Collections Manager Of Vertebrate Paleontolog

Description:

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History invites applications for the position of Collections Manager (CM) of Vertebrate Paleontology. The specimens in the vertebrate paleontology collection are primarily regional fossils, with strengths in Late Devonian, Early Carboniferous and Pleistocene faunas. The Museum is searching for a highly-motivated individual to work within the Museum’s Earth Sciences collections, including vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology, paleobotany and mineralogy. The CM will oversee the maintenance, organization, and development of these collection areas, with a focus on the vertebrate collection and work in collaboration with the curatorial staff to advance mutual interests pertaining to the collections’ advancement, growth, and accessibility. The CM will work in collaboration with other collections management staff to develop collaborative efforts to secure and advance the institutional collections through methodological development and external funding. The CM will contribute to the fiscal year operations budget for the collection area by working with the Director of Collections through the annual budgeting process. The CM will oversee collections assistant staff and work with volunteers to complete strategic priorities for the collections. The CM will also have the opportunity to participate in seasonal, local field work in the Late Devonian Cleveland Shale Member of the Ohio Shale.

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

Responsible for the management and proper curation of existing research and archival specimens and records retained within the assigned collection
Responsible for appropriate handling and care of fossil specimens, including rehousing specimens, monitoring pyrite disease and minor repairs
Responsible for working closely with curatorial team to ensure research access, new accessions, and prioritizing collection advancement that enhances research capabilities
Responsible for the management, systematic arrangement, and proper storage of specimens
Responsible for tracking the collection growth and activity
Responsible for the identification of new material and producing labels
Responsible for computer database development of new and existing material and entering the data into the database
Responsible for the management of loan program and filing loan paperwork with the Director of Collections
Responsible for collection monitoring to ensure safety and security of objects
Responsible for ordering supplies and equipment in support of collection operations
Responsible to oversee collections assistant staff members and volunteer activities as they pertain to collection activities
Responsible for offering collection services to museum members, the general public, and businesses based on current collection and division policies
Seeks additional training or professional development opportunities
Performs other duties as assigned by Director of Collections or management, as required
Performs all duties according to established museum operating, safety, and environmental and quality policies
Adheres to the CMNH Manual of Research and Collections Management Policies
Contribute to the fiscal year operations budget for the collection area by working with the Director of Collections through the annual budgeting process
Responsible for coordination and management of standard lab processes such as protocol regarding lab access, supplies, space allocation, resource scheduling, and student training
Responsible for the acquisition of new material and treatment of that material through curator research, collections acquisitions, and general sampling efforts
Responsible for holding student training sessions for summer interns as well as undergraduate and graduate students participating in curator research projects
Responsible for offering content expertise for Museum programs, marketing, and exhibit development
Coordinate with Education staff to provide access and educational opportunities that aim to utilize the laboratory and collections during normal and summer programming
Responsible for seeking external funding opportunities in support of collections development or pursuing strategic goals for collections improvement as outlined by Director of Collections and collections management staff

Education/Experience

Master’s degree in relevant field to the collection areas of appointment; with 3-5 years of collections management experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Comprehensive and current knowledge of collections management methods, procedures, and best practices
Current knowledge of best practices in the conservation of fossil specimens, including proper handling, cleaning, storing and stabilizing
The ability to plan, direct, and report on collections activities
Ability to research scientific information, ideas and methods
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
The ability to deal effectively with public and private agencies and individuals in matters relating to collections objects at the Museum
Strong competencies in computer operating systems, ability to adapt to various data management systems, and database management experience
Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally
Ability to work successfully with Museum members, employees and the general public
Strong problem solving and listening skills.
Ability to manage staff assistants and volunteers.
Ability to function in a fast-paced environment with time constraints, and within established deadlines.