JOB OBJECTIVE: The Texas Historical Commission seeks to fill a full-time Museum Collections Registrar/Collections Manager position at the Iwo Jima Memorial Museum (IJMM) at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, TX. The museum holds approximately 3000 objects focusing upon the Battle of Iwo Jima, which took place in Japan on the Island of Iwo Jima from February 19th- March 26, 1945. The collections include the original 32-foot-high plaster sculpture that served as the cast for the United States Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, VA. The collection also features uniforms, textiles, armaments, archival materials, and oral histories. Since 1982, the MMA has maintained the memorial and museum collection at the military academy. The main museum and visitor center are in a post-war 5-room building adjacent to the Memorial on the MMA campus in Harlingen, TX.

Under the direction of the Chief Curator, this position performs highly complex (senior-level) curatorial work to achieve intellectual control over the museum collection in preparation for the IJMM expansion and new museum, which will be under construction by 2026. Work involves implementing detailed inventories, documentation, digital photography, database implementation, entry, and management. This position will also develop and implement an exhibit and storage space environmental monitoring system and housekeeping plan. Work under limited supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

• Housing and board with access to all facilities on site are provided for a nominal fee.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

(The application must specifically state how each of the following qualifications are met):

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in History, Material Culture, American Studies, Museum Studies, or a closely related field;
• Minimum four years of work experience in decorative arts, fine arts, or archives collections management;
• Minimum two years of registration/collections management experience in a museum setting;
• Demonstrated proficiency and knowledge of collections databases, professional museum policies, procedures, and museum registration practices and principles;
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and ability to drive a state vehicle; and
• Required to travel up to 10% of the work period.

PREFER:

• Master’s degree in History, Material Culture, American Studies, Museum Studies, or a closely related field; and/or
• Interest in and/or familiarity with WWII's history, material culture, and the War of the Pacific is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of professional museum and archival practices in preservation and management;
• Knowledge of decorative arts history;
• Knowledge of current museum interpretation methods and strategies;
• Knowledge of exhibit development;
• Knowledge of project management processes and practice;
• Knowledge of local and state laws related to collections and program areas;
• Knowledge of program planning and implementation;
• Knowledge of American and Texas history;
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for historical research;
• Effective verbal and written communication, human relations, and organizational skills;
• Skill in public speaking and museum interpretation;
• Skill in operating a personal computer with word processing, database, spreadsheet, and collections management software;
• Ability to work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner;
• Ability to plan, organize, and work independently, as well as within a team environment;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE:
Must have or obtain a valid Driver’s License and complete a Defensive Driving Course to be able to operate state vehicles.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: The workplace setting is a historic site or museum collections repository, in an office and in outdoor settings where there is exposure to high temperatures, weather, dust, insects, and pollution. This employee typically works Monday through Friday, may work some weekend days, and may be required to work hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position may involve walking, standing, pulling and pushing, kneeling, stooping and bending, safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds, and climbing stairs on a regular basis. Work may include walking on uneven pathways and unpaved surfaces.

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE: All CAPPS Recruit job postings extend priority of service to veterans, a surviving spouse, orphan of a veteran who was killed while on active duty, spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on active duty, or spouse of a veteran with a disability if the spouse is the primary income for the household.

To receive Military Employment preference, a copy of the DD 214, NA Form 13038, VA Summary Benefits Letter, or a DD Form 1300 must be provided before an interview can be extended.

REMARKS (Application procedures, Special requirements): State of Texas application must be submitted through the CAPPS website. Only applicants interviewed will be notified of their selection or non-selection. Resumes will NOT be accepted in place of a completed application.

The Texas Historical Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information, or protected activity in recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, retention, or any other personnel action or deny any benefits or participation in programs or activities which it sponsors.

As part of the employment process, THC will conduct a driving and criminal background check. Unsatisfactory information relevant to the position may disqualify the applicant from employment.

Disability access for testing and interview accommodations can be provided upon reasonable notice by contacting Human Resources at 512-305-6729.

THC participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_LibraryandRecords.pdf

Veterans: Go to www.texasskillstowork.com for assistance translating your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

For New Hires/Rehires: Health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER