Museum Collections Assistant

Summary:

Under the supervision and guidance of the Museum Director, assists in the operation and
function of the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum as well as the maintenance of the
Museum’s collection.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assists in the registration, condition assessment and management of the Museum’s permanent
collections.
Participates in the maintenance of the historic photograph collection.
Assists in the care and cataloging of artifacts including storage and maintenance of museum
collections
Conducts historic research of complex scope.
Maintains Museum’s database in PastPerfect.
Assists in handling and protecting valuable and rare historical objects and documents.
Provides input in identifying use and origin of artifacts.
Participates in the research, construction and maintenance of exhibits; helps prepare display
areas and sets up exhibits; may deliver shipments to and from museum.
Utilizing the Museum’s computer equipment, scans and identifies historical photographs for
preservation purposes. Using digital technology, produces high quality historical photographs
that are sold to the public or used for research and publication.
Investigates and responds to historical research requests which involves microfilm; archived
documents, manuscripts and photographs; and the 1,084 Nome Recorder’s Books on loan from
the State Archivist.

Conducts tows to assist the public in understanding the displays and exhibits about the history of
Nome.
Develops educational programs involving the local schools and community.
Assists in planning events and functions to encourage interest and understanding of the area’s
history and development.
Performs all tasks as the recorder for the Museum and Library Commission; records.the actions
of the Commission; prepares and presents the minutes of Commission meetings; files a copy of
the minutes in the office as well as with the City Clerk and the City Manager.
Prepares a monthly report of all activities, events, functions; number of visitors; donations
received, and all pertinent activities related to the Museum and its exhibits.
Handles and reports all sales transactions of items sold by the Museum including photographs,
videos, mugs and other promotional materials. On a monthly basis reconciles cash and receipts
and submits report and money to City Clerk.
Maintains cleanliness of the interior and exterior of the Museum building.
May be required to work weekends.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervises Museum Aide and volunteers in absence of Director.

Skills, Abilities, Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or
ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent with at least two years hands on experience with word
processing software; organizational skills and administrative proficiency; excellent command of
the English language, grammar, composition and punctuation. The ideal candidate will possess
or develop a passion for our local history. Experience including public contact, artistic skills or
museum work is highly desirable.

Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals,
technical procedures or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and interpret procedure manuals and
memoranda.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, department
managers, clients, citizens, the general public and other agencies.
Ability to read and interpret historic information.
Mathematical Skills:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers,
common fractions, and decimals. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out a variety of instructions fhrnished in
written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Other Skills and Abilities:
Must be extremely trustworthy and honest in order to protect the integrity and security of the
museum and its collection.
Possess effective organizational and records management skills. Must be detail oriented.
Must be able to work independently.
Skilled in use of MS Office Suite. Advanced user of current digital photography programs
desirable. Working knowledge of Museum database program, PastPerfect is preferred.
Must be able to handle cash transactions for photo orders, book sales, etc.
Valid Alaska Driver’s License or attainment after hire.
A criminal background check is required prior to final hire.
Public Relations
Public relations is an integral part of every City employee’s job. In dealing with the donors,
scientists, dignitaries, researchers, filmmakers, world media, tourists and most importantly the
citizens of Nome who visit and utilize the Museum, the employee must be courteous, helpful and
conduct themselves in a manner which is appropriate for a public servant. Employee must
exercise excellent customer service and social skills.
Physical Demands: The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by
an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable

Language Skills:
Must possess effective writing, spelling and oral communication skills.