Collections Move Registrar

Description

Background:

The Preservation Society of Newport County is a non-profit museum founded in 1945 to preserve and protect the architectural, cultural, and social heritage of Newport County, Rhode Island. Our collections preserve and interpret three centuries of American history and culture, from the colonial era through the twentieth century. We care for and operate eleven historic properties dating from 1748 to 1902, as well as thirteen additional historic structures including carriage and stable houses, greenhouses, a Chinese-style tea house, a 17th century burial ground, and more than 88 acres of landscape. Housed within our properties is a collection of more than 60,000 decorative and fine art objects including paintings, sculpture, furniture, ceramics, glassware, works on paper, textiles, and archives that document significant events in American cultural and social history.

To ensure the best standards and care of this collection the Preservation Society has invested in an off-site Collections Care Facility in Rhode Island to store permanent collection pieces not on view. We seek to hire a Collections Mover Registrar to track and help oversee the re-location of objects from the Preservation Society’s properties to this new facility.

Job Description:

The Collections Move Registrar will report directly to the Registrar and Database Administrator and work closely with the Collections Manager and Director of Museum Affairs. This position will oversee the tracking of collection moves from collection storage areas within the Preservation Society’s properties to our new off-site Collections Care Facility. They will be responsible for generating and maintaining documentation of these moves. They will also be responsible for creating a mapping plan for the placement of objects within the facility. This position will consistently work in close collaboration with the Registrar, Collections Manager, and Collections Move Consultant in managing and carrying out the move plan. They will update the database with inventory information collected by the Collections and Inventory Technicians, train them in the tracking system developed to document collection moves, and use them to help carry out the mapping plan they develop.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in the relocation of museum collections, excellent communication skills, be organized, meticulous, and knowledgeable of museum best practices. This is an in-person position and will require frequent travel between our properties in Newport County and South County Rhode Island. The position is full time, 40 hours per week. The job period is for three (3) years with the possibility of renewal.

Duties to Include:

• Work with Preservation Society staff, consultants, and fine-art shippers to develop secure transit plans and schedule shipments of artwork to the Collections Care Facility.
• Work closely with other department staff to oversee the care, cataloging and documentation of activity during the move.
• Meticulously document object movement utilizing the collection database and other tracking methods as needed and approved.
• Train and supervise staff assisting with the move to Collections Care Facility on the tracking system.
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders inside and outside of the Museum on project progress.
• Compile documentation and statistics about the move for reporting purposes.
• Draft and maintain policies related to emergency preparedness for the off-site storage facility and perform essential duties in the case of an emergency i.e. hurricanes and severe weather
• Track and purchase archival supplies for the project based on project budget.
• Establish clear storage schema and location mapping and execute storage and shelf labeling.
• Follow prescribed safety and health rules, regulations, and practices.
• Perform other related duties as required or directed.

Requirements

• B.A/B.S. (MA preferred) degree in Museum Studies, Historic Preservation, Art History, History or a related field.
• At least three years of previous experience in a museum registration, setting with evidence of responsibility for overseeing large collections move or rehousing initiative.
• Knowledge of American Alliance of Museums (AAM) standard museum practices and ethical standards.
• Experience using collection management systems, Re: Discovery Proficio preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of team.
• Experience handling fine and decorative art.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and to work within strict deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
• Possess excellent organization and communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to work at heights over 10 feet.
• Comfortable ascending/descending ladders.
• Ability to stand, crouch, and bend.
• Ability to grip items with and without gloves.
• Willingness to gain certification in use of machinery for the movement of objects within the Collections Care Facility.
• Local travel is required – access to a car and valid driver’s license required.