Jobs and Internships

The Patten Free Library, located in Bath, Maine, is a private non-profit library that serves the City of Bath and the Towns of Arrowsic, Georgetown, West Bath, and Woolwich.  (Total population served is app. 15,279.)

Job Summary:

This 30-hour per week position is responsible for managing the Sagadahoc History & Genealogy Room including developing and maintaining its collections, services, and programs, providing reference services, supervising volunteers, and managing the Library’s art collection.

 Responsibilities:

• Assist patrons in the use of the collections.
• Develop, arrange, describe, and preserve archival collections in multiple formats in accordance with accepted standards and practices.
• Develop and implement procedures for the acquisition, processing, cataloging, digitization, and preservation of archival materials. 
• Catalog items and collections in Minerva and collection management software.
• Create finding aids using contemporary tools in accordance with accepted standards.
• Appraise potential collection additions and make recommendations for acquisition of new collections and de-accessioning of existing collections.
• Develop programming that provides educational enrichment and promotes collections, including the Town History Series.
• Supervise and train interns and volunteers.
• Maintain equipment and software.
• Participate in library planning, including budgeting for the department and maintaining statistical information on usage.
• Enhance professional knowledge by regularly reviewing professional literature and attending meetings and workshops.
• Serve as a liaison to and limited support for the Bath Historical Society.
• Assist and advise the Director with the composition and implementation of library policies. May serve on Board and/or library committees.
• Participate and cooperate with other department heads and the Director in achieving the overall objectives and goals of the Library.
• Participate in Library fundraising activities.

 Performance knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics

• Working knowledge of archival principles, policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of research techniques required for genealogical, architectural, and local-history queries.
• Working knowledge of technology as it relates to services.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working effectively within a team and with individual staff, patrons, volunteers, and donors. 
• Attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of work.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and self-directed.

 Qualifications

A Master’s degree in Library Science with an emphasis in archives management or experience in the same and a working knowledge of genealogy as well as a strong interest in local history. Experience cataloging archival materials.  Research, speaking, and reporting skills required, while an interest in the fine arts is desirable.

Conditions of employment

Some weekend hours may be required.

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job.  The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

Hourly Rate: $23.16-$25.16 depending on experience.

Benefits: Sick, vacation, and holiday time; partial health insurance benefits.

 

How to Apply: Please email cover letter and resume to Lesley Dolinger, Library Director, at lesley.dolinger@patten.lib.me.us.  Applications accepted until the position is filled.

Start Date: Beginning of March, 2024 or as soon as possible after that.

Wilson Museum

Castine, ME

Internship in Museums Studies, Public History, and Anthropology

The Wilson Museum in Castine, Maine is seeking an intern for the summer of 2024. Located on the shores of Penobscot Bay, the Wilson Museum is an eclectic small museum with collections, exhibits, and programs that range from geology to local history, European prehistory to living history, cultures in North America and around the world, and more. This internship is intended for upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students and will be project-focused. The museum will work with the intern to identify a project that meets both the strategic goals of the museum and the student’s interests and academic requirements.

Examples of projects:

• ·         Creating an interactive, searchable database of our local cemetery records.
• ·         Developing a new tour for our ca. 1763-1783 historic house.
• ·         Designing new living history programming.
• ·         Developing outdoor learning experience(s) for our 5-acre campus.
• ·         Collections research on un- and under documented collections.
• ·         Exhibit development and design in collaboration with culturally-connected communities.

The intern will also be encouraged to participate in other museum work, both internal and external. Additional paid shifts as a docent will also be available if interested.

Compensation: A stipend of $2,500 will be provided, and housing on the museum campus is available. The Wilson Museum will work with your academic program to provide academic credits where applicable, and students who will be getting academic credit for their internship are preferred. Dates and total time commitment are flexible, with the primary onsite work taking place June through August.

This internship at the Wilson Museum is made possible by the Patricia L. Hutchins Internship Endowment Fund.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to jgray@wilsonmuseum.org. Applications will close on March 1, 2024.

 Job Title:       Museum Education/Interpretation Internship                  

                                        Reports to:   Education Director

                                        Job Terms:    Non-Exempt, 35 hours per week, May-August

                                        Updated:      December 2023

 

The Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport Maine seeks a full-time education/interpretation intern for summer 2024. This internship will provide hands-on work experience in the daily operations of a medium-sized museum, including activities in different departments and working as a member of the front line staff. This internship will include professional development field trips to other museums (in-person or online) and participation in an intern cohort. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

 

·       Participate in the intern cohort

o   Assist with and lead programming

o   Submit articles for enews

o   Conduct evaluations with visitors

o   Contribute posts and videos to social media

o   Assist with projects in different museum departments

o   Attend weekly intern meetings and intern field trips to other museums

o   Complete an internship project related to the intern’s skills and interests and adapted to their education level

·       Engage with visitors

o   Welcome visitors and answer questions

o   Learn written guided tours and lead scheduled guided tours

o   Lead groups of children (scouts, field trips, etc.) through exhibits

o   Assist or lead children’s crafts and programs

o   Lead two week-long children’s day camps

·       Contribute to a positive, safe, and tidy work environment

o   Work as part of a team and staff buildings/give presentations solo

o   Respond to security and/or safety concerns

o   Perform minor housekeeping in exhibit buildings, including sweeping, vacuuming, and monitoring pests, as needed

·       Additional duties may include

o   Covering the gift shop, including selling admissions, gift shop sales, and answering the phone

o   Conducting research

o   Other duties as assigned

Internship Length and Dates:

·       35 hours per week May 11^th (negotiable) through August 10th

o   Plus paid training hours in May that can be remote

·       Work some evenings, most Saturdays, and July 4th

 

Qualifications:

·       Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate program or graduate program in museum studies, history, public history, education, theater, material culture, or related field

·       Coursework in history, education, and/or performing arts preferred

·       Interest in museums and/or maritime history

·       Experience working with children

·       Experience working with the public

·       Excellent computer skills

·       Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Gmail, Facebook, Zoom, YouTube, and Instagram

 

Compensation

·       $15.25/hour paid biweekly

·       PMM will provide private, on-site housing for a small fee

 

Penobscot Marine Museum includes 12 buildings on a 3 ½ acre campus and it is open seasonally. In 2024, the Museum will welcome school field trips starting May 13^th and will be open to the public three days a week starting Memorial Day weekend and 5 days a week in July and August. July will include 4 weeks of children’s day camps plus weekly drop-in children’s activities. Other summer events will include two evening programs, monthly participation in Searsport Art Walks, visits to the local library, plus tabling at area festivals. The education/interpretation intern will be heavily involved in planning and running all of these activities as well as regularly staffing buildings and leading tours and demonstrations.

 

Review of applicants will begin February 15th, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Please submit cover letter, resume, writing sample, and transcripts (official or unofficial) as .pdfs to Penobscot Marine Museum education director Jeana Ganskop at jganskop@pmm-maine.org. The hiring process will include one round of Zoom interviews. Candidates invited for an interview will be asked to provide a list of references.

 

Have a question about the experience? Not sure how to apply? Want to find out more? Join Jeana and previous interns in a Zoom info session at 7pm on Tuesday, January 23^rd.  Click here to register.

Location:         Bristol, Maine

Type:               Quarter-Time

Application Deadline: 1/7/2024

About Old Bristol Historical Society

The Old Bristol Historical Society is an institution committed to preserving and celebrating the rich history and cultural heritage of Bristol, Maine. As a non-profit organization, we are on a mission to make Bristol’s historical legacy accessible to the community and beyond. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Executive Director to join our team and lead our efforts in fundraising and achieving strategic priorities. This is a quarter-time position with future growth opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Leadership

●      Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure financial support for OBHS’s operations, programs, and strategic initiatives.

●      Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and grant-making organizations.

●      Manage donor databases and fundraising campaigns to maximize contributions.

Facilitating The Organization’s Ability to Meet Its Strategic Priorities

●      Open the historic mill as a public site and cultural museum.

●      Become the pre-eminent repository of the region’s historical records and serve as the go-to resource for historical research and information.

●      Foster community engagement through year-round educational programs and events.

●      Complete the restoration of the OBHS’s campus grounds.

●      Expand outreach and collaboration with local and regional partners and institutions.

●      Work with the Board to build the governance, operational and financial infrastructure to support these initiatives.

Staff Management and Operational Oversight

●      Oversee the organization’s independent contractor staff.

Board and Stakeholder Relations

●      Work closely with the Board of Directors to provide regular updates on progress and financial status.        

Qualifications

●      Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, including grant writing and donor cultivation.

●      Strong leadership and organizational skills.

●      Knowledge of historical preservation, cultural heritage, or museum management is a plus.

●      Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

●      Familiarity with Bristol, Maine, and its historical significance preferred.

Compensation

Competitive salary commensurate with experience for a quarter-time position.

Application

If you are passionate about preserving history, building connections within the community, and leading fundraising efforts for a dynamic historical society, we invite you to apply. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to www.oldbristolhistoricalsociety03@gmail.com.

The Old Bristol Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Saco, Maine

 

Are you a dynamic, visionary leader with a passion for libraries, museums, and historical buildings? Do you have a desire to work with the Board and Community to re-envision the future of the Dyer Library and the Saco Museum 10-20 years down the road? If so, this is the career opportunity of a lifetime!

 

The Dyer Library (DL) and the Saco Museum (SM) are in the City of Saco less than 20 miles from Portland, ME, and 2 hours from Boston. The mission of the two institutions is to serve the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the residents of Saco and neighboring communities. Saco’s population of 21,000 is expected to grow by 20% over the next 5 years. The DL/SM has a $1 million annual budget and employs 7 full-time staff, 13 part-time staff and many volunteers. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, receiving support from the City of Saco and donors.

 

Key responsibilities of the Executive Director include providing transformative and transparent leadership for all stakeholders; participating in strategic planning and goal setting with the board of trustees and then working to achieve set goals; overseeing and participating in all areas of administration, finance, fundraising, public services, stakeholder relations, acquisitions, and marketing; working with the finance committee to prepare and administer the budget; and performing the usual duties of a manager including recruiting, hiring, developing, motivating, and evaluating staff.

 

Desirable qualifications include an MLS/MLIS degree from an ALA accredited school (preferred) with a minimum of three years of leadership experience working in a library, museum, or other  non-profit organization; knowledge and experience in fundraising, including grant management; strong written and verbal communication skills; a leadership style that is both cooperative and inclusive; and familiarity with historical buildings and structures that require careful attention.  A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully meet the position requirements will be considered.

 

Interested applicants should apply with a cover letter and resume to the Hiring Committee via Laurie Bouchard, HR Consultant, laurie@lbouchardllc.com.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pejepscot History Center in Brunswick, Maine, owns and operates the Pejepscot Museum and Research Center, the nationally-recognized Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum, and the Skolfield-Whittier House. The History Center has been in existence since 1888. It has owned its two historic house museums since the early 1980s. They are open from May-October for scheduled guided tours and year-round for private tours and other events.

The History Center operates under a dynamic strategic plan and in recent years has won praise for connecting local history to issues of contemporary relevance.

The new full-time position of OUTREACH MANAGER involves aspects of development, visitor, and volunteer services. As such, it offers a range of ways to be engaged with and impact a busy, three-museum local history organization and its constituents.

Components of the position include general site management of the PHC headquarters and Skolfield-Whittier House; member and donor services; oversight of volunteers and scheduling of house museum docents; visitor services and reception; promotion and publicity; and assisting with a variety of projects and events for current and new audiences.

Ideal candidates for the position must enjoy dynamic, small-team workplaces and be comfortable working on a range of tasks on any given day. They are hospitality-oriented, organized self-starters, excellent with details, and possess strong verbal and written communication skills. Given the many and diverse audiences this position interacts with, an outgoing, welcoming, and patient disposition is crucial. Creativity is key, and a good sense of humor is always appreciated.

Experience working in museums and/or similar visitor-oriented environments, is strongly preferred, as is a background in history or one or more aspects of outreach as defined above. A bachelor’s degree is required. Experience with constituent databases is extremely important. PHC uses Little Green Light for its member/donor database.

This non-exempt position is full-time, year-round at 37.5 hours per week and reports to the Executive Director. Benefits include PTO, holidays, and a health stipend. The daily schedule shifts during the “visitor season” (May-October) to accommodate Saturday open hours. Some evening and weekend hours are required year-round as part of the weekly schedule and/or for programming and special events. Some flexibility for remote work beyond the required on-site hours. Pay rate: Range starts at $23/hour and is dependent upon experience.

TO APPLY: Submit cover letter and resume to Larissa Vigue Picard, Executive Director, director@pejepscothistorical.org. Email applications only. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Start date is flexible but goal is to have someone in the position in early January. Please indicate availability.

Detailed Roles and Responsibilities:

●        Development & Marketing:

o   Manage Little Green Light constituent database: enter gifts, send acknowledgements, segment donor mailings, run reports

o   Manage annual and other appeals and membership recruitment and renewals in conjunction with director

o   Draft development pieces for PHC website, print and e-newsletters, social media, other promotion

o   Build relationships with business partners in conjunction with director

o   Liaison with Development Committee to develop agenda, provide reports

o   Develop materials for fundraising activities and events in conjunction with director; attend events

o   Assist with some grant writing

o   Manage calendar listings for programs and events

o   Develop promotional pieces such as posters and brochures, or work with vendor to produce such materials

●        Visitor Services:

o   Manage front-of-house responsibilities during open hours, putting visitor needs first

o   Open/close headquarters, update signage and messaging as necessary;

o   Manage phones and direct calls as needed

o   Process both online and in-person ticketing process for historic house museum tours

o   Process sales in the museum shop; update museum shop inventory; regularly update displays

o   Schedule and invoice school, private, and group tours

o   Track attendance at house museums, exhibitions, programs, etc.

o   Maintain website to ensure accurate information and online registration process

o   Manage event and program registration

o   Attend events as needed

●        Volunteer Management:

o   Promote volunteer opportunities to recruit new volunteers

o   Meet with volunteers, assess interests, and find meaningful projects for them at PHC and as docents at the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum and the Skolfield-Whittier House

o   Maintain ongoing communication with all volunteers

o   Organize trainings for new and returning volunteers

o   Manage the docent schedule for historic house museums

o   Organize volunteer appreciation eventsand arrange continuing education activities

Note:

●        Must be able to carefully handle collection items of varying sizes and weights

●        Must be able to ascend/descend staircases that are sometimes steep or narrow

●        Must be comfortable working in an open/public office environment and on a small staff team

The Colby College Museum of Art currently holds more than 900 artworks by the artist Alex Katz, along with associated archival materials that make up the Alex Katz Collection. In addition, the museum has a related collection of approximately 500 artworks—ranging from American and European modernism, to folk art and contemporary art—acquired through gifts from the Alex Katz Foundation, which was established in 2004 by the artist.

Reporting to the Head Curator and working with the curatorial team and others associated with the Colby Museum and its Lunder Institute for American Art, the Katz Curator envisions and implements the research, presentation, interpretation, publication, and collection-care initiatives for the Alex Katz Collection and the Katz Foundation Collection at the Colby Museum. In this capacity, they are a key contributor to the museum’s exhibition and publications as a whole. They also work dynamically, consistently, and responsively with the artist, his representatives, and other stakeholders to further the study and knowledge of Katz’s work and the diverse circle of historical and contemporary artists represented in the Katz Foundation holdings.

For more information about the position and to apply please visit: 

https://colby.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ColbyCareers/details/Katz-Curator_R0000571

Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport seeks a contract archivist (1099) for 1,000 hours in 2023/2024. The position, working with our single volume manuscript collection, will fulfill our goal to create online and hard-copy finding aids accessible in-house, locally, within State of Maine, and nationally. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals looking for short-term work. The Project Archivist will have the skills and expertise to complete the project, consulting with the Richard Saltonstall Jr. Curator of Maritime History (Curator) on Penobscot Marine Museum’s cataloguing conventions and institutional history of the archive. The Contract Archivist will report to the Curator.

Duties:

● Create complete catalog records for approximately 500 single volume manuscripts

o Create template for robust bound manuscript catalog records that meet Library of Congress’ National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections standards

o Attach subject headings to catalog records that identify documents relevant to Museum’s exhibits, program, and scholarship themes

● Provide access online to records locally, within State of Maine, and nationally

o Create and upload records for Maine InfoNet Library System software and National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections

● Reunite single volumes with larger collections and update the collections-level finding aids

Contract Length and Dates:

● 1,000 hours

● Potential start date of Summer 2023 to potential end date of Summer 2024

● Work 20-40 hours a week between 9am and 5pm on weekdays

Qualifications:

● Graduate of master’s level program in archival studies, library science with a concentration in archives and special collections, museum studies, history, public history, or equivalent experience in the archival field.

● At least 2 years internship or work experience in the archives field

● Interest in maritime history and/or Maine 19th century history

● Excellent computer skills

● Familiarity with PastPerfect a plus, training available

● Must be able to climb stairs

● Proficiency in proper archival handling and rehousing standards

● Self-sufficient, yet willing to ask for assistance from and troubleshoot roadblocks with collections staff.

Compensation

● 1,000 project hours at $18/hour

Review of applicants will begin June 28, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Please submit a cover letter, resume, finding aid sample, and three references to Cipperly Good, cgood@pmm-maine.org.

The University of Southern Maine’s Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education has an opening for a full-time Operations and Communications Coordinator. This is an excellent opportunity for a person looking to grow and develop as a museum, library, or cultural heritage operations manager.

The Operations and Communications Coordinator provides project support for the Executive Director and various departments of the Osher Map Library (OML). This includes the management of digital imaging and reproduction requests; gift correspondence; record keeping; the hiring and training of student workers; and event planning logistics. The Coordinator also manages a variety of communication initiatives including: maintaining the general OML email account and phone communication, coordinating social media, website content management related to news and events, creating and distributing monthly e-newsletters to patrons, coordinating exhibition and annual appeal mailings and the creation of promotional materials (working with Marketing), maintaining contact lists, assisting with grant applications, annual reports and exhibition guides, and managing donor and board correspondence.

The Operations and Communications Coordinator will work in collaboration with the Executive Director, staff, or independently to execute special projects from conception to completion and must be able to work under pressure in a highly secure, team-based environment and possess the ability to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters. Excellent oral and written communication skills are a must, as is the ability to engage with diverse audiences and stakeholders, including University faculty, staff, and students; K-12 students and teachers; other cultural organizations and community partners (local and national); research scholars; members of the general public; as well as board members and donors.

FMI and to apply (by July 31, 2023), please visit: https://usm.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobID=82087&job=operations-communications-coordinator-osher-map-library

Special Collections & Archives (SC&A) is the repository of Colby College’s rare books, literary materials, and institutional records. The archives processing coordinator in SC&A helps to manage the College archives by performing critical processing and discovery tasks for unpublished materials. The position includes supervision of student assistants and interns in various tasks within a busy library environment and may include reference service tasks when needed. Colby College is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment where every member of the community feels a sense of respect and belonging.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage processing workflows within the College archives; create finding aids and other descriptive tools for manuscript and archival collections in consultation with the College archivist and other SC&A staff
• Serve as primary administrator of ArchivesSpace within SC&A, which has both internal and public interfaces
• Train and collaborate with other staff in effective management of records maintenance systems to assure compliance with records management and retention policies of the College
• Train and supervise student assistants and interns in archival processing best practices and ArchivesSpace data entry tasks
• Maintain documentation and communication of procedures to ensure work consistency and quality
• Remain knowledgeable of archival standards and takes a lead role in implementing standards in SC&A
• In collaboration with the College archivist, work with alumni relations, athletics, and other key campus partners on special commemorative events, Colby College history, and alumni-related projects
• In collaboration with the College archivist, assist with intake of materials (both analog and born digital) into the college archives
• Troubleshoot to identify potential problems, make recommendations, and participate in the development of better processes for storage, maintenance, and searchability of documents and files
• Provide reference services as requested and help to coordinate academic use of materials in order to assist the archives education staff within SC&A and department-initiated programming and exhibition
• Help to create/collect departmental statistics for administrative reports
• Participate on library committees and/or working groups and complete other assignments as needed

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
• Minimum of two years of experience in a library, archives, museum, or relevant higher education environment preferred
• Experience with an archival collection management system, such as ArchivesSpace, preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in professional settings
• Ability to establish priorities when working both independently and as a member of a collaborative team
• Demonstrated ability to complete detailed work with minimal supervision and a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to facilitate and improve processes for records organization and retention
• Strong project planning and implementation skills preferred
• Must be flexible, curious and committed to ongoing professional development
• Demonstrates a commitment to valuing diversity and contributes to providing an inclusive working environment
• Valid driver’s license required and must meet Colby’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

Reporting to the College archivist, this position has significant interaction with faculty, staff, students, and colleagues and programs in the Colby College Libraries.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Ability to move around campus and to/from the Libraries’ offsite Annex facility is necessary. Occasional lifting up to 30-50 pounds may be required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).

SALARY RANGE:

$45,000 - $50,000 based on experience and qualifications

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers job posting. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

Archives Processing Coordinator - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME  04901-8855