JOB DESCRIPTION Collections Assistant
Mission of the East Tennessee Historical Society
We create pathways to preserve, interpret, and promote the history of East Tennessee.
Purpose
The collections assistant is responsible for supporting the curator of collections in the preservation and presentation of and access to the collections owned by the East Tennessee Historical Society and on loan from other institutions and private collectors through handling, exhibition, and registration. To assist in the daily care of the 16,000-item East Tennessee Historical Society collections, to include but not be limited to acquisition management, accessioning, storing, inventorying, and assisting with exhibition artifact selection and installation. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Preparation & Exhibitions
● Daily care of objects in the museum's custody and control.
● Maintain and care for all temporary and permanent indoor and outdoor exhibitions. ● Prepare objects for exhibitions and outgoing loans, including evaluating condition and mounting requirements, packing solutions, rehousing plans, movement, and conservation. ● Write the exhibition deinstallation/installation work schedule for each exhibition changeover with assistance from the curator of collections.
● Maintain storage of tools, paint, and supplies in a secure and orderly fashion. ● Install objects and non-art components in galleries during exhibition deinstallation/installation. ● Monitor the condition and appearance of storage areas and the loading dock.
Registration & Collections Management
● Manage and evaluate acquisition inquiries for submission to the collections committee. ● Assist with the management and pickup of new acquisitions into the collection. ● Document object information in CatalogIt database for acquisitions, loans, and exhibitions. ● Enhancing the digital collection for public access.
● Perform preventative cleaning of objects and record if conservation is needed. ● Track environmental conditions and IPM in all gallery and storage spaces.
● Assist the curator of collections in creating and implementing museum policies, procedures, and best practices encompassing storage, as well as special projects.
● Assist in training curatorial department interns and volunteers, as well as cross-training other museum staff, interns, and volunteers when necessary.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have a solid foundation in understanding how collections and exhibitions are developed, be a stellar collaborator, and be detail oriented. Experience with historical research is a must, with a focus on Southern or Appalachian history preferred. A bachelor's degree is required with a minimum of two years experience working with objects/art in a museum, gallery, or related setting.
Ability to understand collection management databases is a must. Ability to organize and plan schedules within a changing work environment while adhering to the time-sensitive nature of museum production work and to coordinate several tasks simultaneously. Ability to properly analyze the physical requirements and the inherent risks associated with object handling. Comfortable climbing ladders with the ability to lift, push, pull, and support heavy objects. Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. Ability to work with a diverse array of people, including Museum guests, supporters, clients, vendors, volunteers, and staff in both large and small groups.
Hours, Compensation, and Benefits
● Full-time, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
● Additional evening and weekend hours may be required.
● All full-time staff are expected to be available to assist with museum events. ● Starting salary: $40,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. ● Full-time staff benefits are provided in accordance with museum policies.
Reports to: Curator of Collections
Supervises: Interns and Volunteers
To Apply
Send a cover letter, resume/CV, and three references to Rebecca P’Simer, Curator of Collections, at curatoreths@gmail.com; the submission deadline is December 5, 2026.
