Museum Assistant

Under the general direction of the Museum Director, the Museum Assistant works 20 hours a week and provides assistance to Birmingham Museum operations through educational programming, visitor experience, collection work, and limited curatorial tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provides interpretive experiences for visitors by greeting, conducting public tours, and offering exceptional customer service.
• Collaborates in research and development of virtual and physical exhibits.
• Contributes to the planning of special events, exhibits, and tours.
• Supports collection maintenance of digital, physical, and archival materials in accordance with museum standards, including use of specialized hardware, software, and technology.
• Participates in the coordination and training of Museum volunteers.
• Additional related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Excellent writing, interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Windows-based applications, Adobe and image management software, and experience with/ability to learn archival programs such as PastPerfect museum software.
• Ability to work cooperatively in teams and with the public.
• Ability to quickly learn new museum organizational systems and software.
• Possess a genuine interest in human culture, public history, antiques, artifacts, and engaging with a varied audience about the history of Birmingham.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule per Museum needs including all public hours of the Museum, weekend hours, and occasional attendance at evening events and meetings.
• Undergraduate work toward, or a Bachelor's Degree in, History, Museum Studies, or a related field.
• Previous work experience in a museum setting, including: exhibit planning; visitor services; leading educational tours; and promoting exhibits, events, and local history through the use of digital/social media is preferred.
• Past experience working with children is a plus.
• Other combinations of education and experience that could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job may be considered.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Must be able to lift at least 40 lbs.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work with historic materials and artifacts that may require special handling or may contain irritants such as dust, mildew, etc.
• Must be able to work in a historic building setting with associated environmental and physical conditions such as stairs.
• Must be able to work a varying schedule which may include evenings and weekends.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Parking (Chester Street deck)

Equipment Provided

• Office space including desk, computer, and phone
• City provided keys
• City provided tools and supplies