Overview:
The Associate Registrar primarily performs exhibition responsibilities and manages artifacts on loan, OMCA’s cultural artifacts, and associated information. Stewardship responsibilities include knowledge of ethical standards and best practices in the museum field, documentation of artifacts such as cataloging, location tracking, condition reporting, etc.; information access for staff and the public, photography, and paperwork related to loans. Associate Registrar has a general knowledge of federal and state laws directly related to museum collections (NAGPRA, ARPA, CITES, etc.), safe handling techniques, storage and display methods, and transport of artifacts. The Associate Registrar observes unpacking of objects acquired by Museum through gift, purchase, or loan to determine that damage or deterioration to objects has not occurred.
Please Note: This is an on-site position
Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following reflects OMCA’s definition of essential functions for this position, but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. OMCA may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.
INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
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Support the Museum’s mission, values, vision, and core commitment to the visitor experience, community engagement, and institutional relevancy for the future
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Contribute to and support the OMCA strategic plan, annual priorities, and institutional initiatives such as diversity advancement
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Contribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, a spirit of collegiality, cooperation, and openness to many perspectives
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Participate in a culture of ongoing learning, collaboration, innovation, creativity, and community engagement
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All positions will have core functional responsibilities, cross functional team activation, and learning and development as a core function of each role.
POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Exhibitions
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Install objects in exhibition spaces, collaborating with preparators, designers, curators, and conservators as needed to ensure safe display
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Assist Registrar with exhibition coordination including loan forms, condition reporting, tracking and maintenance of exhibit database
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Coordinate correspondence with lenders, shippers, venues, etc., for museum exhibitions
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Coordinate conservation review and make display recommendations for objects on loan for exhibitions
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Work on exhibition teams and closely collaborate with curators, preparators, and other staff
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Independently manage single object rotations in the permanent galleries
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Monitor in-gallery work during installation and deinstallation
Collections Care
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Conduct safe collections object handling and location tracking according to accepted collections management standards, following OMCA procedures
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Monitor conditions for optimal collections care, storage, transport, and exhibition
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Create and update catalog records and physical files
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Respond to external research requests for information pertaining to OMCA collections
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Support registration in collections viewing and archive research visits
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Participate in the management and development of CollectionSpace
Administration
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Source and order exhibition supplies
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Maintain and file departmental records
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Update and train other staff as needed in Collections and gallery policy relating to safety, pest management, and security
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Participates in cross-departmental planning and projects
Qualifications:
EXPERIENCE
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Ability to display and encourage visitor and internal customer service, take and share responsibility, and treat others with respect
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1-2 years related experience
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B.A. degree in related field
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English language proficiency in both spoken and written form
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Understanding of photo documentation
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General knowledge of preventive conservation standards for artifact handling, storage, and packing
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Knowledge of exhibition and loan procedures
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Ability to work in a team environment
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Ability to balance multiple project timelines simultaneously
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Understanding of the accession process for artifacts and specimens
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Strong cataloging and data entry skills
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Strong written and communication skills
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Familiarity with emergency response procedures
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The environment may include:
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Museum environment involves both indoor and outdoor working conditions
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Ability to travel between OMCA locations, and other travel as required by position responsibilities
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Engage with diverse visitor populations for extended periods of time in the galleries or throughout the campus
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Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
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Exposure to dirt, dust and fumes
EEO STATEMENT
The Oakland Museum of California is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, accessibility and equity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ability/disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We highly encourage our diverse community to apply for available employment, internship, fellowship and volunteer positions at the Museum, as we aim to ensure our staff reflects the diversity of our visitors and surrounding community. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, OMCA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
COMPENSATION: $33.08 - $33.08 hourly