Collections Technician, Ethnology

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent
Deadline to Apply: This application will remain open until the position is filled.
Rate of Pay: $17.50 - $23.97 per hour, commensurate with experience. This wage band is set and not subject to negotiation.

Job Purpose

The Collection Technician is responsible for assisting the Collection Managers in the physical care and maintenance of collections within the division or department, and the collection’s associated records both physical and digital. The Collection Technician assists with supervision of volunteer activities; and carries out activities associated with collection access to support the collection managers. The Collection Technician reports to the Collection Manager and is responsible for assisting with all aspects of collections management activities as they relate to fulfilling the Museum’s mission to “inspire our community and visitors through the exploration, celebration, and perpetuation of the extraordinary history, culture, and environment of Hawai?i and the Pacific.” The incumbent is expected to perform duties in close collaboration with other members of the collection team in Cultural Resources.

Duties and Responsibilities

General Collections Care and Access

• Assists with the processing and handling of collections according to policies and procedures

• Assists with and sometimes leads digitization efforts including photography of the collections

• Secures the collection to ensure the physical welfare of the collections and associated records

• Works with Collection Managers in the sculpture cleaning program for the indoor and outdoor Ethnology collection

• Assists in inventories with registration and collection team members

• Supports and facilitates exhibition installations through the physical movement of collections based on guidance and collaboration with Collection Management, Curatorial, and Exhibit team members

• Participates, and sometimes oversees, collection movements on-site

• Willing to participate in emergency response duties related to the Cultural Resources collections

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Environmental Monitoring

• Leads IPM and environmental monitoring and reporting in collection spaces and galleries

• Understands the specific environmental needs for gallery and collections spaces

• Demonstrates an understanding of pests in museums and how to monitor them

• Assist in mitigating issues surrounding temperature, relative humidity, and pests

Collections Access and Engagement

• Assists the staff and members of the public in safe collection access

• Work with Collection Managers and Curators to safely pull collections for access

• Assist with hosting researchers, practitioners, and community in collections spaces

• Record, if needed, information shared by researchers to document in database

• Support non-collections staff working in a collection space, collection interns and/or volunteers, fellows

• Assists with access to collections spaces for contractors or partners on specific projects

• Performs other duties, as assigned, to accomplish the goals of the Museum

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field.

• Familiarity with Hawaiian language and terminology sufficient to support collections work.

• Experience using a collection database, including runing reports and updating records or locations.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Proficiency with computers and standard office applications, and ability to learn new systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework in art, ethnology, archeology, or museum collections management.

• 1-2 years of experience working with museum collections.

• Knowledge of the history and cultures of Hawai’i and Oceania.

Other Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive areas of collections

• The position is based on O’ahu and requires regular, on-site presence for coordination of Museum operations.

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of the organization and respond to operational priorities.

Direct Reports

None

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a combination of collections storage areas, galleries, offices, and occasional outdoor environments. Duties may involve exposure to dust, mold, pests, and environmental fluctuations such as temperature and humidity changes. The position requires working in close proximity to collection materials, some of which may be fragile or sensitive. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support exhibitions, programs, or operational needs. Participation in emergency response activities related to collections may also be required.

Physical Requirements

This position requires a combination of sedentary and active work. Duties include standing, walking, bending, reaching, and moving throughout collections storage areas and galleries. The role involves frequent handling and movement of collection objects and related materials, including the use of carts, ladders, or basic tools under supervision. The position requires the ability to lift and carry objects or materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Extended periods of computer use and repetitive hand and wrist movements may be required for data entry and digitization tasks. Requires visual acuity sufficient to inspect collection objects, monitor environmental conditions, and review detailed records.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at hr@bishopmuseum.org or 808-848-4107 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Salary : $18 - $24