COLLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHER - 08292026-80679

About the role

The Tennessee State Museum seeks a skilled, detail-oriented Photographer 1 (Collections Photographer) to produce accurate, high-quality images that support collections care, exhibitions, publications, and digital initiatives. This role reports to the Chief Registrar and strengthens the museum's visual identity while enhancing public access to Tennessee's cultural heritage through exceptional photographic documentation and digital asset management.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate proficiency in photographic principles including composition, lighting, focus, exposure, and balance.
• Operate professional photographic and video equipment to capture high-quality images of objects, collections, sites, and events.
• Identify photo and video assets appropriate for exhibitions, publications, digital platforms, educational initiatives, and internal projects.
• Process, edit, organize, and archive digital image assets following museum standards and best practices.
• Ensure proper object handling and positioning to support safe, ethical, and conservation-aligned photography.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment use, project hours, and imaging workflows.
• Collaborate with curatorial, registration, exhibitions, and communications staff on imaging needs and project timelines.
• Demonstrate strong communication, teamwork, and project management skills to support cross-departmental initiatives.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.
• Qualifying full-time professional or paraprofessional human resources experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four years.

Competencies (KSA's)

• Customer Focus
• Communicates Effectively
• Instills Trust
• Organizational Savvy
• Decision Quality
• Knowledge of Personnel and Human Resources
• Knowledge of Customer and Personal Service
• Knowledge of Law and Government
• Knowledge of Administration and Management
• Clerical Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning and Listening
• Time Management
• Service Orientation
• Coordination Abilities
• Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
• Problem Sensitivity
• Information Ordering
• Oral Comprehension and Expression
• Written Comprehension and Expression

Tools & Equipment

• Computers
• Phones
• Copier/Scanner/Printer/Fax Machine
• Calculator
• Other Office Equipment as Required

Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.