Museum Specialist Jr.

ILLUMEN GROUP INC Washington, Dist. Columbia, United States

About this position

Position Summary

The Museum Specialist (Junior) will support the access, preservation, and accountability of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's (BEP) Historical Products Collection — also referred to as "Objects." This role focuses on organizing, cataloging, preserving, and inventorying Objects within a collections management system. The Historical Research Center (HRC) currently uses Argus and is transitioning to Gallery Systems TMS.


Key Responsibilities

  • Organize, label, house, arrange, move, and store Objects to ensure they are stable, secure, and accessible both physically and via the CMDB.
  • Catalog new Objects and update existing records in the CMDB.
  • Support digitization efforts by verifying digital image file names and attaching accurate images to corresponding CMDB records.
  • Maintain administrative files related to accessions, deaccessions, loans, transfers, and related materials.
  • Conduct Object research using the BEP Reference Library and internal resources to support accurate identification and cataloging.
  • Assist with policy and procedure development related to collection management and preservation.
  • Monitor and maintain archival supplies; assess needs and provide procurement info to HRC purchasing staff.
  • Perform housekeeping duties in storage areas, including environmental monitoring and cleanliness.
  • Inspect Objects for signs of deterioration; document concerns and implement stabilization measures under guidance.
  • Support physical inventories and respond to internal and external requests for information, images, and access to collection materials.
  • Provide support for BEP's product design, outreach, and historical presentations.




Requirements

  • At least 18 months of experience in two or more of the following: museum cataloging, collection management, library/archive work, or object handling.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as museum studies, library sciences, history, art history, fine arts, or information sciences.
  • Experience with museum collections management databases (CMDB); familiarity with Gallery Systems TMS is strongly preferred.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Interest in historical preservation and public access initiatives.