Department of Photography – Cataloger

George Eastman Museum

Rochester, NY

Job Title:           Cataloger

Department:      Department of Photography

Reports To:       Stephanie Hofner, Collection Manager

 Status:               Full time (37.5 hours per week), Non-Exempt

 Pay Rate:          $18.46 - $20.00 per hour

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Collection Manager, the Cataloger is responsible for cataloging objects in the Department of Photography (DOP) collection, including photographs, prints, albums, books, and ephemera.  The Cataloger is expected to catalog objects according to staff instruction and standards established by the museum and DOP.  The Cataloger inscribes accession numbers on objects or housings according to staff instructions and houses or re-houses objects for storage in consultation with the Collection Manager and Assistant Collection Manager.

JOB DUTIES:

• Catalog objects using the museum’s collection management database (TMS) according to the cataloging guidelines outlined in DOP’s Cataloging Manual.
• Conduct object-based or provenance research that may require working with other museum staff to obtain relevant information.
• Assist with collection inventory, as assigned; this includes working with staff from DOP and the Registrar’s Office to verify and document the locations of objects held in the DOP collection.
• Assist DOP staff in responding to internal and external requests for information about collection objects.
• Track the movements of works in the care of the DOP.
• Coordinate with the Museum Photographer to digitize cataloged objects in the DOP Collection.
• Follow established protocols for appropriately housing works held in the DOP collection.
• Perform additional responsibilities/projects as assigned by Collection Manager and Curator-in-Charge, Department of Photography.
• The duties of this position may require standing, walking, sitting, lifting/carrying (40 lbs.), pushing/pulling (40 lbs.), balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, speaking, hearing, seeing, depth perception, color vision, and repetitive motion.
• Work takes place in an office environment with moderate to light noise, but duties within collection storage may require work in high, precarious places and exposure to low temperature conditions (50–55°F) because of the climate requirements for objects in the collection.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Requirements:

• Required: B.A. degree in a related field, such as art history, visual studies, or photographic collections management plus three years of experience.
• Preferred: M.A. degree in related fields, such as art history, visual studies, or photographic collections management preferred.

Experience Requirements:

• Knowledge of the history of photography.
• Experience in proper handling of collection items.
• Knowledge of photographic process and related identification techniques.
• Knowledge of standard museum practices, protocols, and ethics.
• Knowledge of preservation protocols.
• At least one year of related experience preferred, specifically in museum cataloging using a collection management system (such as TMS), preferably in cataloging of photographs at the item level.

Skills and Competencies Requirements:

• Collaborative approach to problem solving and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work independently or in a group.
• Exhibit attention to detail and be highly organized.
• Possess critical and analytical thinking as well as problem solving and clerical skills.
• Must be flexible, have a good command of the English language, both written and verbal, and maintain a commitment to high ethical standards and confidentiality.

The Eastman Museum is committed to advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility at our institution and in our society.  The Eastman Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To be considered for this position, please email a cover letter, a current CV or resume to Stephanie Hofner, Collection Manager at shofner@eastman.org