Museum Technician at Death Valley National Park

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

Project work will include addressing preventative conservation needs of the Scotty’s Castle collection at DEVA, an important historical resource for interpretation and research. The incumbent will perform cyclic preservation treatments on historic metal, textile, feather, and leather objects under the supervision of conservators and curators. The GBI RA will gain additional experience in complex museum projects such as environmental monitoring, housekeeping, inventorying, cataloging, and reporting.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform preventative conservation on historic metals, textile, feather, and leather objects, as determined by a conservator
• Conduct museum housekeeping involving the thorough cleaning of Scotty’s Castle main building and annex, the routine cleaning of other collections areas, implementation of pest management strategies, and environmental control monitoring
• Produce storage upgrades, including rehousing collections, creating mounts, and organizing object
• Assist with required Annual Inventory of museum collections for fiscal year 2024
• Use Interior Collection Management System (ICMS) to enter, retrieve, manipulate, and compile data

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:

$18 an hour

Paid personal leave

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.