The Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) seeks a Collections Manager for its Vertebrate Zoology collections of approximately 90,000 specimens (46,000 mammals, 21,000 birds, and 23,000 reptiles and amphibians), including dry specimens (study skins and skeletal elements), fluid-preserved specimens (in ethanol), tissues (frozen and in 95% ethanol). In addition to vertebrate vouchers, NHMU holds a growing collection of ecto- and endoparasites associated with their vertebrate hosts. The collections are among the largest from the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions, and include important material from Mexico, Central America, Australia, southeast Asia, and Pacific Islands. This position is directly supervised by the Curator of Vertebrate Zoology. The Collections Manager will oversee all aspects of the management and utilization of the Museum’s vertebrate zoology collection including processing incoming and outgoing loans, collaborating with NHMU Collections and Research colleagues, facilitating the use of the collection by researchers, and supporting the needs of other NHMU departments, including Exhibits, Education and Community Engagement, and Philanthropy and Communications. The Collection Manager will have primary responsibility for collection maintenance, preparation and integration of new specimens, specimen cataloging, database management, digitization projects, physical improvements, and coordinating the activities of student assistants, volunteers, and visiting researchers. Other duties include participation in institutional planning and preparation of grant proposals for collection support. The successful applicant will also lead and participate in field and collections-based research, and engage in other areas of professional development. The NHMU places a strong emphasis on providing an exceptional experience to every guest who visits the museum or participates in any of our programs. We believe that everyone at NHMU, at every level and in all departments, are a critical part of providing this level of experience. Therefore, all staff members receive ongoing training and are expected to consistently contribute to creating exceptional, memorable, and inclusive experiences for our guests, partners, and the community.
Responsibilities
- Cares for the vertebrate collection on a day-to-day basis, including organizing and conserving specimens. Plans and oversees the digitization, rehousing, and movement of the collection as necessary and/or directed by the Curator(s). Assists with the development and implementation of plans and goals for the collection. Facilitates visits by outside researchers using the collection.
- Responsible for collection maintenance and documentation including database management, loan processing, and collection digitization.
- Plans for collection growth and improvement. Works cooperatively with other collection management staff to achieve the highest level of collection care and productivity across the Museum.
- Processes incoming and outgoing specimens and/or materials including new field specimens, donations, exchanges and loans in collaboration with the Registrar. Maintains extensive knowledge concerning specimens in the collections and the organisms they represent.
- Supports the planning, installation, and maintenance of temporary and permanent exhibits. Expedites the use of collection materials for display.
- Participates in public and school educational program activities of the Museum including, but not limited to, tours for the public and Museum members, training of Museum volunteers and Gallery Interpreters, engagement with Youth Development Program participants, and participation in public Museum events.
- Facilitates outside research visits of scientists using the collection.
- Prepares or assists in preparing permits, grant proposals, audit reports, protocols, publications, and articles.
- Assesses related training needs and coordinates training programs to meet those needs for collections staff, students, and volunteers. Supervises work of part-time staff, students, and volunteers.
- Stays abreast of current professional standards and legal or other related changes impacting the collection and makes recommendations for improvement and compliance.
- Advocates for natural history collections and effectively communicates their importance to members of the public and the scientific community.
- Leads and participates in ongoing or original research related to the collection.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Three to four years of progressively more responsible management experience. Background knowledge of hiring department’s area of specialization in order to analyze, plan and draw conclusions for recommendations to superiors. Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department. Master’s degree in a related area may be preferred. Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
M.S. degree in biological sciences with an emphasis in vertebrate zoology (herpetology, ornithology, or mammalogy) or equivalent experience.
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