Museum Technician

**General Statement of Job**:
Under limited supervision, develops educational programming and exhibitions at the Museum to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Spotsylvania County history. Work involves accessioning and maintaining permanent records on museum collections; collecting, classifying, and caring for the collections; planning, constructing, and interpreting exhibits and displays; conducting research for programs and collections, as well as providing information to Museum visitors. Reports to the Tourism Manager.

**Special Duties & Responsibilities**:

- Creates and displays permanent and rotating exhibits including research, design, and development of text, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of exhibits in the Museum, various public buildings, and County historic sites, as well as outdoor wayside site exhibits in Spotsylvania County.
- Participates in the Museum collections audits.
- Interacts with other public institutions and private citizens for the loan and/or donation of historic objects following established museum and institution best practices and guidelines.
- Writes and modifies historic articles, promotional information, and events on the museum website and social media pages.
- Participates in the Museum’s collection management and inputs accurate historical data into the County’s databases, records, and documents, including the use of PastPerfect software and other museum and institution-specific software.
- Recommends additions to the collection and interacts with other public institutions and private citizens for the loans and/or donations of historical objects per museum and institution best practices and established guidelines.
- Conducts extensive background research on objects, takes photographs and videos of objects for records, and properly stores artifacts in the collections building.
- Assists with research and preparation of budgetary recommendations to the Tourism Manager for exhibits and Museum operations.
- Assists with the execution of programs and projects funded through the use of grants.
- Assists with research and creation of background materials and educational training to provide to the Office of Tourism staff.
- Updates the Museum website, as well as the Museum’s social media platforms when assigned.
- Supports Museum functions through research, writing, editing, photography, video production, and graphic design.
- Interacts with the public as needed concerning the Museum and County history.
- Provides tours and specialized programs when assigned.
- Participates in professional organizations and training opportunities when assigned.
- Works weekends and evenings as required.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.

**Minimum Training & Experience**:
College coursework in Museum Studies, Historic Preservation, History, or related field. Bachelor’s Degree in a related field preferred and/or experience in the field, related area, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge of historic preservation and/or museum operations preferred.

Must possess and maintain a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license.

**Special Requirements**:

- Knowledge of best practices used in museum operations.
- Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in historic preservation.
- General knowledge of and ability to use desktop publishing and other computer programs for graphic and art design, social media posts, advertisements, newsletters, and MS PowerPoint presentations.
- Knowledge of Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms.
- Knowledge of current practices related to digitization of collections.
- Knowledge of proper copyright procedures.
- Skilled in utilizing research resources.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with County, State, and federal officials, and the general public.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
- Ability to work with little direct supervision as situations warrant.
- Ability to utilize mathematical formulas, add and subtract totals, multiply and divide, determine percentages, and determine time and weight.
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency with computers.
- Ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.
- Ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.
- Ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well?modulated voice.
- Ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques, to make independent judgments in the absence of supervision, and to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.
- Ability to re