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CURRENT JOB OPENINGS

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EXHIBITS MANAGER
Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science is searching for a highly motivated, creative person to join our team as Exhibits Manager.

The Exhibits Manager is responsible for planning, designing, fabricating, installing, and de-installing museum exhibits as well as coordinating technical and artistic processes required to produce exhibits and associated support materials.  The work involves cooperation and communication with other staff members, outside consultants, and volunteers in developing aesthetic and technical plans for innovative permanent, temporary and circulating exhibitions.  The Exhibits Manager assumes overall responsibility for ongoing care and maintenance of exhibits and supervising employees and/or volunteers involved in exhibit-related work.

Successful candidates should demonstrate excellent communication, organizational and supervisory skills as well as the ability to work effectively under pressure and on a wide variety of projects concurrently.  A B.A. or equivalent experience specializing in design, commercial art, studio arts, or a related field of study is required. A minimum of two years prior work experience in planning, design, and production of three-dimensional displays as well as previous museum experience is desirable

This is a full-time, exempt position with a competitive salary and benefits package.  Candidates should send a cover letter and current resume, including names and contact information of three professional references to:

Application deadline is Friday, June 27, 2008.
Send letter of interest and resume immediately to:

Director of Administration/HR
Putnam Museum and IMAX® Theatre
1717 W. 12th St.
Davenport, IA, 52804
curry@putnam.org 

Please, no phone calls.


INTERNSHIP APPLICATION
The Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science offers unpaid internships to college students who enjoy working with people and are interested in learning more about the many facets of the museum environment. General goals of the internship program include the following:

Internships generally center around projects developed and monitored by Museum department heads or other professional staff. Most internships also include some general departmental or clerical work. Assignments are determined by the needs of the departments and the student's academic background, experience and interests. Openings in the desired department may not always be available.

Eligibility
Internships are most readily available for college students and recent graduates with the following backgrounds: biological science, anthropology, geology, history, art history, photography, marketing, communications, education, business, or museum studies. Other fields of study will be considered. Interns are selected by an application and review process, which may include an interview.

Commitment
Internships are usually a semester long (fall, spring or summer sessions). Interns are expected to spend a minimum of nine hours per week at the Museum during the interning semester. The specific schedule will be determined by the Museum department head or assigned staff member. Interns are required to submit a summary report to the Museum that describes their experience within thirty (30) days of the end of the internship.

Credit
While the Putnam Museum does not offer paid internships, some students receive college credit for their work. A student wishing to receive course credit for an internship must contact his/her academic department head for approval. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Museum at the beginning of an internship if there are any special requirements or documentation required on the part of the Museum to enable him/her to receive such course credit.

Deadlines
Applications for internship at the Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science may be made at any time. Students are advised, however, that the time required to process an application may require up to thirty (30) days.


How to Apply

Please print and fill out our internship application form, then send it to:

Internship Program
Putnam Museum and IMAX Theatre
1717 W. 12th St., Davenport, IA 52804


Staff Directory
(listed alphabetically)

Lori Arguello Director of Marketing 563.324.1054 ext.219
Jean Bahls Director of Membership & Annual Support 563.324.1054 ext.237
Katie Bieber Lead Cashier 563.324.1054
ext. 243
Christine Chandler Curator of Natural Science 563.324.1054 ext.226
Candy Crow Education Specialist 563.324.1054 ext.206
Drue Curry Director of Administration/HR and Volunteer 563.324.1054 ext.214
Dean Fick Director of Theatre Operations 563.324.1054 ext.261
Kim Findlay President/CEO 563.324.1054 ext.201
Sue Folwell Retail Sales Manager 563.324.1054
ext.252
Stephanie Goetz Marketing Assistant 563.324.1054 ext.257
Mary Heiar School Outreach Teacher 563.324.1054 ext.208
Natasha Johnson Visitor Services Supervisor 563.324.1054 ext.266
Christina Kastell Curator of History 563.324.1054 ext.222
Joe Lawhorn Projectionist 563.324.1054 ext.273
Ruth Martel Bookkeeper 563.324.1054 ext.213
Nancy Morehouse/
Beth Knaack
Director of Visitor Services 563.324.1054 ext.267
Jacquie Murphy Museum Teacher 563.324.1054 ext.209
Mike Murphy Director of Facilities/Exhibits 563.324.1054 ext.232
Donna Murray Director of Education 563.324.1054 ext.210
Christina Myatt Theatrical Programming Coordinator 563.324.1054 ext.207
Kim Nickels Chief Financial Officer 563.324.1054 ext.215
Sally Patterson Naturalist 563.324.1054 ext.205
Leigh Raftery Events & Promotions Asst. 563.324.1054 ext.258
Eunice Schlichting Chief Curator 563.324.1054 ext.223
Meia Teague Membership & Development Specialist 563.324.1054 ext.218
Betsy Matt Turner Director of Development 563.324.1054
ext.216

CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

School Group Host 
For those interested in working with youth, this is one of the most hands-on and rewarding volunteer roles at the Putnam.  This position is critical in our service to school groups especially during our busy time, April and May. 

Duties: 
Greet visiting school groups upon arrival and provide logistical support throughout visit.  Host begins by touching base with teachers at buses to confirm schedule, check-in procedures, location of restrooms and lunch areas.  The Host proceeds by guiding group to IMAX Theatre, educational program, or exhibits according to the school’s schedule.  Hosts will be trained by Education staff to present 5-minute orientation to Exhibit Halls.  A member of the Ed staff will always be available for support.

Skills and Abilities Required: 
This position is suited for persons who

Minimum Commitment:
One 4-hr shift per week in April-May, approximately 32 hours, not including training.

Training:
Interested persons will be asked to complete a two-part training program.  The first part will be held 9:30-11:30 a.m. on either March 12 or March 20.  The second session will be “hands-on”.  Trainees will accompany Ed staff as they interact with school groups in early April.

Contact:
Director of Administration/HR & Volunteer Coordinator
Putnam Museum and IMAX® Theatre
1717 W. 12th St.
Davenport, IA, 52804
563.324.1054 ext. 214
curry@putnam.org


School Group Reservation Secretary - September thru May

Volunteer requested for 3-hour shift at least 1 day per week.  Return calls to teachers who wish to schedule field trip visits.  Establish schedule to suit both teacher and Museum time frames.  Enter finalized schedule on computerized scheduling system.  Send confirmation of visit.  Skills required: ability to communicate clearly and effectively via telephone, ability to coordinate schedules, computer experience, understanding of school culture helpful.  Education Department staff will provide training and support.

Contact:
Director of Administration/HR & Volunteer Coordinator
Putnam Museum and IMAX® Theatre
1717 W. 12th St.
Davenport, IA, 52804
563.324.1054 ext. 214
curry@putnam.org


Discovery Room Attendant -
especially April and May

Volunteer requested for 2-3 hour shift (between hours of 10 am-1 pm) in one of the Museum’s most popular and “loved” areas.  Routine shifts of once per week or once every other week preferred.  Arrange and tidy activity areas, assess condition of objects and submit for repair or deep cleaning if needed.  Record visitor comments and make written recommendations for improvements

Contact:
Director of Administration/HR & Volunteer Coordinator
Putnam Museum and IMAX® Theatre
1717 W. 12th St.
Davenport, IA, 52804
563.324.1054 ext. 214
curry@putnam.org


Animal Care Assistant - year around

Volunteer requested for 2-3 hour shift to assist Naturalist in routine care of live animals. Routine shifts of once per week or once every other week preferred.  Animals include reptiles and amphibians in Sci-Lab, fish in large aquarium and gerbil on display.  Change water, provide exercise and assist with feeding schedule.  May grow into programming opportunity if desired.

Contact:
Director of Administration/HR & Volunteer Coordinator
Putnam Museum and IMAX® Theatre
1717 W. 12th St.
Davenport, IA, 52804
563.324.1054 ext. 214
curry@putnam.org

Address:
Putnam Museum & IMAX Theatre
1717 West 12th Street
Davenport, Iowa 52804

Location:
The Putnam Museum is located on "Museum Hill" and at the entrance to Fejervary Park in Davenport, Iowa. The Museum can be found at the intersection of 12th and Division streets.

Directions:

Click here for a map and directions from MapQuest

Telephone:
General Information: 563-324-1933
Business Office: 563-324-1054

FAX: 563-324-6638

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: museum@putnam.org

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