The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward.
We have an opportunity for an experienced Collections Specialist to join the Historical Resources department. This position will be responsible for collections management tasks within a two-year IMLS-funded grant project. This role focuses on identifying, locating, organizing, documenting, moving, location-tracking, and re-housing a variety of collections items related to transportation, communication, and power and industry, located in the Collections Storage Building (CSB). The specialist will document all activities via the museum's collections management system. Under the direction of the Assistant Collections Managers, the specialist works with Historical Resources staff and others to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks. The specialist will work as a member of/or in cooperation with a variety of teams to accomplish tasks that meet both the goals of the grant and the institution's mission and goals.
Essential Responsibilities
Moves, packs, re-houses artifacts as required for identification, conservation, research, re-housing and storage relocation.
Conducts basic cleaning/mold removal of artifacts, under direction of Conservation staff, as required for above activity.
Organizes and/or maintains order and organization of collections and historical materials in processing and storage situations.
Documents artifact location changes and activity status using EMu computerized collections management system, e-mail, and other systems as requested.
Coordinates work with other project staff, organizes artifacts into EMu events, consults with conservators on storage, and assists with imaging.
Must be able to carry out work in careful manner following established professional procedures and practices to ensure that artifacts are not damaged during movement while utilizing appropriate tools and machinery.
Works and communicates with a variety of staff, including curators, registrars, conservators, digitization staff or others and provides timely reports on status of projects to supervisor.
Contributes to the effective team management of all problems, issues and opportunities.
Acts as a team player and provides expertise within team and with other teams as appropriate.
Your Qualifications
Undergraduate degree, preferably in American History or related Humanities subject. Advanced certificate or degree in Material Culture Studies, Museum Studies, or Public History is desirable.
2 years of experience in a collections-related area
Proficient in windows-based computer software
Valid driver's license
Special Skills
Knowledge of collections packing techniques for storage and movement
Ability to carefully lift and move a variety of artifacts
Well organized & good attention to detail
Strong problem-solving skills
Experience with documentation, planning or logistics
Familiarity with work in a warehouse environment
Experience with forklifts, aerial lifts, pallet jacks, and/or order pickers
Good oral and written communication skills
Familiarity with transportation, communications, or industrial collections
Experience with Collections Management Software, EMu or similar programs
Hand skills (crafts or hobbies) a plus
Experience with light-duty rigging techniques a plus
Physical: Sitting, Standing, Walking, Keyboarding: Frequently. Must have the ability to climb ladders, push/pull carts, occasionally lift 50 pounds, as well as work on scissor lifts and raised racks 14' above the ground. Unless noted here, other physical requirements are minimal or not applicable.
Mental: Gathering, synthesizing, and interpreting information. Attention to detail/concentration. Simultaneous handling of multiple projects. Time management skills should be well developed.
Environment: Work environments include warehouses and outdoors in all-weather with potential exposure to dirt, dust and mold.
This job description is subject to change at any time.
It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity (including but not limited to recruitment, hire, employment, program participation, promotion, salary, benefits, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment or service as a volunteer) based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability. Marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, height, weight or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.
