Jobs Archive
Senior Curator Natural Sciences
Based at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Central Bristol
Ref: 25494
Bristol is a vibrant European city with a lively cultural offer. Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives (BMGA) is central to Bristol City Council’s Culture Team and at the heart of Bristol's history, identity and global recognition. BMGA is a ‘Major Partner Museum’ (MPM) receiving funding from Arts Council England (currently assured until April 2018) in addition to its core funding from its governing body, Bristol City Council. The natural science collections comprise over 1 million specimens of geology and biology ranging from pressed plants, taxidermy, entomology and osteology to rocks, minerals and fossils. The geology collection is ‘Designated’ as of national/international significance and the biology collection, although not ‘Designated’ contains specimens of international significance as well as being the largest regional collection of its type in the south west.
An experienced natural science curator is required to cover the maternity leave of the current post holder, for a minimum of 9 months. As well as managing the team of curators in the section (one geologist and two biologists) the successful candidate will be leading work on a temporary exhibition being planned for 2017 and also taking the lead role in an externally funded project to work across the south west of England. This latter project involves liaison with the other natural science curators in the region to develop a skills and training programme that
will extend to wider sector museums to support management of natural sciences collections by non-specialists.
This is an exciting career development opportunity for a natural science curator. As it is of relatively short duration, in addition to a straight forward appointment, possible candidates are encouraged to consider requesting secondment from their existing employer as means of adding to their experience and knowledge, skills which can then be transferred back to the benefit of the institution at the conclusion of the secondment.
The post reports to the Head of Collections & Archives, one of three deputy posts in the Bristol Culture Team.
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the knowledge, aptitude and experience detailed in the Employee Specification.
Natural History Museum Curator
Natural History Museum Curator
East Stroudsburg University
USA, PA, East Stroudsburg
Job Summary/Basic Function:
East Stroudsburg University is seeking a Natural History Museum Curator who will be responsible for managing collections, and developing and marketing programs, events and tours for the Schisler Museum of Wildlife and Natural History and McMunn Planetarium located in the Hoeffner Science and Technology Center at East Stroudsburg University.
As part of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education, ESU offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits.
Responsibilities include:
- Manage natural history exhibits and tours that engage various campus constituencies, attract members of the local and regional communities to campus, and demonstrate the academic and creative importance of the Museum and Planetarium on campus and throughout the region.
- Establish educational programs by offering students, staff and public exhibition tours; identifying potential visitors' interests; creating a platform for advancement and outreach for the university.
- Maintain a collection of taxidermic specimens and aquarium, and offer planetarium presentations using a planetarium projection system.
- Develop policies, procedures and budgets for the operation and use of the Museum and Planetarium, in addition to preparing collection policies/procedures regarding conservation, storage, cataloguing. etc.
- Plan, design and disseminate marketing materials, museum information phone line, website, and social media engagement.
- Plan receptions related to exhibition openings, and other special events.
- Publicize exhibitions and present to groups - encouraging cooperative support from a range of stakeholders internal and external to the university, including financial supporters and donors.
- Prepare weekly and monthly reports of activities including statistical data from tours, museum and planetarium visitors and web site visits.
- Work with university and community representatives in the development and presentation of educational programs, including work with faculty and staff advisory committee to engage ESU resources to make the museum a learning and research center for ESU students and the community.
- Seek grant opportunities to enhance and sustain Museum/Planetarium operations and programs.
- Hire, train, and supervise student workers and volunteers.
Work schedule will vary based on Gallery hours of operation, Preliminary hours: Monday through Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM, 37.5 hours per week.
Minimum Salary: $44,000.00, actual salary based on experience.
Final selection will be based upon a successful interview and background check.
All candidates must furnish proof of eligibly to work in the U.S. at the time of employment.
Reimbursement for interview and relocation expenses are not available for this position.
Required Qualifications:
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a B.S/B.A. in science or science education, with a preference in biological sciences, and a minimum of three years of experience in developing educational programs.
Skills:
- Ability to engage faculty, students, and the community.
- Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, the intellectual and creative aspects of exhibitions.
- Ability to engage successfully with donors and patrons to cultivate long-standing relationships.
- Strong attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications:
- M.A. in Education, M.S. in Science, with a focus on pedagogy or supplemented by either a museum studies course at the graduate level recognized by the American Association of Museums or a museum internship, or M.S./M.A. in Museum Studies.
Posting Date: 06/01/2015
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please clearly indicate in the cover letter, how you as an applicant meet the requirements of the position. Applicants, who do not clearly indicate how they meet the required qualifications, may be eliminated from consideration.
Please attach a separate statement that expresses your understanding of the value of diversity within higher education and describes how you have demonstrated and applied your understanding in the workplace.
Diversity Statement:
The University encourages applications from members of historically under-represented groups, including women, veterans, and persons with disabilities, and is an AA/EEO employer. East Stroudsburg University is interested in hiring employees who have extensive experience with diverse populations. To learn more about diversity at ESU and in our community, visit our website at http://www4.esu.edu/about/offices/diversity_equal_opportunity /index.cfm.
Non Discrimination Statement
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania is committed to equal opportunity for its students, employees and applicants. The university is committed to providing equal educational and employment rights to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran's status. Each member of the university community has a right to study and work in an environment free from any form of racial, ethnic, and sexual discrimination including sexual harassment, sexual violence and sexual assault. (Further information, including contact information, can be found on the university's web site at: http://www4.esu.edu/titleix/) In accordance with federal and state laws, the university will not tolerate discrimination.
This policy is placed in this document in accordance with state and federal laws including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991 as well as all applicable federal and state executive orders.
East Stroudsburg University (ESU) has made a commitment to ensure the safety of its students, employees and visitors. The annual security and fire safety compliance document is available on the ESU website here: http://www4.esu.edu/about/offices/police/documents/pdf/annual_publicatio...
If you would like to receive a paper copy of the 'East Stroudsburg University Police Annual Clery Crime and Fire Statistics Publication' which contains this information, you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling (570) 422-3064.
The website and booklet contain information regarding campus security and personal safety including topics such as: crime prevention, fire safety, university police law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, disciplinary procedures and other matters of importance related to security and safety on campus. They also contain information about crime statistics for the three previous calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by ESU; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.
Annual Clery Crime and Fire statistics report:
For information on the Universities Annual Clery Crime and Fire statistics report, please go to: http://www4.esu.edu/about/offices/police/documents/pdf/annual_publicatio....
About ESU:
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU) is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania adjacent to the scenic Pocono Mountains and the unspoiled Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Founded in 1893, ESU is one of 14 university members of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and has a current enrollment of 6,820. Both the enrollment and the picturesque campus have experienced substantial growth in recent years as a result of, among other factors, the university's reputation for academic excellence and strategic planning. Offering 58 undergraduate degree programs and 24 graduate degree programs, the university is poised for continued growth. The surrounding community offers options for suburban, small city, or country living all within a less than two-hour drive to both New York City and Philadelphia.
Supplemental Questions:
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
1.How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
- No Response
- Public Job Posting
- Internal Job Posting
- Agency Referral
- Advertisement/Publication
- Personal Referral
- Web site
- Other
2.Have you obtained a B.S/B.A. in science or science education from a four-year college or university with a with a preference in biological sciences? If so, please detail how you meet this educational requirement.
(Open Ended Question)
3.Do you have three years of experience in developing educational programs? Please detail your experience.
(Open Ended Question)
4.Are you currently employed at East Stroudsburg University?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents:
Required:
1.Resume/CV
2.Cover Letter
3.List of References
4.Statement of Diversity & Cultural Awareness
Optional:
1.Other Documentation
Application Information
Contact:
East Stroudsburg University
Online App. Form:
https://www.esucareers.com/postings/16360
Education Assistant – Natural History
Education Assistant – Natural History
Location
The post-holder will be based in the National Museum of Ireland -Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2 and Archaeology, Kildare St, Dublin 2 as may be designated by the
Education and Outreach Officer at the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology.
Reporting to
The post-holder will report to the Education and Outreach Officer at the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology.
Job Purpose
The post-holder will research, prepare, deliver and evaluate the public and schools’ programme at the Museum of Natural History. She/He will also facilitate public engagement with the Natural History Exhibitions.
Duties and Responsibilities
The post-holder’s core duties will include:
Research, prepare, deliver and evaluate the public and schools’ programme.
Contribute to projects.
Contribute to, co-ordinate and facilitate public events and activities.
Maintain relevant public spaces including the Discovery Zone, Reading Area and any other space where education resources are available.
Contribute to the care and maintenance of the Natural History handling collection.
Liaise with front of house staff around educational activities and resources.
Carry out administrative work in relation to education programming, activities and projects.
Contribute to the production of worksheets, activity books, resource packs and guidelines.
Contribute to programme planning for quarterly Calendar of Events.
Undertake outreach visits when required.
Such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Personal Specification
Essential Requirements
A knowledge and understanding of museum learning and audience-centred programming.
Experience of working in the field of cultural education.
A good knowledge of Zoology or another subject relevant to the collections at the
Excellent communication, administrative, co-ordination and organisational skills.
Excellent IT skills – a good working knowledge of software packages such as Word, Excel and Access.
An ability to work as part of a team and to work on her/his own initiative.
Desirable (but not essential)
Familiarity with the exhibitions at the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History
Experience of event planning.
Knowledge of the Irish language.
Preparator / Lab Manager
The Museum of Geology at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SD Mines) invites applications for a fossil preparator and laboratory manager. The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the laboratories within the Martin Paleontology Research Lab and Museum of Geology. This person also will be responsible for fossil preparation, replication, and other sample preparation and analyses to enhance the collections and research efforts of the Museum of Geology. In addition, this person will be responsible for training in lab and fossil preparation procedures (particularly preparation and replication of vertebrate fossil material). Further, the successful candidate will interact regularly with students, volunteers, co-workers, other professionals, and the public as part of normal duties.
An earned bachelor's degree in geology or related/applicable field and at least two years of experience with preparation of vertebrate fossils and molding and casting of fossil materials are required. A valid driver's license is also required. Experience managing scientific laboratories or other supervisory experience is desired. Experience with collections database entry and use is also desired.
For questions about this position, contact Laurie Anderson at: Laurie.Anderson@sdsmt.edu
Associate Curator of Paleontology
The John D. Cooper Archaeological and Paleontological Center in Santa Ana, California, invites applications for the position of Associate Curator of Paleontology.
The Associate Curator will be responsible for the preparation, curation, and utilization of the fossils in the collection. Most of the fossils are unprepared and uncurated. This then is a major part of this job. Another major part of the job is the public engagement and educational programs of the Center. Research on a topic related to the prehistory of Orange County is encouraged as well. The Associate Curator of Paleontology will work closely with the Associate Curator of Archaeology and the Director, particularly on public engagement and education programs. He or she will oversee groups of volunteers, interns and students working on a variety of curation, research, outreach and education projects.
The detailed Position Announcement by CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation is posted on the ASC website noted below. Candidates holding an MA or PhD in geology or biology and are paleontologists are invited to apply.
The John D. Cooper Archaeological and Paleontological Center, a partnership between Orange County (California) and California State University, Fullerton, cares for the fossils and artifacts recovered from construction and development sites in the county. It prepares, curates and databases these objects, and uses them in research, public engagement (events, exhibits, lectures), education (K-12, college, graduate and post-doctoral), and university research and teaching. The collections, estimated at 6 million specimens collected over the last 50 years, document the history of life in OC for the past 180 million years, including human occupation from at least 10,000 to 50 years ago. The fossil collection is rich in invertebrates, microfossils and plants from the Jurassic to the Recent, and in Neogene marine mammals, including cetaceans, pinnipeds (walruses, sea lions and seals), desmostylians, and sea cows. Eocene and Pleistocene terrestrial mammals are also abundant. Dinosaurs come in small scraps and pieces that are not particularly remarkable. About 16,500 entries have been made into the Center’s Specify 6/7 database with total fossil specimens numbering over 84,500.
All applications must go through ASC. The instructions for this process are described on the website. On the right, select “Paleontology, Assoc Curator" to view the official announcement describing the detailed responsibilities and benefits of this position.
Interpretation Manager
Kew is the world-leader in plant diversity science, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a major visitor attraction, that shows the importance of plants in all our lives. Kew’s mission is to inspire and deliver science-based plant conservation worldwide, enhancing the quality of life.
We are developing ambitious plans to deliver a step-change in interpretation at Kew, and want to create memorable engaging experiences across the Gardens. This will include developing interpretation for Kew’s diverse horticultural displays, the Great Glasshouses, the Treetop Walkway and our heritage features.
To help us achieve this, we are seeking a first class Interpretation Manager, who will lead an Interpretation Team and manage a suite of interpretation projects. You will be critical for identifying compelling content themes, that will provide a framework for our lively visitor events programme.
We are looking for a highly organised and creative individual, who will relish working across a range of projects and media, and turning complex scientific information into delightful visitor experiences. You will have excellent research, writing and editorial skills, combined with extensive project management experience. Your strong interpersonal skills will ensure that you are an effective manager and able to influence a range of stakeholders.
Benefits include 30 days holiday per year, a choice of pensions, a flexible benefits scheme as well as a great working environment.
Application Instructions:
For further information, please visit our website
https://careers.kew.org/vacancy/interpretation-manager-220469.html
Closing date: 17 June 2015.
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
No agencies please.
Learning and Events Assistant
Vacancy reference: JJ/NHMT/L&EA
Location: Tring
Employment type: Part Time
Area of business: Natural History Museum at Tring
Closing date: 31/05/2015
Role description:
The Natural History Museum at Tring was once the personal collection of Lionel Walter, the second Lord Rothschild, upon Lord Rothschild’s death in 1937, the Museum and his collections were presented to the Nation to become part of the Natural History Museum.
The Public Museum at Tring is part of the Natural History Museum. All Museum staff provide a wide range of services to both Museum visitors and internal customers.
From the moment the visitor walks over the threshold into the Museum or into its grounds, Museum staff are responsible for ensuring any visit is an enjoyable, safe and rewarding experience. Our focus is on maintaining an excellent visitor experience through standards of maintenance, presentation, customer care and access, which along with the efficient use of the group’s resources plays a vital part in the continuing success of the Museum.
The Museum Support team’s aim is to provide our customers and staff with services of the highest quality. This means that all members of staff will need to take a flexible approach to responding to the challenge of meeting customer needs. All staff are also encouraged to continuously seek to improve the standard and nature of services provided to visitors to the Natural History Museum at Tring and to enhance their own contribution through personal commitment and appropriate training.
The role of the Learning and Events Assistant is to assist the Tring Management Team in the delivery of the Natural History Museum’s mission and vision, by enabling the provision of a modern effective museum service.
You will assist with and provide support for the delivery of the public events programme; this programme includes temporary exhibitions, events and a school service.
The Museum Support team consists of 3 members of staff and a team supervisor.
Salary:£9,236 per annum plus benefits
Contract: Part-Time Permanent Appointment
Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 31st May
Role competences:
BEFORE beginning your application - Please read the section below about the ‘Online Application Process’ carefully.
If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address each of the following competences in the ‘other information’ section of your online application:
1. 5 GCSEs at Grade C, including English and Mathematics or equivalent qualifications.
2. Experience of working in a customer facing environment with an understanding of what constitutes excellent customer service.
3. Excellent communication skills with demonstrable experience of working effectively as part of a team.
4. Experience of working with children formally and informally.
5. Proven experience of carrying out administrative tasks and record keeping using information technology.
6. Excellent IT skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, and use of the internet.
7. Good organisational skills, demonstrating the ability to set and manage conflicting priorities.
8. Flexible and adaptable working methods, including the ability to adopt new skills and processes in a fast-paced environment.
9. An interest in, and enthusiasm for, the natural world.
10. Creative thinker with the ability to recognise new opportunities.
Online application process:
You are required to provide a response to ALL of the role competences listed above within the ‘Other Information’ section of the online application form (up to 140 words per competence). In order to demonstrate how you meet each competence fully, please provide specific examples from your achievements, knowledge, skills and/or experience.
IMPORTANT: The ‘Other Information’ section will ‘timeout’ after 35 minutes and any information not saved during this time will be lost. Please therefore prepare your answers on a separate document before transferring and saving them to your application.
The ‘Additional Questions’ regarding right to work in the UK and age are mandatory questions and any applications received without these answers will not be considered.
Please review your application fully before pressing ‘submit application’ as you will not be able to make any further amends after submitting, and any applications received which have not addressed ALL competences in full and/or the mandatory questions will be rejected.
Please note that CVs will not be accepted outside of the online application process or as a substitute for completion of the competences.
The attached ‘Role Specification’ provides further information on the role and how to apply.
Please also be aware that we are not able to offer a certificate of sponsorship for this role. If you do not have the right to work in the UK without a visa sponsored by NHM, then unfortunately you will not be eligible to apply for this vacancy.
Curator (Pleistocene Mammals)
Role description: The Curator (Pleistocene Mammals) will be responsible for general curatorial work in the Fossil Mammals Section, including upgrading the documentation and storage of specimens, facilitating specimen access and loans, responding to enquiries, participating in public outreach activities, and liaising with colleagues on projects such as digitisation and exhibitions. Delegated areas of responsibility will primarily be with the British Pleistocene Mammal collection.
The British Pleistocene Mammal collection is a heavily used collection by both internal and external researchers. It also has wide public appeal (e.g., mammoths). Currently the majority of the collection is not on our electronic Collection Management System (KE-Emu), and as such there are many challenges in meeting the needs for access to specimens and information, whilst ensuring the security and longevity of the specimens and maintaining appropriate documentation standards. We are looking for a motivated individual, who ideally already has a good working knowledge of the subject area and is able to meet those challenges with a positive attitude. You will be working closely with the Curator of Fossil Mammals.
Salary: £23,780 per annum plus benefits
Contract: 12 month Fixed-Term Appointment
Closing Date: Midnight on Wednesday 27 May 2015
Role competences: BEFORE beginning your application - Please read the section below about the ‘Online Application Process’ carefully.
If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address each of the following competences in the ‘other information’ section of your online application:
1. Educated to degree level (or equivalent qualification) in Palaeontology, Zoology or Geology (ideally with an additional postgraduate degree in one of these, or a combination of one of these with museum studies or archaeology)
2. Sound working knowledge in, and some experience of, mammal bone identification (e.g., Master’s project on mammalian anatomy)
3. Experience and knowledge of specimen curation (ideally through a paid role or a museum studies degree and ideally on palaeontological specimens)
4. Significant experience and aptitude of using databases (ideally general and specialist collections management software)
5. Sound knowledge of British Pleistocene geology and palaeontology
6. Ability to appropriately handle a wide range of palaeontological specimens
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with experience of presenting to a range of different audiences
8. Self-motivated and ability to work with minimal supervision whilst following guidelines and meeting targets
9. A pragmatic approach to problem solving
10. High degree of attention to detail, particularly in documentation and electronic data entry
11. Experience of working successfully in a team and making valuable contributions
Online application process: You are required to provide a response to ALL of the role competences listed above within the ‘Other Information’ section of the online application form (up to 140 words per competence). In order to demonstrate how you meet each competence fully, please provide specific examples from your achievements, knowledge, skills and/or experience.
IMPORTANT: The ‘Other Information’ section will ‘timeout’ after 35 minutes and any information not saved during this time will be lost. Please therefore prepare your answers on a separate document before transferring and saving them to your application.
The ‘Additional Questions’ regarding right to work in the UK and age are mandatory questions and any applications received without these answers will not be considered.
Please review your application fully before pressing ‘submit application’ as you will not be able to make any further amends after submitting, and any applications received which have not addressed ALL competences in full and/or the mandatory questions will be rejected.
Please note that CVs will not be accepted outside of the online application process or as a substitute for completion of the competences.
Please also be aware that we are not able to offer a certificate of sponsorship for this role. If you do not have the right to work in the UK without a visa sponsored by NHM, then unfortunately you will not be eligible to apply for this vacancy.
Interpretation Developer
Role description:
The Interpretation Developer is responsible for developing and delivering interpretation for the Natural History Museum’s temporary exhibitions, and occasionally, other interpretation projects, ensuring they are in line with our Public Engagement Strategy. It is an exciting role that sits within the Interpretation Team and a wider creative team that develops content for the Museum.
Working closely with colleagues across the Museum, including researchers and curators, you will lead on developing exhibition content, making sure it is based on relevant science and research.
You will lead on shaping and developing the interpretation for our temporary exhibitions. This involves shaping concepts, narratives, interpretation methods, visitor journeys, as well as the object and specimen selection, ensuring we make best use of the Museum’s world class collections. Using an audience focused approach and knowledge of best practice in interpretation, you will shape key messages and visitor outcomes, aligning them with the Natural History Museum’s three core intellectual narratives: Origins and Evolution, Biodiversity, and Sustainability.
You will develop interpretation methods that engage intended target audiences, ensuring that our exhibitions and galleries are accessible, interesting, informative and appealing, and suit our audiences’ needs. You will work closely with colleagues across the Museum, particularly within Content Production, Science, Audience Development, Touring and the Project Office, as well as external stakeholders, such as exhibition designers. Ideally, you will have an understanding of the exhibition design development process.
As part of a fast paced interpretation team, you’ll need enthusiasm, creativity, attention to detail and an ability to see projects to completion. The successful candidate will have previous experience in Museum (or similar) content and interpretation development and familiarity with exhibition processes.
Salary: £26,823 per annum plus benefits
Contract: Permanent Appointment
Closing Date: Midnight on Monday 25 May 2015
Role competences:
BEFORE beginning your application - Please read the section below about the ‘Online Application Process’ carefully.
If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address each of the following competences in the ‘other information’ section of your online application:
1. Educated to degree level (or equivalent qualification) in Science Communication, Museum Studies or other relevant discipline, or equivalent relevant experience
2. Solid experience of developing and delivering engaging interpretation and content in a museum, gallery, heritage site or a similar environment, as well as experience in developing and delivering interpretation plans and methods for exhibitions, or similar, and ideally, an understanding of the exhibition design development process
3. Experience of using collections to tell compelling stories and communicate messages
4. Experience of adapting interpretation, or other form of communication, to suit the needs of different audiences, with an understanding of how to use audience research to inform how to best engage different audiences
5. Highly skilled in text writing for a variety of audience; including text for museum audiences, as well as any documents that communicate exhibition concepts and content to internal and external stakeholders
6. Confident communicator with the experience of communicating openly and clearly with different colleagues and stakeholders, including subject specialists (for example, curators or researchers), and communicating specialist topics to non-specialist audiences
7. Demonstrable experience of creating and delivering professional and engaging presentations, for example, presenting projects to internal stakeholders
8. Proven ability to inspire internal and external stakeholders about the work of the Museum’s interpretation team, including experience of effectively influencing others
9. Experience of delivering tasks through to completion, with a strong attention to detail and proven ability to solve problems effectively
10. Experience of being able to manage demanding workloads and remain calm under pressure, alongside excellent planning skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks, whilst ensuring deadlines are met
11. The ability to work successfully both independently as well as part of a team, with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude and willingness to learn
12. An interest in natural sciences and the experience of developing exhibition interpretation, or other forms of communication, for science related topics (desirable)
Online application process:
You are required to provide a response to ALL of the role competences listed above within the ‘Other Information’ section of the online application form (up to 140 words per competence). In order to demonstrate how you meet each competence fully, please provide specific examples from your achievements, knowledge, skills and/or experience.
IMPORTANT: The ‘Other Information’ section will ‘timeout’ after 35 minutes and any information not saved during this time will be lost. Please therefore prepare your answers on a separate document before transferring and saving them to your application.
The ‘Additional Questions’ regarding right to work in the UK and age are mandatory questions and any applications received without these answers will not be considered.
Please review your application fully before pressing ‘submit application’ as you will not be able to make any further amends after submitting, and any applications received which have not addressed ALL competences in full and/or the mandatory questions will be rejected.
Please note that CVs will not be accepted outside of the online application process or as a substitute for completion of the competences.
Please also be aware that we are not able to offer a certificate of sponsorship for this role. If you do not have the right to work in the UK without a visa sponsored by NHM, then unfortunately you will not be eligible to apply for this vacancy.
Internship - Universal Science Curator
Are you ready to put theory into practice?
The Natural History Museum is a world-class scientific institution and one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK. It is a diverse and exciting place to work, that needs bright, creative and talented people.
Manchester Museum Manchester Museum is home to one of the largest and most important collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the UK. The collection includes objects from prehistoric Egypt (c. 10,000 BC) to the Byzantine era, up to around AD 600. Our three Ancient Worlds galleries highlight our collections from Manchester and the region, and from ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome and Egypt.
Internship Opportunity at the Natural History Museum and Manchester Museum
An exciting internship opportunity has arisen within the UK National Programme: Collections team at the Natural History Museum in partnership with Manchester Museum.
The Programme has two active projects. These are:
1. UK Pilot Collections Information System (naturedata)
A Pilot UK Collections Information System developed in collaboration with the Collections Trust. This system will contain collection meta data on UK collections that can easily be searched by researchers, scientists, collections managers and curators to answer the common questions many natural science curators are asked: where are all of the butterflies in the UK?
2. Collections for All: natural science collections
A series of knowledge exchange or scoping workshops on subjects relevant to natural science collections (RISK, handling, encouraging clinical research use, and the value of social media). An output of each workshop is a toolkit blog is published on a website: Collections for All: natural science collections. The blogs are aimed at non-natural science curators.
The role
We are seeking a volunteer for an internship based at the Natural History Museum. You will work closely with the Project Lead, the Project Co-ordinator, #naturedata Project Manager (NHM) and Head of Collections, and a Curator at Manchester. You will be mentored and coached by the Project Lead (NHM), and mentored by the Head of Collections at Manchester Museum. Every day support and management will be provided by the Project Co-ordinator (NHM).
Your work with us may include:
UK Pilot Collections Information System (naturedata)
Researching key species from each museum’s data and share this narrative via the website.
Developing a communication plan around the key species and website: blog, tweet, and social media etc.
Collecting and correlate meta data from the UK museums.
Create a newsletter and compile stories.
Assist with events.
Collections for All: natural science collections
Setting up a twitter account and creating a communications plan.
Marketing and promoting the website
Assisting with the editing and publishing of commissioned blogs.
Assist with events
Contributing your ideas and recent experience in internal staff discussion seminars on topics of current museological interest
Sharing your knowledge and expertise via a blog and twitter account.
You will gain experience in a national museum and major partner museum for the UK natural science data project #naturedata and will have the opportunity to visit a variety of UK natural science museums.
Note: Some of the information above may change nearer the date due to shifting project schedules; however this provides a rough outline of the kinds of activities you will be involved in and the experience you will enjoy at the museums.
Availability
This recruitment is for a summer internship between June to August. There is one vacancy available.
To apply for this internship you will ideally be available 4-5 days per week (Monday –Friday, 9.30 -17.00) for six weeks or part time for 12 weeks.
Training
Throughout the internship, you will receive valuable experience in collections projects within the Natural History Museum, and the UK. You will be integrated into all aspects of office life, and considered a vital part of the team.
Volunteers are warmly invited to attend the Natural History Museum’s induction and encouraged to see other areas ‘behind the scenes’ and to visit the main museum galleries throughout their time so that they can begin to understand the breadth of work undertaken here, the diversity of the natural world and the importance of museum collections / departments in general.
All necessary role-related training will be provided on-site here at the Natural History Museum. Financial support is provided for accommodation, travel and subsistence.
For more information on the Reward & Expenses systems in place to support our volunteers/interns please click on the button at the top of this page marked 'Role specification'.
The deadline to apply for this volunteer opportunity is: midnight 17/5/2015.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Role competences:
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for one enthusiastic intern with excellent oral and written communication skills and a passion for natural history collections. IT skills and experience in working with social media, Microsoft Office and Excel is a must. Applicants must be 18 or over to apply.
Essential criteria
demonstrable interest in natural sciences and the environment
ability to work in a team
excellent oral and written communication skills
IT Competent in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, social media
strong organisation skills
seeking a career in museums
Desirable Criteria
have completed, or currently studying for, a qualification in museum studies /science communication/ other relevant area
experience of handling specimens/delicate objects
previous work with collections
knowledge or use of collections management systems
Online application process:
Completing the online application
Please answer the following questions to be considered for this role. You will need to enter your answers into the 'competency fields' in your application. Please use one field per answer/competence and use no more than 140 words per field. Please do not attach your CV.
1. Why do you wish to volunteer at natural history museums (Natural History Museum and Manchester Museum) and what attracted you to this opportunity specifically?
2. Please indicate how you meet the role specification and essential / desirable criteria for this volunteer position. It is essential you refer back to the role specification to answer this question and provide examples.
3. Please demonstrate active interest in natural history/science and collections.
4. Please give an example of a project or work where communications and organisational skills were important
5. How would you promote #natureadata, an online searchable system containing metadata on UK natural science collections, through networks, social media and media?
6. You have stated that you are free for 4-5 days per week (Monday –Friday) full time for six weeks or part time for 12 weeks from June 2015 . Please specify: Your availability within this time frame – i.e. which days you are free on and when will you be free to begin your role should you be offered this volunteer position?