About the Job:

Working at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the Outreach Curator Special Assistant will assist the Outreach Curator in conducting thorough research and documentation of artifacts and their significance to the Marine Corps. This includes identifying historical value in potential donations, writing detailed reports on findings, and assisting with the organization and documentation of collections. Additionally, this role involves inventorying, cataloging, and managing curatorial records, ensuring the museum's holdings are preserved and accessible for future research and exhibits.

Location/Schedule:

Fully in-person: This is an in-person position located at the Museum Support Facility in Dumfries, VA. Some work will be done at the National Museum of the Marine Corps’ main building in Triangle, VA, as well as sites on MCB Quantico.

This position is limited to 29 hours per week with a term not to exceed three years.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on potential donations for their historical significance to the Marine Corps, employing archival, primary, and secondary sources.
• Investigate the contributions of Marines and their historical roles in connection with potential museum displays and donated artifacts.
• Write preliminary reports to justify and support findings from assigned research projects.
• Assist with the safe inventory and detailed documentation of the museum’s radioactive and hazardous holdings, following all safety protocols.
• Assess and document the physical condition of artifacts, identifying conservation needs.
• Update and maintain accurate entries in NMMC’s computerized catalog system, ensuring consistency with curatorial standards.
• Create, update, and organize curatorial catalog files and related documentation.
• Assist in inventories, organization, and relocation of collections, ensuring proper handling and preservation of all artifacts.
• Support the development of exhibit content based on research and artifact analysis.
• Work hours can be flexible. However, sometimes the position requires work when the physical museum location is closed to avoid contact with guests. This may require early arrival or late departure for special projects.
• Must possess transportation.
• Assist with the installation and deinstallation of artifacts.
• Accomplish all tasks appropriately assigned or requested.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in American history, military history, museum studies, material culture, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.

Technological Skills:

• Proficient with computers, especially collection management systems and databases

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills with a proven ability to communicate findings clearly.
• Experience with collections handling and preservation techniques. Previous experience working with military collections is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, especially in handling sensitive artifacts and documentation.
• Knowledge of Marine Corps history, culture, and organizational structure preferred.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with museum staff, stakeholders, and external researchers.

Employment Conditions:

Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to verify authorization to work in the United States. Offers of employment will be contingent upon passing a post-offer background check.

Environment and Physical Conditions:

The environmental factors and/or physical requirements of this position include the following: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to have ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard. The employee frequently is required to be in one position for long periods of screen use, reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear both in person and over devices. The employee interacts in close spaces and frequently with other workers, vendors, and clients. May be in situations which require conflict resolution. The position works in an office environment with artificial light and air. Some duties will also be done in low-light conditions in the museum. Additionally, some parts of this job will require work in warehouse conditions.

EEO Statement:

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other classification protected by law.