Collections Manager/ Archivist

National Museum of Forest Service History
Missoula, Montana

Organization Description

The National Museum of Forest Service History is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich legacy of the U.S. Forest Service and the American conservation movement. Open seven days a week, the museum welcomes visitors of all ages to explore stories, exhibits, and experiences that connect people to our shared public lands history. The Museum is located approx. 1 mile west of the Missoula Airport at 6305 Highway 10 West.

In late 2026, Museum collections manager of 25+ years Dave Stack will be retiring. Dave has managed the collection’s 55K collection which was just moved to our new, state-of-the-art repository. Our goal is to have the perfect replacement in place to work with Dave before his retirement to benefit from his decades of knowledge.

On 17 July 2026, the National Conservation Legacy Center, a new world class museum opened its’ doors, creating opportunities to welcome visitors and bring the American conservation story to life. This is an especially exciting time to join the National Museum of Forest Service History as we continue to grow and expand our impact.

Position Summary

• ·        Directly manages and oversees a collection of artifacts, specimens, and/or artwork, including acquisition, documentation, housing, use, preservation, disposition, and maintenance.
• ·        Receives, prepares, and catalogs new materials; and plans and organizes exhibition-related movement of objects, including packing, shipping, and insurance for collections exhibitions as well as for incoming and outgoing loans.
• ·        Manages the PastPerfect collection database.
• ·        Manages copyright permissions.
• ·        Supervises volunteers and interns.

Duties and Responsibilities

1.      Manages all aspects of collections care, following and implementing accepted museum professional standards and practices. Directly manages the collection's archives, preservation, handling, copyright, security, database management, insurance and environmental monitoring of facilities and objects.

2.      Supports exhibition logistics, including incoming/outgoing loans agreements, shipping, receiving, packing, condition reports, certificates of insurance, and object security.

3.      Manages copyright permissions for collections, exhibitions, and archives for internal and external publication requests.

4.      Supervises the storage and preservation of collections objects including managing and coordinating conservation treatments.

5.      Manages PastPerfect database development for all collections materials. Responsible for system security, backups, digitization efforts, periodic software upgrades and database uploads to PastPerfect online.

6.      Performs research on collection materials and/or artifacts as needed

7.      Supervises access to the collection for study, exhibition, and research.

8.      Participates in departmental meetings and serves on working committees as assigned.

9.      Train and supervise interns, and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers, as appropriate to the collections management.

10.  Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

·        Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies.  At least 3 to 5 years of consistent experience directly related to museum collection management may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

·        Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

·        Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.

·        Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare accurate reports.

·        Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.

·        Employee development and performance management skills.

·        PastPerfect database management skills.

·        Knowledge of conservation and preservation techniques and/or procedures for museum collections.

·        Knowledge and understanding of the USFS/Conservation history represented by the collection.

·        Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a range of clientele.

·        Ability to manage and ensure compliance with loan arrangements of artifacts, specimens, and/or artworks.

·        Knowledge of research methodology, principles and procedures.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

·        Work may be performed in an office environment, museum environment or field environment.

·        Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds and/or standing and/or walking an average of four (4) hours per day.

Employment Type

Permanent, full-time position including benefits. Please note the Museum currently does not offer a group health insurance policy.

Work hours are 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday with occasional weekend and occasional evening work possible. Pay starts at $25 to $27 per hour DOE.

To apply please send your resume to lisa.tate@forestservicemuseum.org

No phone calls please.