11.11.2015
Volunteer Position Description: IMLS Rehousing Project Assistant
Reports To: Anthropology Collections Manager and Collections Assistants
Responsibility Statement: The primary goal of the project is to improve environmental conditions to
safeguard Asian and Plains Nations artifacts in storage at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. This
is an Institute of Museum and Library Services funded project. Volunteers will fabricate custom storage
mounts for the artifacts. A training session in the methods and materials used in the project will be held.
All supplies, including safety equipment, are provided.
Reports to: Anthropology Department Staff
Essential Functions and Standards of Performance
For this project, volunteers will be responsible for one or more of the tasks and responsibilities listed
below.
1) Follow the Museum Collection Policy and Procedure Manual, and Conservation and Anthropology
Departments guidelines to object handling.
 Must know and be capable of following object handling guidelines
 Must know and be capable of following object transport procedures
2) Communicate with Anthropology Collections staff
 Immediately inform the Anthropology Collections staff if any supplies are missing, broken, or if
additional supplies are needed.
 Must work with Anthropology staff to ensure appropriate mount types for each kind of artifact
being rehoused
3) Building mounts for artifacts
 Take accurate measurements for artifacts
 Use excel spreadsheet to determine dimensions for mount
 Create complex boxes, pallets and trays out of board using the following tools:
i) Large wall-mounted mat board cutter
ii) Box cutters and other handheld knives used with a straight edge
iii) Awls and electric drills – requires good hand and arm strength and dexterity
4) Carve foam for mounts
 Safely and accurately carve foam to fit artifact shapes and dimensions
 Use scalpels, knives, and other cutting and shaping tools
 Thread and tie fabric tape through various holes in archival materials
5) Sew pillows and other textile supports
 Prior knowledge and experience using a sewing machine
 Use hand stitching techniques
 Create simple patterns for mount design
6) Photography
 Set up camera, tripod, and lighting per department standards
 Use settings and other functions to take digital images with camera
7) Database Work
 Must be very comfortable with computer work and Windows based programs
 Must be trained on collections database (EMu) and follow instructions accurately
Other Functions
 Attend a New Volunteer Orientation and be familiar with Museum policies and procedures as
outlined in the Volunteer Orientation Handbook
 Be familiar with Museum Safety Manual
 Other duties as assigned
Experience/Education
 Experience or education related to conservation and/or anthropology
 Experience working with collections
 Experience with power drills, knives, and hand tools
 Experience with various computer programs, including Excel
 Experience building archival storage mounts preferred
 Experience with collections databases preferred
Position Requirements - Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
 Solid ability to think logically, methodically, and intuitively
 Solid familiarity with the Anthropology Departments
 Solid communication skills
 Strong ability to multi-task
 Solid organizational skills
 Solid digital photography skills
 Solid computer skills
 Ability to work as part of a team and take direction from supervisor
 Ability to stand for extended periods of time
 Ability to climb ladders
 Ability to use a sewing machine
 Ability to use camera
Equipment
 Cutting board, rolling cart, scissors, scalpels, polyethylene plank foam, tape, twill tape, Tri-Rod®
polyethylene foam, knives, power drills, nylon bolts, corrugated board, clamps, 100% cotton
blotting paper, brass-plated screws, Tyvek® sheet, bone folders, screwdrivers, sewing machine,
camera
 Large corrugated board slicer/mat board cutter
 Ladders
Physical Working Conditions
 Moving carts and artifacts, including using ladders
 Must have the ability to sit and stand for long periods of time
Physical Effort Required
 Moderate physical effort required by handling objects up to 30 pounds occasionally and/or up to
10 pounds frequently
 Operating large mat-board cutter. This includes cutting the mat-board by pushing a 15 pound,
levered slicer through the board
 Use of hand drills and awls, requiring very good arm and hand strength and dexterity
Training
Mandatory training on the mount making must be attended by all participants.
Schedule
Minimum one shift per week. Shifts available: