Object Handler – Temporary

Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the four Carnegie Museums, is among the top natural history museums in the country. It maintains, preserves, and interprets an extraordinary collection of artifacts, objects, and scientific specimens used to broaden understanding of evolution, conservation, and biodiversity. Carnegie Museum of Natural History generates new scientific knowledge, advances science literacy, and inspires visitors of all ages to become passionate about science, nature, and world cultures. Carnegie Museums is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community.
This is a Temporary position.
Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate.
The Object Handler – Temporary will assist with object handling and movement for a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) funded project focused on the Dahshur boats of the Egyptian king Senwosret III. This work will take place in the Visible Lab space on the museum’s third floor. This is a full-time, temporary position that will not continue once this project is completed.
This position is expected to begin in October 2026 and end on or about November 6th, 2026.
DURATION
5 Weeks (NEH-funded)
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• High school Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience handling objects in a museum setting required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
• Must be knowledgeable of preservation standards and best practices in the field.
• Ability to work independently to satisfy both daily shift responsibilities and specific work/duty assignments.
• Good collaborative mindset; can work well with both other project team members and staff working in the Visible Lab.
• Punctual with good time-management skills.
• Basic computer and email skills required.
• MUST BE WILLING TO USE THE FOLLOWING MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT: ladders, material handling equipment (pallet jack, forklift, dollies, etc.), genie lift.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be able to climb and work on ladders for extended periods without hesitation, reach, stretch, and stoop, work with hands above shoulder level, lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds), and stand or walk for long periods of time.
• Candidates will be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Meet daily with project lead and other team members and work professionally and cooperatively with all Visible Lab personnel and other employees, contractors, and couriers. Safely handle, move, and position the wooden planks comprising the Dahshur boat of Senwosret III.
• Follow all object handling protocols and procedures as instructed by project lead and Visible Lab manager. Understand and adhere to all security rules and guidelines of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, as well as regulations stipulated by such agencies as OSHA, TSA, and DHS.
• Promptly inform appropriate personnel regarding objects with condition concerns or of damaged objects and follow collections management documentation procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining safe, clean, and orderly work and supply storage areas daily.
• May occasionally need to wrap and pad objects with paper, plastic, or foam to protect against vibration, moisture, or impact.
• Performs various other duties, as requested, by supervisor.
The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.
Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.
*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job. When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below. Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive. If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function? The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function? If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often? Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job? If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential. G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it? If so, it is more likely to be essential.