Job Description

Posting number: 191966

Department: Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

Division: Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site

Job classification: Curator

Posting type: Open

Categories: Parks and Recreation, Parks

Redcliffe Plantation, completed in 1859, was once the home of James Henry Hammond, three generations of his descendants, and numerous African-American families like the Henleys, Goodwins, and Wigfalls who worked at the site as enslaved laborers and later as free men and women. Now one of the many historic plantations South Carolina has opened to the public, this site encompasses the ambition, wealth and power of James Henry Hammond as well as the injustices and suffering forced on the hundreds of enslaved peoples who were forced to live and work on the land. A successful cotton planter, congressman, governor and senator, Hammond spent his life defending the southern plantation system and his status within it.

Job Purpose and Duties:

Under general supervision, manage, care for, protect, research, and interpret Redcliffe Plantation’s historic collection and cultural resources. Assumes the role of Park Manager in the absence of higher level employees.

1) Perform routine housekeeping and custodial activities in caring for the historic house museum and collection and performs established procedures necessary for the protection of the collection and historic structures including but not limited to surface cleaning, integrated pest management, environmental monitoring, etc. Works closely with Park Manager and the Historic Sites Coordinator in identifying issues related to the maintenance and preservation of historic collection and historic structures. Works to provide a safe environment for park visitors and employees.
2) Promote and enhance awareness and knowledge of Redcliffe’s collection with both internal and external audiences. Research collection and present findings to the public and SC State Park visitors with the installation of temporary exhibits, written articles, and sharing work with the SC PRT marketing team.
3) Assist with interpretation and operation of the site. Assists the Interpreter in planning programs using the site’s collection and exhibits. Fosters inter-departmental communication regarding research and interpretation of the collection. Assists with the supervision of staff, volunteers, and interns.
4) Perform administrative duties as related to the Redcliffe collection. This includes the updating and tracking of the locations and condition of objects in PastPerfect, and negotiating and evaluating deeds of gift and donations, while ensuring they adhere to established policies. If acquisitions are approved, ensure proper documentation, shipping arrangements, and integration into collection storage. Maintain and update as needed Redcliffe’s collection management plan.
5) Utilize resources and funds toward the conservation of Redcliffe's collection. Work with Park Manager to create, track, and spend the curatorial and exhibitions budgets. Identify grants and other funding sources for collections and exhibitions.
6) Proactively seek to improve your knowledge of best practices for collections and cultural resource management through presentations and attendance at museum conferences and trainings. Promote Redcliffe through networking on a local, regional, state and national level.
7) Assists in facilitating research and cultivates positive relationships with other SC PRT staff, cultural institutions, student(s), and outside researcher(s), through sharing available historic information, research, and relevant collections information. Practice and promote teamwork within the Sandhills Region, throughout the agency and with external agency stakeholders.

Examples of duties

Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree and two years experience in the museum studies, public history, cultural heritage, or related fields.

Additional Requirements:

1) Use judgement and discretion in the decision making process based on established procedures and guidelines. Provide a customer friendly service. Position requires light to heavy lifting, walking, standing on uneven terrain, crawling, and working at heights. Work is in weather extremes.
2) Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to work independently or as part of a team. Ability to research and deliver information in a positive manner. The incumbent must possess knowledge of collections management, preservation, and data management, and must be trained in object handling. Strong organizational, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
3) Must posses a valid SC drivers license.

Supplemental information

Actual Job Location: Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site

Full-time, 40 hours per week rotating schedule including weekends and holidays.