Curatorial Assistant, Collections Task Force - Earth Sciences

The Earth Sciences Collections Task Force has been created to provide support to collections and research staff in maintaining and developing a world-class collection of natural history specimens. The post holder will work alongside the Task Force Manager, other Task Force Curatorial Assistants and the Loans and Exhibitions Coordinator to support the delivery of collections-based projects. These will be informed by the Museum’s Collections Plan, highlighted by the Collections Assessment Audit (“Join the Dots”).

The team will work with Earth Sciences collections staff on the management and care of collections, tackling a variety of projects and developing standards and workflows for future use. These could include mass digitisation, collections moves, documentation assistance and re-storage projects. The post-holder will also have the opportunity to be involved in departmental activities such as public engagement events and training programmes.

This is an excellent opportunity to help shape the future direction of the team and gain diverse skills working on a range of projects across both palaeontological and mineralogical collections. The Task Force will be a dextrous team, able to plan, resource and deliver projects as well as supporting routine and one-off activities across the department and in conjunction with other museum groups.

Salary:£24,745 per annum plus benefits

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 9am on Monday 20 February 2017

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:

Academic Qualifications

1. BSc (or equivalent qualification), ideally in Biological or Life Sciences (or equivalent relevant experience)

Competencies

2. An understanding of taxonomic, anatomic and stratigraphic principles (e.g. attained from college or university courses in geology, palaeontology, systematics, biology) and an ability to recognise basic taxonomic terms
3. Flexible and willing to work across collections areas and develop good working relationships with a wide range of people
4. Experience of handling a wide range of objects from small fragile specimens to large heavy ones
5. Well organised, able to work on multiple projects and meet deadlines
6. Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with proven experience of manipulating large datasets
7. Good photographic skills and post-processing of images
8. Experience of working effectively as part of a team
9. Proven ability to follow complex instructions
10. Excellent attention to detail with an ability to undertake methodical tasks to a high level of accuracy
11. Excellent written and verbal communication skills