Museum Job

I have not had a museum job, however, I have had a volunteering position. Dr. Fisher and Dr. Nelson took me in last fall as a volunteer at our university Archaeological Curation Facility. Due to my 16 unit load this semester, I was forced to bow out of that opportunity. Out of Burcaw's five steps, the only one that necessarily applies to me in this instance is that I answered an advertisement about the volunteering position.

 

(Pulled from the Western Museums Association Job Board)

The National Museum of the American Indian seeks applications for an 18 month paid residency for entry-level Native American museum professionals. A successful candidate will demonstrate commitment to the museum profession through academic preparation, experience with paid or volunteer work at museums or community cultural centers, experience with exhibitions and/or collections research, and/or a track record of community-based scholarship. The Curatorial Resident will enjoy all of the staff privileges and responsibilities of the Museum Scholarship Group, based in Suitland, MD or New York City.

 

Applications should include: 1) curriculum vitae/ professional resume; 2) letter of support from an academic or community-based sponsor or mentor. 3) essay (1200 words or less) describing: a) the candidate’s career goals; b) what the candidate hopes to gain from the residency experience; and c) why the NMAI can play an important role in the candidate’s career development. Consideration will be given to candidates who can demonstrate how their experience will benefit their communities.

 

Compensation is competitive with entry-level museum appointments, accompanied by a benefits package including health insurance. Travel funds for professional development will be determined in consultation with supervision. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

 

Applications due April 15, 2014; start date June 2014.

 

Mail applications to: Patricia Scott, Cultural Resources Center, 4220 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD 20746-2863

 

• I have experience with volunteering, spending three months (so far) acquiring valuable experience working in Sacramento State University's archaeological curation facility.
• I have worked with the Einfeld Collection, which contains artifacts from the Great Basin. This collection is currently being catalogued in the Archaeological Research Center at Sacramento State University. By the end of the Spring 2014 semester, I will have accumulated over 90 hours with this particular collection.
• I have experience working with a museum collection, taking part in the researching and installing , which was displayed in Sacramento State University's Anthropology Museum from April 15, 2014 to May 15, 2014. This project introduced me to the methods of museum exhibition, as well as giving me valuable experience working with a group to make our concept a reality.