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Collections Manager (9723C), PA Hearst Museum of Anthropology - 50829

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Departmental Overview

The Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology is a research unit on the University of California, Berkeley campus that administers public programs, research, and instructional use of a collection of approximately 3.8 million archeological and ethnographic objects from around the world. Also included in the collections is supporting documentation, including an estimated 500,000 photographic, film, and sound records accumulated since the museum's founding in 1901. The museum, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, engages in external loans for research and exhibition, develops exhibitions and public programs in the museum's gallery, conducts conservation research and treatment, provides access to its collections for research and teaching, and cares for and maintains its vast collections.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: March 31, 2023

Responsibilities

Collections Management

• Based on a thorough knowledge of professional standards for the care of ethnographic, archeological, and archival museum collections, and in conjunction with other collections staff, implement systems for tracking and documenting the use of objects for research and exhibition.
• Organize and physically protect objects in proper storage environments and housing; use and teach safe methods for handling and movement of objects; work with other collections staff to implement an integrated pest management system for specified areas; regularly inspect facilities for problems and possible security breaches; coordinate with other museum staff for use of shared spaces.
• Special attention must be paid to stabilizing museum objects in storage due to the likely potential for seismic activity in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Utilize manual and digital record-keeping systems for collections inventory, documentation of movement, scheduling and tracking access to the collections, and current object location.

Access to Collections

• In collaboration with museum staff, facilitate and oversee external and internal access to the collections on campus and at off-site collections storage. Schedule and facilitate access to collections for researchers, UC Berkeley faculty and students, and other specialty groups as needed.
• Ensure that visits are integrated into museum databases; coordinate handling and movement of objects for teaching, exhibition, and research, consult with collections, registration, conservation, and other relevant staff as needed.
• Implement collections access policy and procedures in conjunction with Senior Museum Scientists.
• Ensure all visitors to collections storage areas are advised on museum security and safety policies and procedures.
• Assist with training all student workers, volunteers, and guests, such as faculty, students, and researchers, in the proper handling of objects observing to see that handling procedures are followed.
• Prepare appropriate study areas where objects can be safely examined and researchers are monitored.
• Pull objects for and assist with the installation and de-installation of exhibits in collaboration with museum colleagues.
• Pull and reshelve objects requested for loan. In consultation with Senior Museum Scientists and relevant museum staff, advise on the suitability of loan, exhibition, and object use.
• Assist with object packing and transportation as needed.

Administration and Professional Development

• Maintain and update collections management databases and hard copy files.
• Other administrative tasks may include: setting annual goals and objectives, organizing workflow to meet goals, prioritizing daily operational activities, coordinating access for and monitoring facilities work in museum spaces, crisis management, assisting with the preparation of grant proposals, attending and participating in meetings and committees and work cooperatively with other museum staff, and schedule and document research visits.
• Engage in professional development activities to increase knowledge and skills, such as attending professional meetings and conferences.
• Keep current with standard practices by reviewing literature in the field and by networking with peers at other institutions.

Supervision

• As budget and priorities allow, hire and train student workers and recruit interns and volunteers to assist with the multitude of tasks involved in collections management.
• Supervise their work to ensure quality control.
• As skills increase, allow for increasing levels of responsibility. Informally evaluate performance and provide mentorship and appropriate feedback including constructive criticism.

Required Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of collections storage and management, object handling and transportation, and standards for collections care and use in an anthropology, archaeology, or comparable museum setting
• Ability and willingness to work with all collections housed at the museum's campus location and at off-site collections storage.
• Ability to safely drive and transport objects in the museum's vehicle.
• Ability to provide collections management support for exhibitions, loans, research, and teaching.
• Experience with and knowledge of integrated pest management systems and practices.
• Experience providing research access to collections.
• Experience implementing collections management policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, sharing information and coordinating tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of collections databases and ability to input, retrieve, and analyze data.
• Ability to organize and prioritize daily operational activities.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills, including skills in effective decision making and problem identification/avoidance/resolution.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to work with diverse groups, including but not limited to staff, faculty, and students.

Education/Training:

• Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, art history, or a related field and a minimum of one year of collections management experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the necessary knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising students, interns, and volunteers.
• Strong knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies.
• Working knowledge of and/or ability to learn about the museum, its history, vision, mission, goals, achievements, and challenges.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $30.49 (step 7.0) - $35.04 (step 14.0).

• This is a 100% full-time (40 hours per week), career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
• This position is non-exempt and paid bi-weekly.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.

To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=21&JobOpeningId=50829&PostingSeq=1