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The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.

The Historical Resources department are seeking a part-time Collections Specialist. In this role, you will be responsible for the movement, tracking, documentation, assembly, care, and storage of collection artifacts as a member of/or in cooperation with a variety of teams to accomplish the institution's mission and goals. This position will focus on the preparation of collections to facilitate digitization requests, new acquisitions, loans, exhibits, inventory, deaccession and artifact storage initiatives across campus.

Essential Responsibilities:

+ Move artifacts as required for collection care and access related to museum operations including but not limited to digitization, exhibit, loan, new acquisition, deaccession, and storage projects. This includes the utilization of equipment such as carts, pallet jacks, forklifts, scissor lifts, trailers, vans, and box trucks.

+ Designs and fabricates custom mounts, supports, housings, and packaging for collections artifacts using archival materials and best practices

+ Packs and secures artifacts for long-distance transport using custom crates, containers, or boxes to ensure safe transit

+ Documents collection information including condition notes, measurements, status updates, and photographs; Track artifact location changes and activity status using EMu computerized collections management system, e-mail, and other related systems as requested

+ Assists Collections Management staff with periodic and project-based storage inventories

+ Records and monitors environmental conditions in exhibition and storage areas, including temperature, humidity, and light levels; ensures calibration and maintenance of monitoring equipment

+ Follows institutional policies and professional museum standards for collections care, handling, transport, and storage

+ Maintains the organization and cleanliness of collection storage and workspaces, tools, equipment, and supplies

+ Collaborates and communicates effectively with curators, registrars, conservators, digitization teams, and other staff; Provides timely updates to supervisors and contributes expertise to collections-related discussions and initiatives

+ Contributes to the effective team collaboration regarding collections related issues and opportunities by providing knowledge and expertise

+ Upholds intellectual protection standards and applies principles of preventative conservation related to environmental controls, storage, and artifact maintenance

+ Acts as a steward of The Henry Ford's collections, contributing to the long-term preservation, access, and interpretation of artifacts

+ Performs other duties as assigned in support of collections access, care, and logistical needs

Your Qualifications:

+ Undergraduate degree, preferred in a humanities-related field (e.g., history, art, archaeology, museum studies)

+ 2+ years' experience in a museum, archive, or collections-related role

+ Demonstrated experience in artifact handling, storage, packing, and movement using appropriate tools and equipment with familiarity with museum standards for recordkeeping and object care

+ Valid state-issued driver's license

+ Must be able to wear appropriate PPE and follow institutional collections protection protocols

+ Proficiency in Windows-based computer applications with experience with collections management systems (e.g., EMu preferred)

+ Submission of a portfolio or documented examples of prior collections- or storage-related projects may be required

Special Skills:

+ Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

+ Effective problem-solving and logistical coordination capabilities

+ Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills

+ Demonstrates strong spatial reasoning and a tactile skillset

+ Works well independently and in a collaborative team environment

+ Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities or schedules

+ Maintains professionalism in both internal and external interactions

+ Familiarity with museum standards and best practices, including preventative conservation

+ Ability to identify and resolve physical and environmental risks to collections

+ Comfortable with hands-on work and physically coordinated in handling delicate or complex objects

+ Ability to creatively see the negative space and apply reverse engineering techniques to design and fabricate custom mounts, supports, housings, and packaging

Physical:

+ The work environment is typical of a warehouse setting and includes an indoor/outdoor museum. To perform the essential functions of this position the individual must be able to use technology. The employee will frequently sit, stand, walk, and lift up to 40lbs. Requires frequent foot, eye, and hand coordination.

Mental:

+ Ability to read and understand complex material, in a variety of media from a broad range of historical periods. Interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to express ideas and meaning with others. Must be able to adapt to workplace stressors such as multiple projects and tight deadlines.

Environment:

+ Storage warehouse conditions with additional normal indoor office environment. Occasional work outdoors, in all weather, with exposure to dirt, dust, and mold.

This job description is subject to change at any time.

It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity (including but not limited to recruitment, hire, employment, program participation, promotion, salary, benefits, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment or service as a volunteer) based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability. Marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, height, weight or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.