Title: Registrar and Collections Specialist
State Role Title: HistArch & Preserv I
Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience
Pay Band: 3
Agency: The Science Museum of Virginia
Location: Broad Street Station
Agency Website: https://smv.org/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Science Museum of Virginia seeks a meticulous Registrar and Collections Specialist to join our Science and Research Content team.
In this dynamic role, you'll play an integral part in shaping the future of the Northern Virginia Science Museum, a satellite location of the Science Museum of Virginia. This Richmond, VA – based position offers the opportunity to work with our passionate Science Content and Research team to discover and source fascinating objects from external partners that will ignite curiosity across all four galleries of this exciting new satellite location.
From building relationships to grow our collections, to coordination and project management of all associated paperwork, transportation, and installation of objects, you’ll be at the heart of creating unforgettable museum experiences. You’ll also steward a diverse range of collections — from natural history and geologic specimens to archival treasures and iconic artifacts of transportation and flight. Plus, you’ll help support both new exhibits and traveling shows by coordinating installations and ensuring every piece is cared for with expert precision.
If you’re ready to combine your museum expertise with your love for science and storytelling, this is the role for you!
Interested applicants must apply at http://jobs.virginia.gov/
Benefits
The position offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA, HSA, life insurance, 457 and pension plan, short and long-term disability and employee assistance program. The Science Museum has a generous paid time off policy, including vacation leave, four days family & personal leave, eight sick days per year and 13 paid holidays.
Minimum Qualifications
An ideal candidate will have familiarity with PastPerfect Museum Software and a strong understanding of database management practices are a plus. Knowledge of museum registration processes and standards as established by the American Alliance of Museums is essential. Demonstrate strong research abilities, excellent communication skills—both oral and written—with proficiency in spoken English, keen attention to detail, and outstanding organizational skills. The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with the Science Content and Research team and administrative staff is required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace is expected. Additionally, demonstrated experience in researching, curating, coordinating, and securing collection items from other institutions for exhibits is necessary. Project management skills and familiarity with Asana or similar project management tools are also highly valued. The role also requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, kneel, and climb ladders regularly.
Additional Considerations
Demonstrated skill in independently sourcing objects from external donors and organizations for exhibits, identifying compelling STEM stories for objects, museum registrar responsibilities, and best practices in collections care. Prior experience in a museum collections, archives, or curatorial department is a plus.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
The Science Museum of Virginia will accept ONLY online applications for all Science Museum employment opportunities. To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (RMS) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. If the position is an open until filled recruitment; the position will remain open for a minimum of 5 workdays or until the position is filled. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application; therefore, it is essential to provide detailed information. Submitting an application lacking in detail, may impact your interview eligibility. The RMS website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application and this position. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date. Computers are available for applying for jobs in public libraries and the Virginia Employment Commission offices.
The Science Museum seeks motivated people of all backgrounds. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer the Science Museum Welcomes Veterans to apply! We provide hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application or resume.
Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.
The Science Museum will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: 804.372.3766
Email: hr@smv.org
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.