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Cataloger

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

F/T Non-exempt Temp

UNIT

Collections Management and Access

OPEN DATE

02/23/2026

Position Summary:

The JANM Collections Management & Access department seeks a cataloger to advance work on JANM’s National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)-funded digitization project by creating metadata in JANM’s collections database and make more of JANM’s collection available online through its eMuseum web-publishing platform. 

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Generate catalog records and accompanying metadata for newly generated digital assets in The Museum System (TMS), JANM’s collections. 
  2. Work with project manager and digitization specialists to determine which artifacts, ephemera, archival materials and artwork to digitize and catalog. 
  3. Oversee web-publishing of catalog records on JANM’s eMuseum page. Work with curator and archivist to determine which catalog records to publish online. 
  4. Update protocols and standards in JANM’s digitization handbook to ensure uniform cataloging and identify mandatory fields to populate. Focus on data clean-up of existing records in TMS. Clean-up and populate look-up lists to make data entry more efficient. Assist JANM digitization specialists with organization of digital assets, as needed. 
  5. Make exhibition checklists in TMS for upcoming exhibitions, including The Future We Call Now. 
  6. Prioritize data entry for new accessions, incoming and outgoing loans. 
  7. Assist with preparing collections for digitization and cataloging, which might include numbering, securing deeds of gift documents, and rehousing. 
  8. Develop finding aids and make them available through the Online Archive of California, as needed. 
  9. Assist the CMA staff with exhibition installations and deinstallations, as needed.
  10. Staff members must be able to work with visitors of all ages to support the various events sponsored by the National Museum. Each staff member will be expected to work on a minimum of three museum-wide events per year: 
    • JANM Gala & Online Auction—(off-site) typically held in the Spring (April-May) 
    • Oshogatsu Family Festival (1st Sunday in January)
    • Natsumatsuri Family Festival (Saturday in August)

This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.  Incumbent will perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions outlined above. 

Education

Bachelors degree preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience/Knowledge

At least 2 years of experience working in a museum or library, preferably working with an artifact or archival collection. Proper training on how to handle objects, including: artifacts, photographs, artworks, and documents is critical. Having excellent organizational skills and being detail oriented is essential. Understanding of museum registrarial processes and procedures is a plus. Knowledge of collections management databases, particularly TMS is preferred. Understanding of digital photography and post production, including using the Adobe Suite is preferred. Willingness to learn and apply new skills is desired. Strong writing and proofreading skills is important.  Professional phone manner is essential. Ability to discern how to prioritize, plan, and manage tasks according to firm deadlines, clearly communicate delays, and respond to requests in a timely manner is critical. Being able to work well within a team as well as working independently are imperative. Ability to adjust and provide appropriate action when unanticipated need arises is important. Knowledge of Japanese American history and culture a plus.

Communication

Has excellent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills. Must be able to provide courteous and effective service to co-workers, volunteers, and the general public. Is able to read, write, and comprehend routine reports and correspondence, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals. Ability to write well is important. Ability to effectively present information in a one-on-one and small group format and large group format is significant.  

Computer

Is computer literate, Internet savvy, and experienced with MS Office, Google Calendar, and Gmail is required. Accuracy and attention to detail are critical. Experience with a content management system / digital asset management system is important. Experience with TMS is preferred. Familiarity with the Adobe Suite, particularly Adobe Photoshop and Bridge are ideal. Understanding of digitization standards and best practices for archiving digital assets is important. 

Math

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning

Ability to act on own initiative, making consistently sound decisions. Must be able to comply with institutional policies and procedures. Ability to perform effectively under conditions of a fluctuating workload. Ability to make practical decisions and solve problems, adapt to change and communicate effectively. Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form and articulate challenges and request support where needed. Reliable follow-through on assigned projects in a complete, well-conceived and timely manner is critical. 

Physical

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
 

Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

The Cataloger is a full-time, temporary position with expected funding through August 31, 2027, with possible extension.

Please note, however, that this is an at-will position, meaning that your employment may be terminated at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause. There is, in other words, no guarantee that you will be employed until any date in the future, including August 31, 2027.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To: Director of Collections Management & Access and Curator

Positions Supervised: None

Salary Range

$21 to $22.05 per hour DOE