Employment

Current Employment Openings

The Bruce Museum is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion:

The Bruce is governed and administered in a manner welcoming to all who embrace its Mission and Vision. In all its dealings, The Bruce shall not discriminate against any individual or group for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, economic status, disability, or any category protected by state or federal law. The Bruce is dedicated to advocate for increased diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its activities including but not limited to, staff, partners, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, members, and exhibitions.

COLLECTIONS REGISTRAR AND COLLECTIONS MOVE MANAGER

Title: Collections Registrar and Collections Move Manager

Status: Permanent, full-time

Reports to: Director of Collections Management and Registration

Supervises: Collections Move Preparator, Collections Move Assistant Registrar

Salary range: $65,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience

Overview

As a member of the Collections Management and Registration department, the Collections Registrar and Collections Move Manager is part of the team responsible for the care, preservation, and documentation of the Museum’s permanent collection. With primary focus on leading a team to bring the Bruce’s permanent collection back on site following the construction of three new onsite permanent collection stores, the Collections Registrar and Collections Move Manager will support wider departmental and institutional strategic goals as the project progresses such as acquisitions and deaccessions, collection displays, digitization, and record reconciliation.

The Collections Registrar and Collections Move Manager will have a keen knowledge of, and strict adherence to, the Bruce Museum Collections Management Policy.

Responsibilities

Collection Care:

  • Ensures compliance with AAM and professional guidelines and codes of ethics for the stewardship of collections, adhering to best practices for museums.
  • Oversees the care of the permanent collection, including the handling, conservation, rehousing, documentation, and photography of objects in the collection.
  • Arranges external conservation as needed and coordinates related object movements.

Project Management:

  • Finalizes the Collections Move Plan, proposing efficiencies or alternatives for streamlining processes.
  • Project manages return of collections from multiple offsite storage locations.
  • Oversees scheduling, meeting project objectives on time and within budget.
  • Establishes clear storage schema and location naming hierarchy in consultation with the DCMR.

Documentation:

  • Maintains up-to-date and accurate records of object status, locations, condition, images, housing, and movements as appropriate.

Collections Access and Facility maintenance:

  • Liaises with Collections Registrar, Curatorial, and Exhibitions over access to objects in storage during the Collections Move.
  • Performs location audits in onsite and offsite storage throughout move process at established benchmarks.
  • Monitors environmental conditions in collections storage spaces and permanent collection galleries, working with HVAC technician and Facilities Manager as needed.
  • Develops or enhances pest management mitigation related to returning objects, in collaboration with the DCMR and Facilities team.

Supervisory Responsibilities

  • Responsible for management of the Collections Move team, consisting of a Preparator and an Assistant Registrar.
  • Provides training to Collections Move team as appropriate in data entry and CMS use, object handling, and storage protocols.

Recommended Education, Skills, and Experience

  • A minimum of three years previous Collections Management experience with evidence of responsibility for overseeing a large collections movement or rehousing initiative.
  • Extensive knowledge of and demonstrable adherence to museum best practices and ethical standards.
  • Command of museum collections management methods relevant to record development, management, and maintenance, as well as knowledge of budgets, object handling, storage, archives, and related areas.
  • Fastidious attention to detail, calendar oriented, punctual, and fiscally responsible.
  • Professional, courteous, highly organized, and should enjoy working on complex projects independently and with other staff in a fast-paced environment.
  • Knowledge of relevant digital office management programs and previous experience using collection management software.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Art, Art History, Science, Anthropology, or related field; Master’s Degree in Museum Studies, Arts Administration, or Collection Management preferred, or equivalent combination of work and education experience.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

  • Work is normally performed onsite in an office environment or onsite collections storage areas, with occasional work at offsite storage.
  • Prolonged periods of standing.
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Ability to work at heights over 10 feet.
  • Local travel is required – access to a car and valid driver’s license required.

Benefits and Wages

Benefits: Medical & Dental (approximately 75% of premium covered by employer); HSA (employer contribution towards plan (medical) deductible3); 401k (5% employer contribution); Pre-tax Commuter benefit; Group Term Life Insurance coverage up to $50k maximum; Short-term & Long-term disability coverage; PTO (Sick, Vacation & some Federal Holidays); Bruce Museum, AAM & NEMA Memberships; 20% discount in the Museum Store & Café.

DEI Statement

Bruce Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, age, ancestry, disability (physical, mental, or intellectual), protected veteran status, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

To apply: submit a cover letter and CV to jobs@brucemuseum.org with the subject line applicant’s last name and “Collections Registrar and Collections Move Manager."

COLLECTIONS MOVE PREPARATOR

Full-time, hourly, 2-year contract

Collections Registrar and Collections Move Manager

Supervises: N/A

Salary range: $50,000-$55,000, commensurate with experience

Overview

The Collections Move Preparator will be a member of the Collections Move team responsible for overseeing a major relocation and rehousing initiative of the Bruce Museum’s permanent collection. The successful candidate will be responsible for receiving and unpacking objects, assessing housing, and designing and fabricating new archival boxes and storage mounts as required for the preservation of the collection.

Responsibilities

  • Designs and fabricates archival mounts and housing for a diverse collection of art and material culture objects, representing a wide range of cultures and time periods, as well as natural history objects including taxidermy, fossils, minerals, and dry specimens.
  • Creates and manages archival housing production schedule in coordination with incoming transport schedule.
  • Prepares storage furniture for objects and physically relocates collections objects into storage furniture, collaborating with Collections Move team and relevant Museum staff for additional support when required.
  • Communicates regularly with Assistant Registrar for inventory control.
  • Participates in regular meetings with the Collections Move team and initiates consultations with Curatorial and Exhibitions departments where required.
  • Maintains archival supply inventory, managing timely procurement of materials as needed.
  • Maintains departmental fabrication workstation and tools, ensuring safe workplace practices in the department and the Museum woodshop.
  • Performs light cleaning of collection objects when appropriate, as determined by the Collections Registrar and Collections Move Manager.

Recommended Education, Skills, and Experience

  • Minimum 2-3 years’ experience as a preparator in a museum, fine art crate manufacturer, or similar environment required.
  • Knowledge of basic carpentry or drafting tools, ability to use hand and power tools with precision.
  • Expertise with accurate measurement taking and fabrication techniques.
  • Understanding of archival and construction materials, familiarity with museum standard practices for exhibiting, handling, and storing art and objects.
  • Excellent communication skills and initiative to collaborate on solutions for complex storage challenges, working with a team.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

  • Work is normally performed onsite in onsite collections storage areas or workshop, with some office-based work.
  • Prolonged periods of standing.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs.
  • Ability to work at heights (up to 14') using ladders/scissor lifts
  • Some local travel may be required.

Benefits and Wages

Benefits: Medical & Dental (approximately 75% of premium covered by employer); HSA (employer contribution towards plan (medical) deductible); 401k (5% employer contribution); Pre-tax Commuter benefit; Group Term Life Insurance coverage up to $50k maximum; Short-term & Long-term disability coverage; PTO (Sick, Vacation & some Federal Holidays); Bruce Museum, AAM & NEMA Memberships; 20% discount in the Museum Store & Café.

DEI Statement

Bruce Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, age, ancestry, disability (physical, mental, or intellectual), protected veteran status, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

To apply: submit a cover letter and CV to jobs@brucemuseum.org with the subject line applicant’s last name and “Collections Move Preparator.”

Manager of Youth and Family (Y&F) Programs, Full-time                                                             

The Manager of Y&F Programs is a key member of the Audience Engagement Department and is responsible for the overall development, management, and operation of the Museum’s Y&F Programs, which attracts 6,000 guests annually. This position involves planning, implementing, and managing all Y&F programming, including Family Days, Bruce Beginnings, Bruce Beginnings Junior, the Junior Docent program, vacation programs, art and science workshops, weekend and weekday drop-in programs, birthday parties, and in-gallery experiences. The role also includes developing and delivering educational content related to the Museum's collections and exhibitions, as well as training volunteers and staff who facilitate these programs. The Manager will collaborate with Museum staff to foster community engagement and ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for visitors of all ages, with a special emphasis on Y&F audiences. This position requires thought and creativity along with educational and learned expertise.  

Supervisory responsibilities

  • Manage one FT Y&F Coordinator and one PT Y&F Educator. 
  • Train and supervise any interns assigned to the position. 
  • Lead and train volunteers for large programming events.  

Key responsibilities

Youth Programs 40% of time 

  • Manage the Junior Docent program, a team of approximately 25 high school students who lead in-gallery experiences and drop-in workshops. Responsibilities include: 
  • Recruit, interview, and onboard junior docents. 
  • Establish yearly training goals and develop lessons. 
  • Provide mentorship and college/career readiness training. 
  • Plan and deliver weekly training sessions, including curriculum development, guest speaker coordination, and off-site/virtual trips to museums and cultural sites. 
  • Evaluate Junior Docents’ performance through observations and meetings. 
  • Supervise Junior Docents when they lead in-gallery experiences and drop-in programs. 
  • Track expenses and prepare reports to program funders 
  • Manage and assess youth programs to ensure alignment with Audience Engagement department objectives. 
  • Create and manage teen workshops in collaboration with the Junior Docents. 

Family Programs 40% of time

  • Oversee educational programs related to exhibitions, collections, and seasonal holidays targeted to intergenerational audiences. Examples of programs include Bruce Beginnings, Bruce Beginnings Junior, Art Adventures, Science Solvers, Family Gallery Tours, Family Days, birthday parties, and vacation programs. 
  • Supervise Y&F staff managing the development and implementation of programs; collaborate with staff to evaluate family programs.  
  • Develop new Y&F programs related to new exhibitions or to target new audiences. 
  • Work with and train Docent team on how to lead Y&F programs, such as Bruce Beginnings and Family Gallery Tours. 
  • Create Family Gallery Guides for changing and permanent exhibitions. 
  • Manage and assess family programs to ensure alignment with Audience Engagement department objectives. 

Administration, Teamwork, & Leadership 20% of time Track all budgets associated with Y&F programs 

  • Manage Youth and Family program schedule; responsibilities include: 
  • Ensure all programs have an educator or volunteer to lead each program; manager teaches programs and leads tours as necessary. 
  • Purchase program supplies and ensure materials are prepped.  
  • Enter Junior Docent and Y&F programs on Altru. 
  • Record all Y&F programs attendance. 
  • Work with colleagues in Audience Engagement Department on interdepartmental projects and to provide program support, including: 
  • Plan and implement museum-wide Community Days with Manager of School & Community Partnerships.  
  • Coordinate teaching schedule for Junior Docents and Y&F staff with Manager of School & Tour Services. 
  • Assist with coverage of visitor services shifts, school programs, and adult tours. 
  • Collaborate with other Museum departments to ensure success of Y&F programs; examples include:  
  • Work with Development team to establish fundraising goals and support fundraising events, such as Night at the Museum, that require Y&F participation.  
  • Communicate with Security and Facilities teams to implement museum-wide events, such as Family Days. Work with marketing to publicize programming and post relevant content on social media and the Museum’s website. 
  • Develop unique exhibition projects, particularly related to visitor engagement and accessibility in exhibitions, with curatorial team. 

Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in museum education, education, museum studies, or a related field 
  • 3 to 5 years of demonstrated experience in the museum education field and program coordination 
  • Experience working with a wide variety of ages, including intergenerational audiences 
  • Current driver’s license 
  • Previous experience in Altru (or similar database/scheduling system), Microsoft Office Suite, and Teams 
  • Extensive knowledge of museum practices and ethics as well as museum education methods 
  • Strong interpersonal skills 
  • Knowledge and ability to handle collection objects in accordance with general museum practices 
  • Commitment to diversity, access, equity, and inclusion in approach to content creation and audience engagement 
  • Proficiency with or ability to quickly learn video editing software, videoconferencing 
  • Work Hours: FT, Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm; Friday & Saturday and evening work periodically required 

Compensation $60,000 to $65,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Medical & Dental (approximately 75% of premium covered by employer); HSA (employer contribution towards plan(medical) deductible); 401k (5% employer contribution); Pre-tax Commuter benefit; Group Term Life Insurance coverage up to $50k maximum; Short Term & Long-term disability coverage; PTO (Sick, Vacation & some federal holidays); Bruce Museum, AAM & NEMA Memberships; 20% discount in the Museum Store & Café.

To apply: submit a cover letter and CV to jobs@brucemuseum.org with the subject line applicant’s last name and “Manager of Youth and Family Programs”.

Seaside Center Naturalist

Seasonal, full-time position.

15 weeks beginning early-June through mid September, 2025
Five days per week, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (one-hour unpaid lunch break), Tuesday – Sunday, with flex day off. Must work weekends, Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day (September 1).

Position and Responsibilities:

Teach on the beach out of Greenwich Point Park’s historic Innis Arden Cottage in a fun and collaborative environment this summer! Learn to seine for fish and other marine organisms, identify local species, care for the animals you catch in Seaside Center tanks, and teach the public about Long Island Sound ecology.

For over 50 years, the Bruce Museum’s Seaside Center has brought marine and environmental education to local families, and Summer Naturalists are a vital part of this beloved public institution. Educational activities developed in previous years include arts and crafts, science experiments, nature walks, and games. Interested naturalists are encouraged to develop and implement their own educational programs over the summer as well.

To provide content for families learning from home, summer naturalists write brief articles for the Bruce Museum blog, and provide content for Seaside Center social media accounts. Naturalists are given freedom to choose subject matter, and provided guidance as necessary.

This position requires a high degree of independence, comfort in working with the public and groups of all ages, and the flexibility to adapt to changing pandemic recommendations.

The Bruce Museum is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Illustrative Examples of Work:

  • Oversees the operation of the Seaside Center as part of a two-person team.
  • Leads daily family education activities, such as crafts, nature walks, and animal exploration.
  • Supervises and instructs interns and volunteers, in cooperation with Seaside Center Manager.
  • Maintains saltwater aquaria and responsible for the care and feeding of marine life.
  • Responsible for Seaside Center Instagram account, and content for primary Bruce social media accounts.
  • Files weekly reports as well as a season-end report to the Seaside Center Manager with attendance figures, daily activities, building maintenance, etc.
  • Maintains daily cleanliness of Seaside Center facility.
  • Assist with tidal and wildlife data collection records.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Traits:

  • Ability to work with children and adults of all ages.
  • Computer literate.
  • Teaching experience.
  • Knowledge of marine life and environmental science.
  • Ability to follow covid-19 safety precautions.

Recommended Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in science, education, museum studies, or related field.
  • Familiarity with social media, and science communication.

Compensation $18/hour

To apply: submit a cover letter and CV to kmcquade@BruceMuseum.org with the subject line applicant’s last name and “Summer Naturalist.”

Volunteer

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