Technician Digitization & Research

Job Summary

Applicants must submit a Cover Letter and Resume to be considered.

Under the general direction of the Collections Manager, the Technician Digitization & Research supports the Collections Manager and the Exhibitions Manager in administrative and program operation.

The Technician Digitization & Research has responsibility for administrative, research, and digital duties for the department utilizing current database management, word processing and spreadsheet applications. Work performed encompasses collections database management, digital asset management, reporting of statistical and historical records, providing historical research, answering customer inquiries, and facilitating departmental programming. The Technician Digitization & Research will assist the Exhibit Team with documenting, installing, de-installing, and preparing exhibits as needed.

The Technician is an individual with strengths in project management and digital collections. This position is essential to monetizing the Neville Public Museum’s historic photography and film collection. The museum’s permanent collection today includes over 100,000 three-dimensional objects and approximately 750,000 images that represent our local and regional communities, as well as 4 million feet of news film and home movies of which only 5% have been digitized and made publicly accessible.

The ideal candidate must have excellent research skills and experience or knowledge in the fields of history, science or art. Must possess good communication, organization skills and be detail oriented. The position will focus 30% on digitizing collections, 30% on research and photography needs of the team and the public and 40% working in the collection on exhibition preparation.

Occasional evening and weekend work.

Essential Duties

Assists the Collections Manager and Exhibitions Manager in collecting data for special projects, prepares, types, files and distributes various confidential and complex reports, statistics, contracts, plans, proposals, schedules, public notices, memos, correspondence, purchase orders, promotional materials, etc. via operation of word processing equipment; maintains the confidential nature of client and business information; completes word processing work in an accurate, effective and timely manner.

Work with Collections Manager and Technician Media in streamlining the process of converting film to digital files for greater staff and volunteer access.

Oversees data upload and digital management of Neville Public Museum online photo sales to advance commercial sales and earned revenue.

Work with the Collections Manager for object inventories, photographing objects, scanning, or otherwise digitizing supplemental research associated with the collection. Additional responsibilities include assessing object condition, rehousing objects according to museum safe storage best practices.

With Collections Manager screens and routes research requests; provides referrals of inquiries; records accurate information, answers customer inquiries, resolves research, and schedules requests in a timely and tactful manner.

Participates as an active member of the Museum Exhibit Team with a special focus on utilizing the digital collections to advance the visitor experience, increase public awareness of the collections and prioritize future digitization projects for the public. This may include digitizing objects for exhibits, scanning, preparing, condition reporting, and installing/de-installing objects for exhibits.

Manages volunteers/interns in their area and participates in the annual recognition of volunteers.

Works with Guest Services Coordinator for yearly social media object and research needs.

Provide guided tours as needed.

Compensation: $21.03 – $21.94 Hourly

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Performs related functions as assigned.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Microsoft Suite

Adobe Suite

General office equipment

Computers and software specific to collections management and point of sale system

A/V equipment

Large format printers and related software

Scanners and related software

Digital Cameras

Paper and board cutters

Minimum Qualifications Required

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, library or information science with coursework or experience in records management and/or historical research methods; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Must have solid knowledge of technology, object photography and scanning of collection objects. Hands-on experience with digital imaging, scanners, related procedures/techniques, standards, and best practices.

Willingness to troubleshoot as necessary scanning equipment to ensure capture of best images.

Should possess experience with collections management systems (CMS) as well as a general understanding of database design and functions.

Knowledge and understanding of digital preservation practices and collection-level digitization strategies.

Ability to operate and utilize advanced computer networks in the creation, design, and input of data, and to print reports from various databases.

Willingness to learn best practices for handling a range of objects and materials and caring for cultural objects.

Ability to make independent decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Flexibility and willingness to shift priorities according to current needs.

Ability to meet challenging deadlines and work within complex workflows while carefully handling unique, old, and fragile materials.

Demonstrated ability to work independently, efficiently, and accurately and to ask questions as appropriate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to lift 75 pounds with the assistance of another person; with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to a maximum of 40 pounds.

Frequent standing, walking, and sitting; occasional driving.

Must be capable of using hand(s)/feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation and pushing and pulling.

Frequent bending, twisting, squatting, climbing and reaching; occasional grappling.

Ability to communicate orally in a clear manner.

Physical tolerance to dust and inactive mold spores.

Ability to sit, kneel, crouch, reach, bend, and to push loaded carts.

Ability to use a keyboard and work at a computer for extended periods of time.

Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills to establish positive relations with other staff and organizations.