Museum Registrar

Position: Museum Registrar

Reports to: Museum Manager

Emergency Classification: Essential

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade: 106

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is seeking a detail-oriented, mission-driven Museum Registrar to manage and preserve the historic and archaeological collections of the Mound House. Under the direction of the Museum Manager, this role is responsible for all aspects of collections management, including documentation, cataloging, inventory, loans, accessioning, and the care and storage of the Town's artifacts. The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of museum registration practices and cultural property laws, including NAGPRA, along with the organizational skills to bring structure to unmanaged collections and the enthusiasm to share the collection with our community through educational programs and outreach.

If you are passionate about collections stewardship, thrive on detail, and enjoy connecting people with history, we encourage you to apply and help us preserve and share the Town's cultural heritage for generations to come.

The Town of FMB Offers a Competitive Benefits Package!

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance with low deductibles and annual maximums. The Town covers 100% of employee premiums and 50% of dependent premiums. Benefits include employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, gym membership reimbursement and more.
• Work/Life Balance: Employees accrue paid leave monthly, plus sick leave and a birthday benefit annually. The Town observes 14 paid holidays and offers a supportive, team-oriented environment.
• Retirement Planning: Immediate vesting in a 401(a)/457(b) pension plan with generous employer contributions.

And More! Join a team that values your well-being, growth, and future.

Position Summary

The Museum Registrar plays a critical role in the management and preservation of artifacts and collections at the museum. The primary responsibility of this position is collections management, including documentation, inventory, record keeping, loans, accessioning, risk management, and implementing museum standards for the care of collections. The position requires regular travel between the Mound House and offsite collection storage facilities. The Registrar occasionally develops educational programs on collection care for Town residents and the Southwest Florida public and works with education staff on collections-related programming. This position also provides administrative, research, outreach, and project support to Mound House staff, including limited coverage of the Museum Store as needed. The position requires a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, and performs work requiring independent judgment and discretion.

Responsibilities and Reporting During an Emergency Situation

If assigned, employees in this classification will be required to report and carry out duties as directed for the duration of an emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Responsible for all aspects of collections management for the Town.
• Oversees the registration, documentation, and cataloging of museum artifacts, ensuring their proper care, storage, and accessibility for exhibition, research, and educational purposes.
• Processes uncatalogued collections and resolves abandoned property.
• Ensures the accuracy and completeness of artifact records in the museum's database or collections management system; manages inventories, enters data, and maintains collection records.
• Researches, facilitates, and implements the adoption of a collections management system.
• Implements standardized procedures for artifact handling, labeling, and documentation to maintain consistency and compliance with best practices.
• Conducts regular inspections of artifact storage areas to monitor environmental conditions, security, and preservation needs; designates proper storage for collection objects.
• Creates and oversees collections paperwork, including loan documents, donation records, condition reports, and accession and deaccession files.
• Manages incoming and outgoing loans, including preparing loan agreements, completing condition reports, communicating with lenders and borrowers, and arranging shipping and transportation.
• Coordinates the movement of artifacts for exhibition, research, loans, and other purposes, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines.
• Participates in exhibition activities, including object handling, packing, unpacking, and condition reporting.
• Oversees conservation, restoration, historic preservation, and archaeological excavations as needed for the preservation of objects and landscapes.
• Develops, implements, and trains staff on collections policies and procedures, including integrated pest management, climate control, and handling.
• Ensures the Town's compliance with state and federal cultural property laws and regulations, collections ethics, and best museum practices.
• Facilitates access to collections by researchers and the public while ensuring the security and confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Serves on the accession committee and attends all assigned meetings.
• Advocates for collections development and budget requests to properly care for and manage the Town's collections; assists in writing collections-related grants.
• Assists in developing and implementing the disaster management plan for the Mound House, cultural resources, and collections.
• Trains, guides, and supervises museum staff, volunteers, and interns working in collections.
• Researches, prepares, edits, and maintains educational and exhibit materials.
• Engages the community through lectures, workshops, tours, and educational programs that promote awareness and appreciation of the museum's collections and mission.
• Assists with special events, visitor experience, and general office routines, including participant registration, reports, phones, and public information.
• Ensures compliance with safety standards and regulations.
• Attends all assigned events and meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.)

REQUIREMENTS:

Education, Certification, and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Archaeology, Historic Preservation, or a related field required;
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working directly in museum registration, collections management, archives, or a related setting.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred, or must obtain within ninety (90) days of hire.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver License.

*Relevant work experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for required education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Historic and archaeological collections.
• Current collection care standards and best practices for collections management.
• Museum registration practices, cataloging standards, and collections management principles.
• Cultural property laws and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) compliance.

Skills:

• Using Microsoft Office and collections management software.
• Creating and implementing collections-related policies and procedures.
• Organizing unmanaged collections and implementing processes that ensure proper practices and regulations are followed.
• Conducting collection inventories and preparing administrative paperwork, records, and reports.
• Communicating effectively, orally and in writing, and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Organizing work, attending to detail, and managing multiple tasks and priorities.

Abilities:

• Analyze and organize data and prepare accurate records and reports.
• Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with affiliated tribal governments and descendant communities.
• Work with and serve a diverse local community, the general public, coworkers, and program participants.
• Uphold ethical and professional standards in museum practices and operations.
• Work a varying schedule, including nights, weekends, and emergency activations, when required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and handle objects up to 50 pounds and to stand, walk, stoop, push, pull, and crawl.
• Ability to paddle and assist visitors getting in and out of kayaks in unstable footing conditions; physical effort applies to no more than six (6) hours per day.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Physical stamina to accomplish assigned work.

Environmental Requirements:

• Some time is spent outdoors throughout the year; environmental factors may vary.
• Ability to perform strenuous work in varying and adverse weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and potentially hazardous environments.

Sensory Requirements:

• Task requires sound perception and discrimination.
• Task requires visual perception and discrimination.
• Task requires oral communications ability.

The Town of FMB is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drugfree Workplace

Veterans Preference

The Town of Fort Myers Beach provides Veterans' Preference in employment for eligible veterans, spouses of veterans, and qualifying family members, in accordance with the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs guidelines.

How to Claim Veterans' Preference:

1. Notify Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io to request Veterans' Preference at the time of application.
2. Obtain the Veterans' Preference Form, which will be provided by Human Resources, and indicate your eligibility.
3. Submit the required documentation (e.g., DD-214 form, VA disability letter, or applicable spouse documentation) along with your completed application.

If you require assistance or have questions about this process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.

Employment at the Town of Fort Myers Beach is contingent upon your successful completion of the following:

1. Pre-employment drug screening, pursuant to the Drug-Free /Alcohol-Free Employment Policy as outlined in the Town's Employee Handbook adopted by Council effective January 2022.

1. General background verification.