About the position:

The individual in this position will support the organization in several ways including assisting researchers and working collaboratively with colleagues in the Waterman Research Center, greeting visitors at the Welcome Desk and assisting in a variety of collection-related projects including collections inventorying, processing and care, and storage and gallery maintenance.

The hours for this position are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9am-5pm and Thursday, 12-8pm with availability to work occasional evenings as necessary to support organizational programs and projects. If there are no researchers scheduled, Collections Associates are expected to assist with Thursday night and Saturday programs. The schedule and the Connecticut Museum’s hours are subject to change.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The incumbent’s specific duties will include, but not be limited to the following:

Research Center – 55%

• Greeting, orienting, assisting, and monitoring visitors in the Research Center;
• Maintaining statistics on Research Center usage;
• Monitoring patron use and demonstrating proper handling techniques of collection items in order to avoid theft of and damage to collections;
• Retrieving collection items from stacks and collections storage for use by patrons;
• Answering reference questions;
• Assisting with scheduling and tracking research appointments as assigned by the Manager of the Waterman Research Center;
• Conferring regularly with both “on duty” colleagues and the Research Center Manager to enhance patron experiences; ensuring appropriate resources are identified, any special needs are communicated, and materials are retrieved in a timely manner.
• Assisting with the upkeep and cleanliness of public Research Center and stacks areas.
• This role is considered “essential” relative to the Connecticut Museum’s inclement weather policy.

Collections Work – 35%

• Assisting with the upkeep and cleanliness of storage areas and galleries.
• Working with departmental staff to ensure collections items are stored properly and in a permanent location, including rehousing collection items when necessary
• Performing primary and secondary research on collection objects and related historical topics.
• Scanning or photographing objects and properly tracking digital assets.
• Cataloging and inventorying items across the Connecticut Museum’s collection including manuscripts, books, graphics, printed material, and 3-D objects.
• Entering data in collections management systems adhering to established standards and guidelines. · Conferring regularly with collections staff to ensure accuracy of information and the use of appropriate authority tools.

Welcome Desk – 5%

• Staff the Welcome Desk;
• Stay focused and attentive to the needs of visitors;
• Follow Welcome Desk procedures, suggesting updates as necessary;
• Initiate and complete sales transactions with courtesy, efficiency, and accuracy;
• Promote the Connecticut Museum exhibitions, programs, membership, and services;
• Record attendance in the current tracking database and maintain visitor log.

Other – 5 %

• Assisting with Connecticut Museum programming as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• B.A. in history, archives, or the humanities preferred; or related museum or library experience
• Experience with appropriate object and document handling;
• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with a variety of audiences and to consistently project an engaging, friendly and professional demeanor to visitors and staff, in person, electronically, and on the telephone;
• Ability to use multiple formats of communication with staff;
• Proficiency with computers and ability to learn new software applications quickly;
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully in a team-based environment;
• Flexibility, including adaptability to schedule and daily task changes and impromptu assignments as they occur,
• Openness, and a sincere interest and ability to complete continuous detail-oriented work and consistent follow through;
• Ability to maintain the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality;
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and climb stairs;
• Capable of managing several projects simultaneously;
• Knowledge of programs including Word, Excel, Microsoft Teams, The Museum System, Bibliovation, Adobe Photoshop and the Connecticut Digital Archive, preferred.

For additional information:
https://www.connecticutmuseum.org/job-internships/

Compensation & Benefits:
$19-$23 per hour.
Eligible for generous full time employee benefits including paid vacation and sick time, participation in employer-contributing 403b plan, and health, life and disability insurance.

Schedule:
Schedule Full time, Tuesday through Saturday: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-5pm, Thursday 12-8pm, Saturday 9am-5pm. On-site in Hartford, CT.

How to apply:
Please email cover letter and resume to Susan Presutti, Director of Human Resources, spresutti@connecticutmuseum.org, by September 30, 2024.

The Connecticut Museum is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer.