Vertebrate Paleontology Collections Manager

Closing Date: None 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 currently 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 project management and organizational skills; is looking for new challenges; and enjoys working in an enthusiastic and fast paced environment.

Summary
The Collections Manager will assist the Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology by managing the operations of three main areas; fossil collection, preparation, and curation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
(Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with our without reasonable accommodation)

Fossil Collection
Under direction of the curator, prepares for, and conducts, local and remote site work. This will include: 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, including the supervision of staff, student and volunteers. Will assist the curator in the preparation of grants, permits and reports relating to fossil collection. Will assist the curator in the collection of research data.

Preparation
Under direction of the curator, manages all aspects 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 occasionally prepare fossils for other reasons (exhibits, education, etc.). Will oversee and instruct other staff and volunteers in fossil identification, preparation, reassembly, cataloging and curation. Will actively recruit new volunteer preparators. Sees that the vertebrate lab is clean and orderly. Orders supplies required for the lab. Maintains lab equipment.

Curation and Cataloging
Under direction of the curator, sees that collected and prepared specimens are recorded in the vertebrate paleontology cataloging system, making sure they’re properly photographed, numbered, stored and protected. Has experience with GPS mapping and GIS technology, and can generate and maintain GIS maps and related databases. Maintains computer and hard copy files pertinent to vertebrate preparation, lab equipment, volunteers, collection status, etc. Provides curator with information for the monthly report. Will process loans. Assist visiting researchers to access collections within the departmental guidelines. Will assist in organizing outreach events using departmental collections.

Education and/or Experience
•M.Sc. in Earth or Biological Sciences, or related area, and related work experience in fossil collection and field camp management, preparation and curation.
•Ability to work independently and supervise crews in remote localities for extended periods of time.
•Ability to teach, direct and work with volunteers and students.
•Manual dexterity.
•Ability to use and repair all equipment pertaining to vertebrate preparation and/or fieldwork.
•Advanced knowledge of vertebrate anatomy, especially placoderms and archosaurs.
•Manage VP lab budget, including ordering supplies and equipment.
•Patience to complete sometimes tedious tasks.
•Ability to gather and use GPS and GIS data.
•Photo and videography skills.
•Ability to gather scientific data for research from specimens, including traveling to other institutions to examine specimens.
•Scientific writing ability with proficiency in Word, Photoshop, Illustrator and PowerPoint.
•Ability to talk to the public and make public presentations; organizing outreach events.
•Capability to devise special techniques for special situations.
•Certified wilderness first aid.
•Valid driver's license and passport.

To Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume and three references to:
Human Resources
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History
1 Wade Oval Drive
Cleveland, OH 44106
hr@cmnh.org
No phone calls, please.

Posting Date: October 17, 2014
Job Announcement: 1448

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA EMPLOYER and a SUBSTANCE-FREE WORKPLACE