40 hours, may include evenings and weekends
Salary: $14.32-$19.88 per hour, full benefits
The Hastings Museum (Hastings, Nebraska) is seeking a motivated and dynamic person to present engaging programs for all ages related to natural and cultural history. This is a full-time permanent position. See full description below. Apply at https://hastingsne.seamlessdocs.com/f/MusEducator. Resumes and additional information may be submitted to [email protected]. Applications accepted until 5 pm June 26, 2024.
The Hastings Museum (https://hastingsmuseum.org/) is the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver. Kool-Aid was invented in Hastings and is the topic of a popular exhibit at the Museum, as well as nearly 50,000 square feet of other cultural and natural history displays, a full-dome planetarium, a large format theatre, and an outdoor classroom.
Executive Director
Dodge County Historical Society (Fremont, Nebraska)
Hours: 35-40 hours/week
Salary: $45,000 – $50,000+ based on experience
BENEFITS: Flexible schedule, Paid Time off, Professional Development Opportunities
The Executive Director is the key management leader of the Dodge County Historical Society and
May Museum. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs,
and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and
community outreach. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.
REMIT RESUME TO: Joe Dickmeyer, Board President at [email protected]
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Board Governance: Works with the board to fulfill the organization mission.
Responsible for leading the Museum in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate
manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
Financial Performance and Viability: Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization.
Responsible for the fiscal integrity of the Museum, to include working with the Board to create an annual budget. Submit regular financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization to the Board.
Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position.
Responsible for fundraising and developing other resources necessary to support the Museum’s mission.
Organization Mission and Strategy: Works with board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach.
Responsible for implementation of the Museum’s programs that carry out the organization’s mission.
Responsible for working with the Board of Directors to develop a strategic plan to ensure that the museum can successfully fulfill its Mission into the future.
Responsible for implementing the organization’s strategic plan.
Responsible for the enhancement of the Museum’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations.
Organization Operations: Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the organization are appropriate.
Responsible effective administration of the Museum’s operations.
Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff.
Responsible for signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, public administration, history or similar.
● Nonprofit experience preferred.
● Budget management skills helpful.
● Strong abilities in planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
● Ability to learn all aspects of the museum and historical society operations, including collections and exhibitions policies and management, as well as archival and library best practices.
● Knowledge of fundraising strategies, membership development, and donor relations.
● Ability to collaborate with and inspire board members and other volunteers.
● Strong written and oral communication skills.
● Knowledge of social media platforms.
● Experience with grant research, writing, and reporting.
JOB DUTIES:
● Planning and operation of the annual budget, in partnership with the board.
● Establishing employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions and for the day-to-day operation of the nonprofit.
● Serving as the Museum’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, and the general public.
● Establish and maintain relationships with various organizations throughout the community
and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance the museum’s mission.
● Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement in policy decisions, fundraising and to increase the overall visibility of the organization throughout the county.
● Supervise, collaborate with organization staff.
● Strategic planning and implementation.
● Oversee marketing and other communications efforts.
● Review and approve contracts for services.
● Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
REMIT RESUME TO: Joe Dickmeyer, Board President at [email protected]
Facilities & Preservations Manager
The National Will Cather Center (Red Cloud, Nebraska)
Full-Time
Salary:
Who we are: The National Willa Cather Center exists to promote and encourage increased
understanding of and appreciation for the life, times, settings, and work of Pulitzer
Prize-winning author Willa Cather. We promote her legacy through education,
preservation, and the arts, and we aim to become a premier cultural center that offers
broad educational opportunities for our patrons to experience Cather’s work, explore
historic landmarks, foster their own creativity, and embrace the arts and humanities.
Job Purpose: The National Willa Cather Center seeks a highly-organized, technically skilled,
and multi-talented candidate to fill a Facilities & Preservation Manager position. The
Manager ensures the short- and long-term maintenance, security, and safety of the
NWCC’s historic properties and grounds, including the National Willa Cather Center
(30,000 square feet); the Red Cloud Opera House (11,000 square feet); and nine sites on the
National Register of Historic Places, including Willa Cather’s Childhood Home (a National
Historic Landmark), the Burlington Depot, the Farmers and Merchants Bank, the Cather
Second Home, Pavelka Farmstead, J.L. Miner House, and three historic churches.
The Facilities & Preservation Manager works as part of the Collections team to ensure
efficient maintenance and repair of properties within a framework of the Secretary of
Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation; acts on behalf of the NWCC when engaging
and overseeing the work of independent contractors and vendors; and assists NWCC
leadership in planning and prioritizing regular preventative maintenance and capital
improvements. Duties include evaluation of and contribution to sites-related procedures
and documents, such as disaster planning, integrated pest management, environmental
monitoring, and maintenance scheduling.
Essential duties and responsibilities:
● Proactively review all general maintenance records and maintain detailed
maintenance files on all HVAC units, security systems, fire suppression systems, and
other equipment
● Maintain compliance with applicable regulations by completing regularly scheduled
inspections per established schedules and update maintenance checklists as needed
● Oversee the safe and proper maintenance of equipment and tools including
coordinating repairs and/or replacement and ensuring all are returned to
appropriate storage areas
● Ensure that security, fire, and emergency safety equipment is inspected and in good
working order
● Respond to and resolve issues regarding security systems, buildings, and grounds
● Manage and conduct basic maintenance and repairs including carpentry, plumbing,
electrical, and engaging outside vendors/contractors with approval
● Keep centralized detailed records of preservation work completed, costs, warranty
cards, paint colors, and other pertinent material
● Oversee construction projects, ensuring timely completion within budget
● Regularly communicate maintenance priorities, concerns, and emergencies both
verbally in meetings and in written and digital communication
● Develop a long-range facility maintenance plan including necessary improvements
and costs
● Adhere to approved budget, managing expenses for the benefit of the organization
Education and Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree with technical training in facility management,
construction, or a related field is preferred
● Minimum 1–3 years of experience as a facility manager or related profession that
involved conducting repairs and renovations including carpentry, plumbing,
electrical, etc.
● Well versed in facilities management and historic preservation best practices and
the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation, or a willingness to
pursue professional development to acquire this knowledge
● Outstanding communication skills, organizational skills, and impeccable attention to
detail
● Ability to work collaboratively
● Strong analytical skills to review complex information in order to make decisions
based on priorities and budget availability
● Experience using Gmail, Google Calendar and Drive, and Microsoft applications
● Ability to have a flexible work schedule when needed (occasional evenings and
weekends)
● Appreciation for rural America, small town life, and local history
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
● Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 40 lbs.
● Must be able to perform moderate to heavy manual labor
● Must be able to crawl, bend, stretch, and climb while performing routine tasks
● Must be able to work in non-temperature controlled areas throughout the year
● Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive a motor vehicle
Salary and Benefits:
This is a full-time, salaried position. Competitive compensation will be based on
experience. Benefits, including health insurance, IRA, paid holidays, and paid time off
(PTO) are available.
This job description may evolve over time. Duties and the position status are subject to
periodic updates. At management’s discretion, the employee may be assigned different
and/or additional responsibilities.
To apply, send cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to:
The Willa Cather Foundation
Attn: Human Resources
413 North Webster Street
Red Cloud, NE 68970
[email protected] | www.WillaCather.org
DEADLINE: Applicants are encouraged to apply by June 15. The position will remain open
until filled.
Summer Internship
Table Rock Historical Society & Museum (Table Rock, Nebraska)
Temporary, Full-Time
Salary: $17.50 per hour
The Table Rock Historical Society seeks a summer employee beginning immediately. The pay is $17.50 an hour, work is full-time for up to 10 weeks, and the schedule is flexible as to both hours and days. Some remote work is possible. Work may begin immediately or as soon as convenient, and may if desired may extend into the early Fall semester. The Historical Society maintains nine museum buildings, most housed in historic buildings constructed between 1877 and 1915 and also has an extensive photograph collection. This is an opportunity to enjoy an idyllic summer in a tiny town. Table Rock is in southeast Nebraska, about 70 miles southeast of Lincoln and 90 miles south of Omaha. It is a town of 239 people, almost all of whom are proud of their history. The downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places as is the Opera House Museum in its own right. The cemetery is listed in the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom maintained by the National Park Service. It also has a strong history as a railroad town and as part of an extensive settlement of Bohemian immigrants.
Knowledge of PastPerfect, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently are required, and an interest in (and talent for) storytelling. The primary work is preparing an inventory of extensive holdings, including especially entries in PastPerfect. However, a great number of resume-building projects are available to choose from such as planning and execution of exhibitions and displays, recording oral history relating to our collection of farm equipment and our train museum,
Free accommodation is being made available in a historic private home on the public square. The student can walk to work, which is only two blocks away, less if cutting diagonally across the public square.
To apply, send an email to [email protected] and describe your qualifications. Include your contact information and discussion can follow.
To post a Nebraska Museum job contact [email protected]. All posting require salary transparency.