Associate Registrar [Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, CA]

Description

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking an Associate Registrar for our Research & Collections Department. This position is responsible for supporting the Chief Registrar in the management of the department and in all aspects of collections care and registration, including permanent collections, deaccessions, incoming loans, exhibitions, storage, handling, and movement. Reports to the Chief Registrar, Director of Collections & Research Resources. Acts as department head of the Registrar’s Office in the absence of the Chief Registrar.

Primary responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Incoming Loans: Processes, updates, and maintains the records for incoming loan transactions to the Museum (including insurance documentation, renewal, and returns) in the registrar’s database.
• Deaccessioning and Transfer of Collection Items: Processes and maintains the records for all collection deaccessions and transfers.
• Exhibits:  May work on multiple exhibits simultaneously; budgeting for exhibits; manages accurate crate and object lists; coordinates logistics with Museum staff and outside parties; makes arrangements with shippers and packers; oversees freight loading/unloading, installation/deinstallation, and storage of exhibits; condition reports internal and external loans. Drafts customized individual lender contracts for exhibits produced by Museum.
• Collections Support:  Assists the Research & Collections department as needed in obtaining quotes, establishing budgets, and coordinating and overseeing installation/deinstallation of collections and loans, packing, movement/relocation, and storage of collection specimens and artifacts.
• Represents Chief Registrar:  Serves as representative of the Registrar’s Office in the absence of the Chief Registrar. Attends curatorial, administrative, planning or other meetings to discuss and advise on registration matters, as needed.

Requirements

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, anthropology, history, biological sciences, art/art history, information management, or a related field.
• At least five to seven years of full-time paid employment experience as a museum registrar in a natural history museum and/or art museum with object-handling expertise and a strong knowledge of current practices and standards in museum registration, accessions, deaccessions, loans, fine arts insurance and risk management, contracts, exhibition procedures, packing/crating, domestic and international shipping, and international regulations including Fish and Wildlife/CITES.
• Possess strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple activities and effectively set priorities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion in the handling of confidential matters.
• Demonstrates strong computer skills, with a proficiency in word-processing, spreadsheet, database (KE-EMu preferred), and/or other type of software applications.
• Possess strong supervisory and interpersonal skills; is detail-oriented; has the ability to work well alone as well as in a team setting.

A cover letter, current resume, list of 3-4 references, and salary history are required for all applicants.