Jobs Archive
Preparator, Vertebrate Paleontology
No closing date stated.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH), founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Considered among the top 10 institutions of its kind in North America, the Museum offers an incredible visitor experience, attracting roughly 275,000 visitors a year. There are more than 140 public education programs and over 80,000 students served annually. The Museum employs about 160 people.
Building on its strong foundation of excellence in education and research, the Museum is poised to transform itself. CMNH will invite and engage a broader audience in the exploration of science and the natural world by revolutionizing the way it presents natural history. The Museum has launched a capital campaign to support a dramatic renovation and expansion of its facilities and exhibits. This ambitious plan will position the Museum to play a leading role in regional and national efforts to improve science education and increase scientific literacy.
CMNH is seeking a dynamic, creative and energetic individual who is passionate about the Museum and its mission; exhibits strong interpersonal and organizational skills; is looking for new challenges; and enjoys working with people of all ages.
Summary
Collects and prepares fossils under the direction of the Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology; assists the Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology and the Vertebrate Paleontology Collections Manager in fossil curation and Museum outreach.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - (Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation)
Preparation: Under direction of the Curator, the Preparator will assist the Collections Manager in all activities of the Vertebrate Paleontology Lab, and coordinates activities with other labs as required. Prepares fossils pertinent to the department's research. Also called on to prepare fossils for other reasons (exhibits, education, etc.). Will oversee and instruct other staff and volunteers in fossil identification, preparation, reassembly, cataloguing and curation. Will actively recruit new volunteer preparators. Ensures that the vertebrate lab is clean and orderly. Orders supplies required for the lab. Maintains lab equipment.
Fossil Collection: Under direction of the Curator, the Preparator will assist the Collections Manager in the preparation of, and participates in, local and remote site work. This will include: assisting with all logistics for field camp set up, the acquisition and transport to the site of all required equipment; fossil and data (maps, taphonomic data, photographs, videos, etc.) collection; and transportation of fossil vertebrates. Will include supervision of the field camp and related fossil localities in the absence of the Curator or the Collections Manager, including the supervision of staff, student and volunteers. Will assist the Curator and Collections Manager in the preparing reports relating to fossil collection and preparation.
Curation and Cataloging: Under direction of the Curator, the Preparator will assist the Collections Manager in the curation and cataloging of vertebrate paleontology fossils. Maintains computer and hard copy files pertinent to vertebrate preparation, lab equipment, volunteers, etc. Provides Curator with information for the monthly report.
Education and/or Experience
◦Bachelor’s degree in Earth or Biological Sciences, or related area from a four-year college or university; or three (3) or more years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
◦Experience setting up and running field camps and fossil preparation.
◦Ability to repair all equipment used in vertebrate paleontology lab. Ability to teach, direct and work with volunteers.
◦Work experience in fossil preparation and collection, and field camp management.
◦Scientific writing ability with proficiency in Word, Photoshop and PowerPoint.
◦Advanced knowledge of vertebrate anatomy, especially Devonian fish and archosaurs.
◦Experience managing budgets and ordering supplies and equipment.
◦Certified wilderness first aid preferred.
Other Qualifications
◦Excellent organizational and problem solving skills, and the ability to handle multiple projects at the same time.
◦Ability to communicate and work effectively with Museum staff and in a professional, pleasant, tactful and enthusiastic manner.
◦Ability to exercise initiative and good judgment in anticipating problems before they arise.
◦Ability to effectively coordinate and track multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize, work well under pressure with a high degree of accuracy, and meet stringent and overlapping deadlines.
◦Ability to communicate effectively–both verbally and in writing.
◦Ability to work independently and supervise crews in remote localities.
◦Willingness to travel and be in remote field camps for multiple weeks.
◦Ability to use and gather GPS and GIS data.
◦Manual dexterity.
◦Ability to talk to the public and make public presentations.
◦Patience to complete sometimes tedious preparations.
◦Ability to understand and repair all equipment pertaining to vertebrate preparation
◦and/or fieldwork.
◦Capability to devise special techniques for special situations.
◦Valid driver's license and passport.
TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references to:
Human Resources
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
1 Wade Oval Drive, University Circle
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
hr@cmnh.org
No phone calls, please.
Museum Collections Manager Paleontology
Position starting in Fall 2015
Summary
The Collection Manager is charged with overseeing use and care of the fossil collection at the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology. This involves working with museum faculty and staff to ensure the organization, conservation, and accessibility of a collection totaling over 150,000 individual specimens.
Relationships
The Collection Manager reports to the Director of the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, is supervised by the curator, and must work closely with Alf Museum/Webb staff and faculty.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
◦Conservation and curation of fossil specimens and associated documentation
◦Organization and housing of fossil specimens and associated documentation
◦Maintain computer database and digitization of fossil specimens and associated documentation
◦Development and implementation of collections management policies that are aligned with best practices in the discipline
◦Preparing reports of collection activity for government agencies and other organizations
◦Assisting researchers with the use of the collections
◦Managing loans of specimens
◦Providing logistical support for fieldwork
◦Support the museum director, curator, and other staff in educational programs with Webb students and the general public
◦Other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibility
The collection manager is responsible for supervising collection assistants and collection volunteers.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a related academic discipline; master’s degree or higher in paleontology, geology, natural history museum studies, or a related discipline is preferred. Experience with computer database systems (e.g., Specify or Access) and management, paleontological lab techniques (e.g., basic fossil preparation and repair), museum methods (basic curation and proper handling of fossil specimens), basic ertebrate osteology and identification, paleontological fieldwork, and management of fossils from public lands also preferred.
Physical Requirements
The physical requirements of this position are those needed to successfully fulfill the job duties and responsibilities articulated above. While performing the duties of this job, an individual may be required to climb up and down stairs and ladders; bend, lift, stoop to move and retrieve material; to push/pull, lift/carry, large items; and to reach above and below shoulder height. The individual must be able to lift up to 40 pounds unassisted. As prescribed by law, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Interested candidates should submit a brief letter of interest, a current CV and a list of three references, via email, no later than April 20, 2015, to:
Don Lofgren, Director
Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology
dlofgren@webb.org
Collections Assistant
The Florida Museum of Natural History is a unit of the University of Florida. Its Vertebrate Paleontology division currently consists of two curators, four full-time staff, and10 graduate students. It has an extensive collection (~750,000 specimens) of primarily Cenozoic fossils that form the basis for a wide variety of paleontological research. The Division of Vertebrate Paleontology of the Florida Museum of Natural History seeks a full-time (40 hr/wk) collection assistant. The position is funded by a NSF grant and has a duration of one to two years, with a starting date as soon as possible. Responsibilities include identification and cataloging of Neogene and Pleistocene microvertebrate fossils from Panama. This position will require regular travel to Panama and other locations.
Minimum Requirements
Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Qualifications include knowledge of microfaunal vertebrates, a bachelor’s degree at the time of hire, and one year of experience working in a paleontology collection at a museum. Preference will be for candidates who can demonstrate experience with curation of Neogene and/or Pleistocene North American fossils from a broad range of vertebrate classes.
Extensive knowledge of microfaunal vertebrates, either through college coursework or work experience. Physically able to safely move and handle vertebrate fossils.
Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization such as geology or biology.
Experience with identification of Neogene and/or Pleistocene North American fossils from a broad range of vertebrate classes.
Experience using a computer database.
Experience working with or supervising volunteers in a museum and field setting.
Assistant Collections Officer (Collections in the Landscape)
Assistant Collections Officer (Collections in the Landscape)
Derbyshire County Council
UK, England, Buxton
Ref: DCC/15/4719
Salary Details: Grade 9 £23,616 - £25,337 per annum
Job Term: Full Time
Appointment Type: Fixed Term contract – Due to funding, until 31 December 2016
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Department: Health & Communities
Division: Libraries and Heritage
Derbyshire County Council is pleased that the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has agreed its support for 'Collections in the Landscape', a programme to improve the visitor experience at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery. 'Collections in the Landscape' will develop a range of digital applications to interpret the collections at the Museum. These will inform a new gallery, The Wonders of the Peak, enabling visitor access to the collections using modern media. The collections are principally geology and archaeology from the Peak District, and include fine art landscapes of Derbyshire. You will be needed to co-ordinate the safe delivery of 'Collections in the Landscape' as detailed in the application to the HLF.
You will have experience working as a team member in a significant museum development.
You will be skilled in working with volunteers and visitors, and negotiating with several partners.
You will have experience of developing digital media and have good social media and evaluation skills.
You will be able to manage your own and others' workloads and have the skills to ensure that the programme is delivered on time and meeting expectations.
You will be expected to work alternate Saturdays.
A car user allowance is attached to this post but it is possible for the allowance to be converted to other forms of transport where there is a requirement to undertake travel as part of this post.
Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, candidates will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.
Provisional interview date: 30 April 2015
Derbyshire County Council
UK, Derbyshire, Buxton
Job Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed term
Salary: £23,616 - £25,337
Closing Date: 12 April 2015
https://jobs.derbyshire.gov.uk
Ros Westwood
Deerbyshire Museums Manager
ros.westwood@derbyshire.gov.uk
Collections Assistant (Collections in the Landscape) (2 Posts)
Collections Assistant (Collection in the Landscape) (2 Posts)
Derbyshire County Council
UK, England, Buxton
Job Type: Part Time
Contract Type: Fixed term
Salary: Grade 6 £17,123 - £18,451 per annum, pro rata
Closing Date: 05 April 2015
Interviews: 12 April 2015
Derbyshire County Council's is pleased that the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has agreed further funding for the project 'Collections in the Landscape', to improve and develop the visitor experience at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.
'Collections in the Landscape' will use a range of digital applications to interpret the collections at the Museum and link them to the places where they were found. This information will be used to develop a new principal gallery, The Wonders of the Peak, and visitor access to the collections using modern media. The collections are principally geology and archaeology from the Peak District, and include fine art landscapes of Derbyshire.
Two Collections Assistants are needed, to develop the collection metadata to support the digital programmes and the exhibition development, and to share the project with visitors, both real and virtual.
The successful candidates will have experience of museums' documentation systems and working with human history and natural history collections.
https://jobs.derbyshire.gov.uk
Ros Westwood
Derbyshire Museums Manager
ros.westwood@derbyshire.gov.uk
Plant Mounter
This post will provide support for the management, conservation and development of the NHM Botanical Collections primarily, but not exclusively, by preparing, mounting and/or repairing seed plants, ferns and algae specimens according to standards and protocols approved and agreed by the Head of Collections and Collections Managers in discussion with initiative leaders and departmental researchers. Mounting is the process of fixing plants and labels containing associated data to archival quality paper sheets to minimize the risk of damage through handling and transportation.
Salary: £21,021 per annum plus benefits rising to £22,874 after 12 months if deemed fully competent and £23,668 after 24 months
Contract: Permanent Appointment
Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 29 March 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. GCSE (or equivalent qualification) in both Maths and English
2. Basic knowledge and experience of conservation and preservation needs of herbarium specimens or similar collections
3. Good basic IT knowledge and experience (including Microsoft Office packages)
4. Evidence of manual dexterity, and demonstrable experience of handling fragile botanical specimens or similar material
5. Good team working ability, including experience of successfully establishing and maintaining positive, cooperative and effective working relationships with other staff members
6. Self-motivated, with a positive attitude and excellent time management
7. Proven ability to carry out repetitive tasks for a significant period of time, whilst maintaining accuracy and consistency
8. Ability to convey information on task/role to the general public, staff members and/or volunteers in a professional and authoritative manner
9. Demonstrable knowledge of, and interest in, botany
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.
Science Administrator - Education (Projects)
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.
The role will enhance Kew’s reputation as a scientific institution through facilitating the delivery of expert training. It will be essential in ensuring the quality of seed collections by Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) partners is maintained at the highest levels, as we work towards the target of storing seed of 25% of the world’s plants by 2020. In addition, the post holder will assist with the implementation of a series of internal and external symposia on key science topics and contribute to science outreach. This role reports to the Crop Wild Relatives Project Coordinator at the Millennium Seed Bank. The post holder will cooperate closely with the Senior Science Officer – Education and Communications and with the core Science Administrator - Education. This post is based at Kew's science facilities at Wakehurst Place, West Sussex.
The post holder will be required to independently and effectively deliver small well defined projects. Support will be provided primarily to the Crop Wild Relatives and MSB Sfumato projects. This task will include the co-ordination of training courses, other short courses and educational visits to the Millennium Seed Bank. The post holder will provide administrative support to training groups, including the compilation of technical and financial training course reports.
The successful candidate will have a proven solid experience in an administrative capacity and will be educated to degree level (or equivalent). A high standard of communication will be maintained. Experience in a scientific environment and in delivering small sized projects or work packages is essential. Ideally, the successful candidate will have experience in monitoring and reporting on financial data. Specific experience of training course administration and of working in a higher education institution is highly desirable.
Interpretation Producer (2 posts)
Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major visitor attraction. Our purpose is to use the power of our science and the rich diversity of our Gardens and collections to provide knowledge, inspiration and understanding of why plants matter to everyone.
These roles will develop a range of outputs from traditional interpretation to creative installations and exhibitions and also support content development for Kew’s dynamic and lively annual programme of activities.
We are looking for a highly organised and creative individual, who will relish working across a range of media, and turning scientific information into delightful and memorable visitor experiences. You will have excellent research and writing skills combined with project coordination experience, as well as strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and motivate a range of colleagues.
Millennium Seed Bank Partnership Data Warehouse Project Officer
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.
The Millennium Seed Bank Partnership (MSBP) operates in more than 50 countries, and data on seed collections in all these locations is brought together in the MSBP Data Warehouse (http://brahmsonline.kew.org/msbp) using BRAHMS and BRAHMS Online software (http://brahmsonline.com). This is an outstanding opportunity for a skilled data manager to help maintain and develop this global resource, to meet the needs of Kew and our Partners.
With responsibility for gathering, cleaning and managing large datasets you will be helping the MSBP meet its target of banking high quality seed collections of 25% of the world’s flora by 2020. You will manage the MSBP Data Warehouse, and associated content, to the highest standards, and help improve the functionality of both the offline database and the online site. You will have the capacity to design and implement research projects based on the collection data.
Educated to degree level, and with proven experience in checking, managing and manipulating large, high-quality datasets, you will possess excellent IT skills. The post will require working closely with colleagues both within Kew and with external collaborators. You will, therefore, be a team player with good communication skills who works in an organised manner with demonstrable attention to detail. You will be able to manage conflicting priorities, meet deadlines, and work on your own initiative.
Assistant Curator
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 scientific vision is to document and understand global plant and fungal diversity and its uses, bringing authoritative expertise to bear on the critical challenges facing humanity today.
This is a vital front-line role in the curation of Kew’s unique and globally important Herbarium collections. You will be a member of the Africa and Madagascar Team and will support curatorial activity by organising and incorporating African and Madagascan specimens into the collections, rearranging the collections according to new taxonomic accounts, managing loans of material to collaborating institutions, carrying out specimen digitisation including specimen scanning, data entry and database maintenance, and supporting visitors using the collections.
You will have excellent team-working skills and a proven ability to manage your own workloads. You will also be organised, meticulous and have good problem-solving ability. Good communication skills are essential. A relevant first degree or equivalent experience is required and previous experience of herbarium or museum curation is desirable.