Temporary Collections Assistant
Great Plains Art Museum, Center for Great Plains Studies University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Do you have a love for art and are curious about pursuing a career working with museum collections? This opportunity might be right for you! This short-term job provides the opportunity for hands on experience in caring for museum collections while working with a variety of artwork created by international, regional, and Indigenous artists.
This position reports directly to the Collections Manager and is a temporary grant funded position expected to last up to September 2022. The Collections Assistant will perform a variety of collection care tasks related to a collections digitization project. The project will focus on digitizing works from four distinct priorities within our collections; these include our Indigenous artists, Agrarian art, Artist in Residence, and founding collections.
General Duties and Expectations:
• Ensure the safe and efficient movement of artworks before, during, and after photography sessions
• Oversee image-processing workflow in accordance with institutional collection policies and standards
• Assist in updating database in preparation for use in online collection viewer
• Assist in making condition assessments while preparing works for photography
• Research copyright and record updated contact information for identified rights holders
• Collaborate on installation and curation of online/in person exhibition as time allows
• Work with Education & Outreach Associate on developing educational outreach programming as time allows
Required Qualifications:
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to walk, stand, stoop, push, and pull; must be able to reach and work above the shoulders, climb ladders, lift, kneel, twist, and squat
• Strong communication, writing, and copyediting skills
• Must be detail-oriented
• Proficiency with computer software (Office Suite)
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and to meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals
Preferred Qualifications:
• Currently enrolled students who have an interest in pursuing a career in museums, archives, libraries, anthropology, or other cultural field
• Knowledge of or interest in art and/or the Great Plains
About the Great Plains Art Museum
The Great Plains Art Museum exhibits and collects art that interprets the history, culture, environment, and creative spirit of the Great Plains of North America. The Museum organizes 6–8 exhibitions each year that feature contemporary artists and artwork from the permanent collection, which is primarily composed of art of the American West and Native American art. The Museum has made a commitment to increasing the representation of Native artists in its collections and exhibitions, and continually works to produce engaging programs that present diverse perspectives.
The Museum is located in downtown Lincoln at the corner of 12th & Q Streets, and is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM. Learn more at go.unl.edu/plainsart
Pay Rate:
$10.00 per hour
Hours and Availability:
• Flexible and dependent on student schedule (no more than 15 hours per week for a total of 6,300 hours or approximately 42 weeks)
• May include Saturday work depending on schedules
• Must be available for one 8-hour day with the remaining 7 hours divided into 2–3 days
Who can apply:
• All majors and school years (Freshman–senior level) allowed
How to apply:
Please email the following to gpam@unl.edu :
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Contact information for 3 References
• Work availability for spring/summer semesters 2022 if known
Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2021. Interviews will be conducted the week of December 6-10, 2021. Anticipated start date no later than January 10, 2022.
Please direct questions to gpam@unl.edu or (402) 472-3208.