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 team is currently seeing a temporary part-time Collections Specialist position for a project that will last through the end of 2025. In this role, you get to process and care for objects associated with the Lillian F. Schwartz & Laurens R. Schwartz Collection. The material spans from early childhood to late career and includes thousands of objects that document Lillian Schwartz’s expansive and inquisitive mindset: films and videos, two-dimensional artwork and sculptures, personal papers, computer hardware, and film editing equipment.
The part-time Collections Specialist will be responsible for the housing of 3D artifacts from the acquisition as a member of/or in cooperation with a variety of teams. This temporary position (8 months) will focus on preparation and movement of collections to facilitate permanent storage in the collection.
Essential Responsibilities
• Moves, packs, tracks, and re-houses artifacts as required for collection processes and access related to the Lillian F. Schwartz & Laurens R. Schwartz Collection acquisition.
• Prepares existing collections storage areas to receive materials.
• Documents artifact location changes and activity status using EMu collections management database, e-mail, and other systems as requested.
• Follows established professional procedures and museum best practices for collections care and handling.
• Organizes and/or maintains order of collections and historical materials in processing and storage situations.
• Works, communicates, and acts as a team player with a variety of staff, including curators, registrars, conservators, digitization staff, or others and provides timely updates on status.
• Assists with reference image creation (basic imaging) and file management process of those images into the collections management system.
• Performs other activities as necessary to support collections care and movement.
Your Qualifications
• Undergraduate degree, humanities area of study preferred
• 3 years’ experience in collections management, gallery preparation, fine art packing, or related field.
• Experience using museum or gallery techniques for packing, storage, recordkeeping, and movement (provide portfolio of 3 –5 projects)
• Experience utilizing specialized tools and equipment in an artifact storage environment
• Valid driver’s license
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE when required for collections activities
• Knowledge of windows-based computer software
• Experience with Collections Management Software
Special Skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Well-organized
• Spatial reasoning
• Team player
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Flexibility
• Professionalism
PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL
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.