Registrar (DCA #4884)

Posting Details

THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.

Please visit us at www.newmexicoculture.org

Created in 1978 by the New Mexico Legislature, the Department of Cultural Affairs represents New Mexico's dedication to preserving and celebrating the cultural integrity and diversity of our state. The Department oversees a broad range of New Mexico's arts and cultural heritage agencies. These include 15 divisions representing a variety of programs and services.

The New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo, New Mexico, is a regional and statewide educational resource of space-related exhibits and exhibitions, local landmark, and destination for anyone who to understand the scope of space exploration throughout the world, New Mexico's central role in space exploration, and the dynamics that have shaped our view of the universe ( https://nmspacemuseum.org).
Why does the job exist?

The Registrar supports the Curatorial Department by assisting the Curator Supervisor with Collections Management, Conservation/Restoration, and Research/Education. The Registrar plays a vital role in ensuring that the NM Museum of Space History's permanent and loaned collections are properly documented, preserved, and maintained according to professional museum standards such as American Alliance of Museums Code of Ethics. Under the direction of the Curator Supervisor, the Registrar is responsible for managing and maintaining collection records, inventorying, cataloging, and registering objects, as well as supporting ongoing research and public access initiatives. Through these efforts, this position helps safeguard the Museum's valuable artifacts and makes space history accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences, both in person and online.
How does it get done?

• Update and refine Past Perfect records to include photographs, dimensions, condition reports, locations, and detailed descriptions and histories.
• Maintain accurate documentation such as loan agreements, insurance forms, and condition reports for incoming and outgoing loans.
• Organize and maintain the Museum's library, archives, and photo archives.
• Help develop and enforce registration policies and procedures for acquisition, storage, management, and disposition of collections.
• Participate in re-housing and shelving projects, including designing custom storage solutions to protect artifacts from environmental hazards.
• Assist the Curator Supervisor with basic conservation tasks, including cleaning and minor repairs, using proper materials and techniques.
• Monitor and record environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light levels) to ensure artifact and exhibition safety.
• Collaborate on strategies to minimize risks to artifacts through proper handling, storage, and display practices.
• Support research projects involving archival materials and 3D artifacts.
• Assist researchers, educators, and program staff by providing access and information about the Museum's collections.
• Conduct independent research, scholarly inquiries, and oral history projects with accurate transcription and documentation.
• Identify and recommend potential acquisitions or collection loans that enhance exhibitions.
• Contribute to publications, web content, and exhibition texts related to artifacts and museum collections.
• Educate staff, volunteers, interns, and visitors on proper conservation and preservation methods.
• Assist with exhibit installation and deinstallation, including handling, packing, transporting, and positioning artifacts for display.
• Other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of this job classification's duties.

Who are the customers?

This position, under the guidance of the Curator Supervisor, ensures that the objects, exhibitions, and artifacts pertaining to space history are available to the general public including Museum visitors, Museum staff, Foundation members, friends, and national/international communities.
Ideal Candidate

This position, under the guidance of the Curator Supervisor, ensures that the objects, exhibitions, and artifacts pertaining to space history are available to the general public including Museum visitors, Museum staff, Foundation members, friends, and national/international communities.
Minimum Qualification

Associate's degree in art history or other areas of specialization such as Museum Studies, Museology, Conservation Science, Anthropology, or History; and one (1) year supervised experience working with museum artifacts/collections. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling three (3) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License.
Working Conditions

This position requires the ability to visually inspect space history art and objects, artifacts of various shapes and sizes, as well as collections and archival materials. The Registrar must interact with the public, colleagues, and outside organizations in a professional and businesslike manner. Ability to work weekends, holidays, and evenings when necessary along with occasional travel by state vehicle for exhibition or collection-related projects as required by the Museum.

The position requires extensive computer use, data entry, and frequent telephone communication. Duties involve a combination of sitting and standing for extended periods, walking, squatting, and lifting objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Work is performed in both office and museum settings, including galleries, storage areas, and exhibit spaces. These environments may at times be dusty, dirty, or subject to varying temperatures, and may involve limited exposure to chemicals used in conservation. Employees must remain alert to safety procedures at all times, ensuring the well-being of themselves, coworkers, and visitors in changing work conditions.
Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Angie Rathburn 575-437-2840 X41107 or Email: angie.rathburn@dca.nm.gov Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.