Assistant Curator

How to apply:

Please email Adrian Fischer (fischer@thebakken.org) with the following information.

1. A cover letter as an attachment or two to three paragraphs in the body of the email detailing why you are interested in this position and how you meet the requirements described in this job description.
2. Your resume or work/skills/training history as an attachment or a link to your LinkedIn public profile in your email response. We do not have a preference. Our aim is to understand where you have worked and the types of roles you have had.
3. OPTIONAL – Please consider filling out an optional, anonymous demographics survey, found here (https://thebakkenmuseum.formstack.com/forms/igm_applicant_demographic_survey). This survey will remain unattached to any application materials and is used only to determine patterns and opportunities for improvement. The hiring manager will not have access to the individual responses collected.

Complete applications will receive confirmation of submission within 72 hours. Application deadline is January 5th, 2025. Please contact Adrian Fischer if you have questions about this process.

Who we are and what we do:

The Bakken Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum with a focus on innovation and the intersection of STEM and the humanities. The museum encourages curiosity through our exhibitions, events, and on and off-site education programs. Our purpose is to awaken the innovator inside each of us.

Our values:

Creativity – We believe that everyone has the ability to use their creativity to help make the world a better place. We aim to foster that creativity in each other and our audiences.
Curiosity – We are always learning, growing, and asking questions. This curiosity is the lens through which we approach learning and making connections in unexpected ways.
Uniqueness – We take pride in the ways we can be surprising or different from what might be expected. We encourage our staff and audiences to bring their full selves and embrace the strengths and connections in our differences.

Adaptability – We acknowledge that change is constant and that we are made stronger by our ability to accept and understand change. We improvise with empathy and purpose, using change as an asset to adapt, grow, and develop in new ways that support the needs of our audiences and each other.

Collaboration – We work to leverage our collective genius in service of our mission. We listen to each other, support one another, work to better understand each other, and as a result, grow and evolve together.

Equity – We will strive to be a place where everyone is welcome, represented, and valued and will work to correct the structural imbalances which prevent that goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Bakken provides equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, familial status, sex, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

Position Overview:

Working with the Curator of Collections and Exhibits, the Assistant Curator catalogs, researches, and assists in the care and management of the Bakken Museum’s collection. This position also performs research, development, installation and de-installation, and maintenance for the museum’s exhibitions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Collections – 50%

– Significant responsibility for the documentation of collections materials, including maintaining electronic records database, ensuring accurate documentation of existing records, cataloguing new acquisitions, processing deaccessioned materials, and processing ingoing/outgoing loans.
– Research history and background of artifacts in collection to aid in collections management, support DEAI initiatives, and integrate collections into museum exhibitions and public programming.
– Identifies appropriate items for potential deaccession in accordance with collection policies and makes recommendations to Curator of Exhibits and Collections.
– Researches and carries out appropriate disposal methods for objects identified for deaccessioning.
– Assists in processing paperwork and packaging for shipping of loans to and from other institutions.
– Stabilizes, repairs, and digitizes artifacts and books as needed.
– Promotes the museum’s collection to staff and outside stakeholders.
– Supports grant submissions and execution for exhibitions and collections projects.

Exhibitions – 50%
– Researches and develops concepts, content, and interpretive strategies for exhibitions.
– Maintains and repairs exhibits as needed.
– Assists in the installation and de-installation of exhibits.
– Supports events by interpreting exhibits or objects from the collections to event attendees.

Other duties as needed or required
Perform other duties as needed or required which are within the position’s scope.

Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion

Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) are core functions of all positions at the Bakken Museum. While some roles may have more specific responsibilities, the items below are a part of everyone’s role at the museum:
– Demonstrate a commitment to DEAI through continuous personal development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias to help cultivate and promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging for all staff.
– Proactively work on your own and collaboratively with other museum staff to ensure equitable and representative experiences for all museum visitors and program participants.
Position Requirements:
– 2+ years of experience in curatorial, library, collections, or similar practices.
– Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
– Strong attention to detail is essential.
– Ability to work on a variety of projects simultaneously.
– Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
– Ability to sit and/or stand for up to 8 hours per shift.
– Ability to move through and access all areas of the buildings and grounds including stairs, indoor and outdoor areas, and small spaces.
– Ability to manipulate computers, office equipment, folding chairs and tables, and similar items related to an office environment.
– Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
– Must be able to use hand tools for exhibit maintenance.

Travel:
Limited to metro area for occasional support of programs or museum initiatives.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the staff member assigned to this position. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Bakken Museum is committed to pay equity. The Bakken Museum provides pay grade transparency, and benchmarks pay grades and compensation compared to market. In addition to salary, The Bakken Museum offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff and part time staff working over 20 hours including employer matched 403(b), employer sponsored health & dental insurance, paid parental leave, and PTO.