• Job Description

  Req#: 470940

  Job Announcement

  Collections Manager of Vertebrate Paleontology

  
  

  Job Summary

  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.

  Additional Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

  • Knowledge of field and laboratory research activities including publications on original research in peer-reviewed scientific journals
  • Ability to speak effectively with groups or donors, communicating the museum’s mission as well as why collections are necessary
  • Demonstrated ability to serve Museum visitors in a friendly and professional manner
  • Ability to communicate a passion for science to diverse audiences
  • Ability to work with an interdisciplinary, professional team
  • Ability to function and act independently

  Equipment

  • Working knowledge of collections equipment including, but not limited to, cabinets, specimen preparation tools, and specimen transportation equipment

  Physical Working Conditions

  • Indoor/Outdoor, all weather conditions
  • Position may require sitting, walking, standing, and reaching including stooping, kneeling, and crouching

  Physical Effort Required

  • Some physical effort will be required
  • Must be able to lift 30 lbs.
  • Must be able to run or respond to emergency situations

  Compensation

  Starting salary will vary based on experience and relevant skills/knowledge set but will range between $40-45,000, plus comprehensive benefits.

  To apply, please submit your resume/CV through ADP. If you have issues accessing the ADP portal, you may submit your application materials to the Hiring Manager:
  Dr. Meghan Strong, Director of Collections
  mstrong@cmnh.org

  
  

  The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an

  EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA EMPLOYEE, SUBSTANCE-FREE AND FULL VACCINATED WORKPLACE.

• About the company

  The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is a natural history museum located approximately five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio in University Circle, a 550-acre concentration of educational, cultural and medical institutions.

Notice