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Museum Specialist II - Curator of Photographic Collections (Anticipated Vacancy)Augusta , Maine , United States | Museum | Full-time Apply by: March 1, 2024 Apply with Linkedin ApplyOpening Date: February 15, 2024Closing Date: March 1, 2024Job Class Code: 3116Grade: 23Salary: $47,840.00 – $64,542.40 Position Number: 014500381JOB DESCRIPTION:This is a professional services position involving curatorial oversight of, and involvement with, Maine State Museum collections that can be considered directly representative of photography. The position relates to collections management and development especially. It will also include aspects of scholarly and public interpretation, assistance with exhibit development, and working with colleagues and the public. TYPICAL DUTIES: Oversees and manages the comprehensive documentation of relevant photographic collections (including digital photograph) and the related transfer of data to museum databases or informational repositories Researches photographic materials and potential acquisitions for authentication, attribution, and interpretation Monitors and addresses photographic collection storage requirements, and works with museum staff to identify and consider conservation treatment and repair catalogs, interprets, and manages photography collections (including digital photography) Identifies and acquires (with the involvement of the museum director, collections staff and the museum collections committee) appropriate materials for the museum’s photographic collections Assists researchers with inquiries and coordinates public use agreements for reproduction of museum photographic collections Recommends potential deaccessions Develops collections through gifts or purchases Participates in aspects of exhibit development and installation, and in the conception and delivery of educational programs. Assists with and advises about the documentation or interpretation of photographic collections owned by the museum but managed by other state agencies. Assists in cultivating potential donors to develop photographic collections, and is attentive to collectors, dealers and auction personnel who may represent prospects for collection development. Assists with raising funds through personal presentations and grant writing. REQUIREMENTS: Experience or training in museum work or photographic collections management Basic knowledge of American history; knowledge of Maine or world history a plus Familiarity with museum professional standards Working knowledge of image-editing software such as Photoshop or current equivalent. Ability to perform research, as well as compile, analyze, and interpret data. Ability to write clearly and well, especially in connection with public interpretation of materials Ability to make informative and organized verbal presentations. Ability to sustain excellent realtionships with colleagues and others, and work cooperatively and effectively on collaborative projects. Demonstraton of proficiency in using Microsoft office products, and have knowledge of or capacity to learn use of collections databases (the museum uses Re:Discovery and its modules). Ability to independently and safely move boxes, equipment and collection items (up to 40 pounds), and mobility sufficient to discharge normal curatorial duties, including use of ladders. Support of institutional activities and mission with appropriate loyalty and professional discretion.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:The position exists to manage and develop the photographic collections of the Maine State Museum. These collections may include: daguerreotypes, albumen paper prints, cyanotypes, half-tone prints, etc. on a variety of mount formats; and negative types (collodion plates, gelatin dry plates, roll film, etc.). The curator will be expected to be generally familiar with photography and photographic developments in the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries, and the sociology of the meaning and use of photography throughout its historical existence. Regarding digital materials, the curator will manage the museum’s digital repositories and the preservation of digital objects. The curator should be familiar with best practices regarding the creation of digital objects from analog sources, as well as having experience with the use of appropriate naming authorities.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).Two (2) years experience in museum work in a field of specialization and a Bachelors Degree in that specialization or related field. Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.BENEFITS:No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements .
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.41 % of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office .
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/rules-policies/policy-practices-manual/Employee-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Federal) .
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.Thinking about applying?Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.
