Lead Museum Technician at Death Valley National Park

Job Description:

The Great Basin Institute (GBI) is hiring one Museum Technician Resource Associate (Lead RA) to work cooperatively with Death Valley National Park (DEVA) to support the preservation and care of museum collections. The position is a BLANK –month placement beginning March of 2024.

The Lead RA will serve as the project manager for the inventorying of portions of the Scotty’s Castle collection at DEVA, an important historical resource for interpretation and research. The incumbent will inventory, analyze, and propose recommendations for storage, cyclic maintenance, and/or deaccession.

Additional position work will address preventative conservation needs of the Scotty’s Castle collection, including the treatment of historic metal, textile, feather, and leather objects. Other assignments will include upgrading storage environments, assisting with annual reporting requirements, and providing aid to the museum curator on a variety of duties as they arise.

 Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform inventory, research, and analysis of museum objects stored in the Scotty’s Castle Stables
• Relocate and/or rehouse collections to improved storage environments
• Use Interior Collection Management System (ICMS) to enter, retrieve, manipulate, and compile data
• Research and write deaccession proposals for select Scotty’s Castle collection items
• Participate in the deaccession review process providing documentation and justification for proposals
• Conduct preventative conservation on historic metal, textile, feather, and leather objects
• Assist with required Annual Inventory of museum collections for fiscal year 2024

 The incumbent will be required to work both inside and outside. When outside, tasks include working in cramped, often dirty locations, in hot temperature. Must be able to move objects up to 50lbs and tolerate wearing a half-face respirator.

Contract Timeline:

• Six-month appointment beginning March 2024 or upon completion of a Department of Interior background investigation
• 40 hours per week; some overtime and weekend work may occasionally be required

Successful applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

Location:

Death Valley National Park based at Furnace Creek, park administration building, and working at Scotty’s Castle.

Compensation and Benefits:

$22 an hour.

Paid Personal time off.

Limited Health, Dental and Vision Insurance will be completely paid for at no cost to you by the Great Basin Institute and available starting after your first month of service.

Job Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in museum studies or related field (history, museum studies, etc.);

• A solid understanding of packing methodologies and object condition assessments for historic objects/furnishings;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; and
• Self-motivated and self-directed individual who is capable of working independently or part of team toward mutual goals and objectives. 

EEO Statement

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.