Assistant Registrar (Full-Time)

The Tampa Museum of Art is looking The Assistant Registrar plays a crucial role in the stewardship and administration of our museum’s collection. This individual ensures meticulous management and documentation of collections, including tracking objects (loans, acquisitions, exhibitions), maintaining database accuracy, and safeguarding records to uphold the integrity of the collection’s history, provenance, condition, and whereabouts. Additionally, the Assistant Registrar is instrumental in the logistical and care aspects of exhibition preparation and presentation.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Collections and exhibition related data entry, including: inputting and updating object and loan records in the collections database (object locations, exhibition history, label information, conservation, condition and treatment reports, and provenance).
  • Collections care tasks, including: housing and rehousing collection objects for storage, tagging and numbering objects, collection storage organization and housekeeping.
  • Assists in the preparation, installation and deinstallation of exhibitions.
  • Tracks all movement of permanent and loaned objects in the museum as well as in the collections database.
  • Generates condition reports and object treatment reports.
  • Receives, packs/unpacks, inspects incoming and outgoing works of art.
  • Assist the Curators as needed on collections and exhibitions related projects.
  • Participates in collection wide inventories, including reconciliation and updating the collection database.
  • Assists with shipments at the loading dock.
  • Reviews, ensures, and investigates all matters surrounding the provenance of antiquities entering the collection, handles issues and challenges related to provenance integrity and history of ownership.
  • Locates, pulls objects for examinations and/or installation; returns objects to storage.
  • Updates exhibition checklists and floorplans.
  • Coordinates and conducts object documentation photography.
  • Assists with matting and framing, as needed.
  • Facilitates image usage requests and rights and reproduction requests.
  • Updates the exhibition and collections pages of the website.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities:

  • Comprehensive understanding of museum operations and artifact handling.
  • Skilled in art preparation techniques, including matting and framing.
  • Proficient with GallerySystems TMS Collections or equivalent databases.
  • Adept in using both manual and power tools for art installation.
  • Knowledge of material handling equipment such as gantries, lifts, and pallets.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant software.
  • Background or relevant coursework in ancient art and/or modern and contemporary is preferred.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and city laws, rules and regulations related to transportation, preservation, and display of artifacts.
  • Strong people skills for good customer service, vendor relations and donor relations.
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.

Education & Experience:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Art History, or Art is required.
  • At least two (2) years of direct experience with museum registration methods and collections management practices.
  • A valid Florida driver’s license.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to drive a box truck (CDL license not required).
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Frequent and prolonged periods of standing, bending, stooping, and reaching; stepping on stools and ladders; working at heights on ladders and lifts; pushing and pulling shipping/packing crates; carrying materials, supplies, and art objects during the installation and de-installation of exhibitions.
  • Occasional exposure to chemicals and fumes that are common to the processes of matting and framing artwork, painting furniture, and generating graphics.

Benefits:

  • Wage: $18-21 per hour, depending on experience.
  • Paid time off plus 13 paid staff holidays.
  • Monthly stipend for parking.
  • Substantial coverage of medical insurance costs.
  • Access to dental and vision insurance and health savings accounts.
  • Fully paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability Insurance.
  • Optional Long-Term Disability Insurance.
  • A 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to a 4% company match.
  • Access to an employee wellness package.
  • Access to museums across North America with TMA staff membership.