| Job Title | Collections Assistant |
| Reports To | Director of Collections |
| Employment Dates | Part-time (<30 hours/week) Contract through 12/31/26 |
| Status | Non-Exempt |
| Salary | $25/hour, Earned Time Benefits, 3 Floating Holidays |
Job Description
The Collections Assistant supports the management, preservation, and documentation of Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s collection of objects, artifacts, archives, and library materials. Reporting to the Director of Collections, the Collections Assistant is responsible for efficient and accurate data entry to the Collections Management Database and hands-on care of collections materials. This position works together with the Director of Collections to support the overall safety, preservation, maintenance, access, and documentation for the museum’s collection on view, in storage, and on loan.
Duties include cataloging collection materials; photographing and rehousing collection materials; assisting in responding to public inquiries regarding museum collections; and running public programs using collection materials.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Collections Management
- Catalog and document objects, artifacts, and archives and maintain accurate records in the Collections Management Database.
- Rehouse objects as needed.
- Flag entries in Collections Management Database for ongoing conservation, deaccession, or review by Collections Committee.
- Follow collection management policies and procedures for collection development, handling, storage, care, and preservation, digital access, digitization, and interpretive use.
- Support Collections Director in identifying areas where these policies and procedures can be improved.
- Serve on Collections Committee by helping to identify appropriate new acquisitions and annual deaccessions from the museum collections and address long-term collection preservation needs.
- Institutional Archives
- Organize and provide access to non-current records and photographic materials that document Museum activities, facilities, and collections.
- Research
- Assist in responding to public inquiries regarding museum collections and research.
- Provide collection access for museum staff and qualified researchers.
- Exhibit
- Participate in development, design, fabrication and installation of exhibits, staff exhibit openings and related events.
- Support seasonal installation and storage of exhibition materials.
- Public and Educational Programming
- Coordinate with Visitor Experience and Maritime Programs Departments to offer regular public and educational programming using museum collections.
- Support Archaeology Department projects, including conservation.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in a related field preferred
- Experience with CatalogIt collection management software preferred
- Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, including the ability to alternate between independent and collaborative work while managing projects
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work well with colleagues and the public
- Research and writing skills
- A commitment to collaboration and an enthusiasm for Lake Champlain, its history, and its future
Working Conditions
This position may include onsite, offsite, and on water work. Work outside will occur in all weather conditions. Requires the ability to lift 25+ pounds frequently, and 50+ pounds occasionally.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and 2 references to patriciar@lcmm.org with the subject line “Collections Assistant.” Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. The Museum prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.