Collections Coordinator

The Collections Coordinator for the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum is a hands-on role responsible for the care and organization of the Museum’s collections. We are looking for an individual who has exceptional attention to detail, analytical skills, strong writing skills, and a rich knowledge about agriculture. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12- month, full-time, benefit-eligible position.

The South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum is the official state museum that collects, preserves, and interprets the history, science of agriculture and rural life in South Dakota. The museum collection contains the following items:  approximately 3,500 agricultural and mechanical tools and equipment; 1,500 items classified as building furnishings, personal and recreational items; 8,300 communications and documentary items, such as maps, prints, and agricultural business advertising; over 100,000 photographs of farms, ranches, small towns, 4-H and Cooperative Extension Services; and approximately 72 cubic feet of machinery operator’s manuals, parts, lists, and sales literature.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position develops, reviews, and implements the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum collections management program, policies, and procedures, and ensures that they are all in accordance with the standards set by American Alliance of Museums and South Dakota State University.

SALARY RANGE:

The base pay for this position is $48,949+ depending on experience. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays.  Relocation benefits are available per the university’s guidelines.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access.  The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.  South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave.  Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Anthropology or related field completed by start date.
• Bachelors degree with three at least four years of directly related experience could be substituted for a Master’s degree.
• At least three years of experience in collections management.
• Experience in implementing professional standards and procedures involved with preserving historic collections,
• Experience with museum collection database operations,
• Experience processing loans (incoming and outgoing), legal issues regarding museums, accessioning, deaccessioning, and other activities related to processing collections, such as digitization,
• Understanding of agriculture (past and present) and the technology and equipment used,
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. as sponsorship is not available for this position,
• A valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated successful supervisory experience with volunteers and students,
• Demonstrated experience with public speaking and/or teaching (i.e., presentation to a service group, leading a workshop, guest lecture for a history course, guiding a tour).
• Demonstrated experience with PastPerfect Museum Software

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by June 1, 2023.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site.  To apply, visit:  https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.”  This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references.  Email applications will not be accepted.  Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment.   It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students.  This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Michele Christian 605-688-4906 or michele.christian@sdstate.edu