Collections Coordinator

Position: Collections Coordinator

Location:

Portland, OR
Type: - Part time/hourly. Average 20-24 hours/week This is not a hybrid position. Set weekday/weekend schedule required.

Salary: $25/hour

Qualified candidates must complete a background check prior to hiring.

Pittock Mansion is a 1914 historic house museum, owned by the City of Portland, Parks and Recreation and operated by the Pittock Mansion Society. The premises include the Mansion, the Gate Lodge and the Garage with beautiful gardens adjacent to Pittock Vista Point. The mission of the organization is to inspire understanding and stewardship of Portland history through Pittock Mansion, its collections, and programs.

Pittock Mansion is one of the top tourist destinations in Portland.

The organization is at an exciting juncture of growth, reimagination, and evolution with the new vision, Pittock 2.0.

Follow best practices in care of Pittock Mansion Society's museum collections, including:

• Engage in and coordinate ongoing care and safety of artifacts in the collection
• Identify collections care-related needs and set annual collections care goals with management.
• Ensure collection records, documentation, and database (Catalog It) are accurately and regularly maintained.
• Scan, upload, and input artifact documentation to the database.
• Sort and organize items in the collections into easily accessible categories.
• Assess gaps in collections records to discuss and jointly resolve with the committee and management.
• Develop and follow a regular schedule for care, cleaning, and condition reporting of museum collections. This work includes cleaning of collections storage area and all objects on display throughout the campus.
• Proactively assess, monitor, and mitigate pest-management in collections storage areas and exhibits.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to review and approve/disapprove object removal requests from decorators for Home for the Holidays. Ensure all object removed are
• Ensure that collections of objects in storage and on display are maintained in the most optimal environment possible, given the climate control limitations of the building.
• Assist with deaccessioning of artifacts upon committee approval and recommended steps.
• Serve as point of contact in supporting digitization opportunities including conducting research and short-listing items for digitization.
• Follow archival standards for digital assets in the creation of digital files
• Research and support grants to enhance collections care.

• Serve as staff liaison for the Collections Committee. Facilitate the meetings, setting up the agenda and doing necessary follow-ups.
• Develop training manuals and other supporting materials related to collections care and lead the deep cleaning of artifacts with other museum staff and volunteers during annual maintenance days. This would involve clear written and oral communication.
• Process and handle all object loans and collections-based image use requests to and from Pittock Mansion. This would involve communicating with other museums and private collectors.
• Act as the POC for object donations inquiries and processing it through committee approval.
• Assist department director and curator as needed in exhibition planning and development, preparation, and installation as needed.
• Maintain equipment as needed, including delivery to offsite service and repair. Communicate with Director of Finance and Facilities staff
• Able to organize and offer public facing tours of the stacks and develop materials to provide insights into key areas of the collections. Schedule and present "collections cart" to the public once or twice a week and train volunteers to do the same. Coordinate schedule of tours of stacks or collections cart offerings on certain weekends

• Bachelor's degree in history, arts, archival studies, library studies, collections management or related field
• Direct experience with museum collections related internships and collections management duties preferred.
• Working in museums, archives or library department a plus.
• Sufficient professional knowledge of fundamental collections management and archival principles, theoretical concepts, techniques and functions, and the ability to apply the knowledge to practical problems.
• Familiarity with the theory and practice of computer software systems for cataloging and management, such as Catalog It and/or Past Perfect collections…