Overview:

The MIT Museum seeks a Collections Assistant to support the initial processing of a large corporate architectural archive of one of the leading American architects of the 20th century. This position will assist with the retrieval, assessment, sorting, cleaning, packing, and documentation of the collection in New York City in preparation for its transfer to the MIT Museum.

This is a temporary, full-time position (40 hours per week) for a twelve-month term. The Collections Assistant will be expected to work during normal operating hours, Monday through Friday, in-person in New York, NY (Manhattan). Work will be performed under the direction of the Assistant Curator of Architecture.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with the processing of a large archival collection of manuscripts and architectural drawings (approximately 2,500 linear feet of boxed materials and 2,500 rolls of drawings)
• Perform physical processing tasks such as fastener removal, interleaving, reorganizing, rehousing, and packing archives using approved methods and materials
• Assist with the general sorting of drawings and written materials based on their content
• Assist with light cleaning of archival materials using approved methods and materials
• Use approved technologies to produce inventories, monitor tasks and workflows, and track and record container locations
• Provide ongoing support in the general maintenance and organization of work areas
• Performs other collections related duties as required

Experience/Skills Required:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a museum or archive handling and processing archival collections and/or artifacts of varying materiality and fragility
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, responsible, and reliable
• Experience with word-processing software and spreadsheets (Excel)
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work effectively on long-term projects with minimal supervision
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of museum and/or archive standards and best practices in the care, handling, and packing of archives and drawings
• Excellent interpersonal skills as well as the ability to work well and communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals including consultants and vendors

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted
• Ability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive tasks
• Ability to move items using ladders, carts, and other tools
• Ability to safely and dexterously handle archival materials varying in size, materiality, and fragility, including large architectural drawings and other large plans

Educational Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Library Science (especially with archival focus) or related field
• Experience working with architectural archives or other plan collections
• Knowledge of modern architectural history

Work Environment:

Typical office or administrative workspaces; archive processing space.

About the Job and Salary:

The Collections Assistant will be employed through MITemps, a temporary agency that works with MIT. The Collections Assistant is not an employee of MIT

The job pay rate is $24 – $32 per hour.

To apply please submit:

• Cover letter that describes your qualifications. Please include descriptions of your experience working in a museum or archive processing and handling collections. Please specify experience with architecture, plan, or map collections (if any).
• Resume
• List of 3 references with contact information

Email full application to collections.museum@mit.edu

Please no telephone calls or recruiters. Incomplete applications will not be considered.