Collections Assistant

The Gems & Minerals Collections Assistant supports the Director of Gems and Minerals in the management and care of the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The Museum pioneered a “loan-versus-own” collection method to display and regularly rotate some of the world’s highest-quality jewelry, gems and minerals exhibited in the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall. The Gems & Minerals Collections Assistant performs tracking, record keeping, and logistics handling related to gems and minerals specimens loaned to the museum. The candidate also assists the Director with collections management, specimen handling, shipping and transportation, installation, and the care of objects in the museum’s permanent gems and minerals collection. This position is based at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and requires on-site work with little to no remote duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains records and digital files of gems, minerals, and jewelry loaned to the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall

• Tracks all loaned specimens in database and prepares paperwork for extensions and/or returns

• Works with Director of Gems and Minerals to assess and create condition reports for incoming loaned specimens

• Arranges transportation of loaned specimens to and from the Museum, with the approval of Director of Gems and Minerals and lender(s)

• Communicates with Museum COO or responsible designee and insurance broker to help maintain proper coverage for loaned specimens

• Photographs incoming loaned specimens, and edits them in Photoshop for use on exhibit touchscreens

• Assists installation and de-installation of the loaned specimens, under guidance of the Director of Gems and Minerals

• Works with donors and lenders to facilitate positive relationships

• Some late night and early morning hours are expected

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree

• Candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.

• Familiarity with documentation practices and procedures pertaining to museum specimens

• Understanding of proper handling and storage of museum specimens

• Skill with verbal and written communication, and the ability to follow instruction

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

• Experience with Adobe Acrobat Pro and creating forms

• Experience with Adobe Photoshop

• Able to safely handle high-end, delicate objects

• Cannot be a personal collector or dealer of gems and minerals

Preferred:

• Degree in Museum Studies, Geology (Mineralogy), or related field

• Experience in museum collections management activities. Volunteer activities can be considered

• The ideal candidate will have a museum background in Earth sciences, and will possess previous collections experience, preferably with scientific collections

• Prior experience in mineral handling a plus