Museum Specialist II – Curator of Historical Collections Position Available In Kennebec, Maine

Museum Specialist II

• Curator of Historical Collections
  Augusta , Maine , United States | Museum | Full-time Apply by: April 25, 2025 Apply with Linkedin Apply
  Maine State Museum Museum Specialist II
• Curator od Historical Collections

Opening Date:

April 4, 2025

Closing Date:

April 25, 2025

Job Class Code:

3116

Grade:

23

Salary:

$49,275.20

• $69,139.

20

Position Number:

014500469
JOB

DESCRIPTION

This is a state-funded professional curatorial position in the Maine State Museum’s History Division. The position is concerned with collections-related and historical research and collections administration under the supervision of the senior history curator; participating in the refinement of exhibit themes and the development of exhibit elements as part of team process; helping to enhance the museum’s permanent collections through directed collections development and the documentation of personal and community histories through museum objects; participating in routine collection processes such as assessment, acquisition, documentation, cataloguing, loan review, deaccessions, conservation, and proper storage; participating in answering public and other research requests regarding the collections; and participating in normal administrative duties such as participating in staff meetings, and in policy, oversight, planning and collections meetings, as directed, and generally representing the museum as required and assisting in its advancement. The position may be called upon to assist other museum staff as directed, move or transport collection objects, assist in fund-raising activities and grant writing, assist other Maine museums in directed ways, make public presentations to groups associated with the museum and to public audiences or organizations, and otherwise advance the museum’s mission, goals and projects. This position will take part in the ongoing process of returning the museum to its renovated main building in Augusta, Maine, and in the museum’s re-opening activities and events scheduled to occur in 2026.

RESPONSIBLE COLLECTION AREAS

This curator may be responsible for aspects of the management of such history collections as domestic use items, toys, tools, transportation items, personal possessions, industrial, military, technological, and recreational objects, clothing and textiles, and related archival or artistic materials, as housed or exhibited in the Maine State Museum, Maine State House, and Blaine House. Special personal knowledge about or interest in certain collection areas may help guide responsibilities.

TYPICAL DUTIES

(A position may not be assigned all the duties listed. Nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned).

Exhibits:

Demonstration of creativity and initiative in considering possible exhibit themes and subjects. Working successfully with an exhibit team structure from conception of themes to oversight of artifact preparation, description and display, as directed. Preparation, oversight and rotation of temporary exhibit displays.

Collections Interpretation :

General research and interpretation of history collections falling under the purview of the position, with special emphasis on provenance, connections to individuals and communities, and relation to the history of Maine and of the United States in reference to the museum’s mission. Primary research and creation of publishable or publicly presentable materials regarding history collections and related exhibits, including the writing of exhibit texts, articles, essays, or blogs; assisting with the development of education programs and participation in social media and related presentations; and producing other interpretive or informational content for the public.

Collections Management :

Knowledge of and adherence to professionally recognized professional standards and techniques for ongoing collections care, including documentation, storage and use. Assisting, as directed, the museum registrar in developing catalogue records for artifacts in the museum’s database system (Proficio) and in maintaining relevant on-line records. With collections management staff, and the senior history curator, participating in cataloguing, documentation, physical storage, management, conservation and care of history collection artifacts. Training of and working with interns, volunteers, and certain staff as directed, in order to pursue projects in the History Division.

Collections Development :

In accordance with established museum procedures, identification and acquisition of appropriate artifacts for museum history collections. Cultivation of donors to acquire collection artifacts and maintain donors’ good relations with the museum. Reasonable awareness of auction collection acquisition possibilities and knowledge of other museums’ relevant collections. Identification and recommendation of collections items for deaccession.

Planning, Fundraising, and Administration :

Participation in matters of institutional planning and programming, policy development or review. Assistance with fundraising, grant applications, and donor cultivation to support exhibits, collections acquisition or care, and other museum projects. Participation in meetings of the curatorial division, the museum collections committee, and other groups as required.

Public and Institutional Interactions :

Development of and assistance in partnerships and collaborations with historical, cultural, community and state institutions to promote programs of mutual benefit and encourage support for the museum. Assistance to researchers, students and the general public with inquiries concerning specific collections and Maine history. Delivery of formal and informal presentations on behalf of the museum to interested groups, including the Maine State Museum Commission, and representing the museum at professional conferences and meetings.

REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge of American history; knowledge of New England and Maine history a plus. Knowledge of and familiarity with the kinds of historical materials that constitute the core collections of a developed, regional history museum. Knowledge of artifact material types, characteristic conservation matters, and proper collection storage needs. Fundamental knowledge of characteristic current systems of collections documentation and information retrieval. Familiarity with introductory elements of exhibit presentation, design, and educational interpretation. Ability to perform historical research and knowledge of the typical resources available to pursue that research. Basic knowledge of museum and collections-related ethics and a clear commitment to honor those requirements. Good writing ability; facility with public speaking a plus. Ability to work successfully in an environment with culturally well-informed people and to participate constructively in collaborative projects. Ability to work usefully and knowledgeably with professional peers, museum supporters, community groups and state officials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Two (2) years experience in museum work in a field of specialization and a Bachelors Degree in that specialization or related field. Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
Benefits of working for the

State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—”Dirigo” or “I lead”—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce’s health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: Work-Life Fit

• Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. Health Insurance Coverage
• The State of Maine pays 85
• 95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96
• $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. Dental Insurance
• The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value). Retirement Plan
• The State contributes the equivalent of 13.

29% of the employee’s pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .

Note:

Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time. There’s a job and then there’s purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
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