MPM Placement Description for Curatorial Section Volunteers in Anthropology, Botany, Geology and History

Placement title:   Curatorial Section Volunteer
Department/division:   Education
Department Contact:   Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer Contact:   One curator of the above departments
Length of Placement:   Long Term, mutually agreed times, M-F, between 8:00 & 4:00

PURPOSE

  • Assist curators in meeting the needs of collections and management of artifacts thus maintaining the public’s trust in MPM.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide day-to-day collections support through working with objects, documentation, and/or computers.
  • Carry out duties for the department as needed and under the guidance of the Curator and Collection Manager.
  • Duties may include (but are not limited to) assisting with cataloging acquisitions and keeping records, assisting with the care of the collection helping with inquiries from researchers and the public, assisting with presentations/tours to staff and/or the public, assisting in organizing exhibitions and providing assistance in research projects.
  • Must maintain confidentiality and follow all procedures described in the Volunteer Handbook.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Knowledge Base – Experience and degrees must be commensurate with curatorial needs.
  • Skills Required – Availability M-F, 8 am-4 pm, for a 5 hour shift once a week at MPM for at least 10 consecutive months; punctuality, patience, trustworthiness, understanding of the implications of the “public trust” in MPM, loyalty to a museum culture; ability to take oral instruction and follow through, to ask questions if you don’t understand, pay attention to detail and accuracy rather than speed; comfortable with menial tasks as well as conducting research, must have demonstrated good to excellent organizational skills. Presentation skills helpful but not required.
  • Extra Resume Required: In addition to the volunteer application, background check and drug free environment form required of all volunteers, you must submit one extra page documenting the above skills that you have specific for the department’s need. Documentation of your loyalty to MPM must be included; i.e. a list of volunteer activity for the past 6 months.
  • Computer Skills - Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and ACCESS and a willingness to learn other programs.
  • Physical Requirements - Must be able to bend, turn and lift 20-40 pounds. Have good eyesight. No uncontrolled allergies to dust.

HOURS and AVAILABILITY / MINIMUM COMMITMENT REQUIRED

  • Volunteer work varies by departmental needs and will be conducted during mutually agreed dates and times. Most are long term commitments.
  • Reliability and punctuality required; notification to the curator if absent for an emergency.

TRAINING/DRESS CODE/SUPPORT

  • TRAINING: Volunteer Coordinator will conduct interview & orientation to MPM. The curator will also interview you to determine your fit with department’s need. Curatorial staff will then train you, set up your volunteer schedule, communicate with you regularly, and be your primary contact for this position.
  • DRESS CODE: Business Casual when working with the public. Jeans OK when working behind the scenes.
  • SUPPORT: Support provided by supervising curatorial staff.

BENEFITS

  • Benefits explained with the Volunteer MEMBER card.
  • With MPM validation, parking at MacArthur Square is reduced to $5.
  • When wearing your volunteer badge, get discounts in the café, coffee kiosk, and gift shop.

SUCCESS MEASURES

  • Curators are appreciative of your reliability, punctuality and ability to follow-through on the task assigned.
  • Once trained, curators are assured you will ask questions as needed to assure a successful task.
  • Volunteers honor their commitment and become proficient in using the Volgistics internet system to record their hours.
  • Volunteers discuss how their curator prefers communication (email, phone) and maintains communication with their curator.