Curator, Invertebrate Collections, Zoology Section

Canadian Museum of Nature; Outaouais; On-site; CAD 93,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary established by a 70

Federal public service group insurance

Job summary

The Curator at the Canadian Museum of Nature oversees the strategic development, documentation, preservation and accessibility of the Invertebrate collections at the Natural Heritage Campus in Gatineau, QC. You will work with Zoology staff and partners to set priorities and manage risks while ensuring compliance with museum policies.

This role includes up to 20% time for scholarly activity and external collaborations, with opportunities to engage donors and patrons in public knowledge and

Qualifications

• A PhD with a concentration or emphasis in marine invertebrate zoology and at least three years of experience working with diverse groups of invertebrates in a museum or other scientific environment
• An MSc with a concentration or emphasis in marine invertebrate zoology and at least five years of experience in working with diverse groups of invertebrates in a museum or other scientific environment
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience acceptable

Responsibilities

• Develops strategic direction for the collection and its long-term value
• Manages resources and risks; ensures policy compliance
• Cultivates external relationships with curators, researchers, donors and patrons
• Engages in scholarly activities up to 20% of time, including research within mandate of CMN

Skills

Invertebrate taxonomy

Museum collection management

Budget management

Staff supervision

Data management systems

Public outreach

Education

PhD in marine invertebrate zoology

MSc in marine invertebrate zoology

Equivalent combination of education, training and experience

Tools

Collection management software

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Selection process number: 2090-CMN-26-OC-063
Research and Collections department
CUR01 - $93 418 to $116,770 per year
Permanent full-time position (37.5 hours per week)

Work Location

Natural Heritage Campus (NHC) - Gatineau, QC

Selection process number: 2090-CMN-26-OC-063

Your place at the Museum

We value diversity and believe we benefit from working in a place where everyone feels included and where the unique qualities and strengths inherent in a diverse workforce are combined. We welcome applications from persons who may identify as a member of one or more other equity seeking groups (for e.g. women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, religious or cultural minority).

You have a place at the Museum!

About the position

The Curator is responsible for the strategic development, documentation, preservation, security, accessibility, use, and long-term value of the Canadian Museum of Nature’s Invertebrate collections. Working with Zoology Section staff and partners across the Museum, the Curator establishes collection priorities, manages resources and risks, ensures compliance with applicable policies and requirements, and contributes to the Museum’s corporate objectives. The Curator cultivates external relationships with museum curators, researchers, collectors, donors, and potential patrons who may support the responsible acquisition, study, interpretation, or display of collection material for public knowledge, education, and inspiration. The Curator also engages in scholarly activities for up to 20% of their time, which may include conceiving, planning, conducting, and disseminating original scientific research within their area of expertise relevant to the mandate of the CMN and the objectives of the Research & Collections Division.

Please note that this position is not a primary research role and has a maximum of 20% of time allocated to independent or collaborative research, subject to operational requirements.

Working at the museum means:

• Contributing to an engaging mission as well as exciting projects and challenges
• An inclusive, friendly and safe work environment
• A competitive salary established by collective agreements
• Access to federal public service group insurance and pension plans

Eligibility criteria

This position is open to all Employees of the Canadian Museum of Nature and any members of the public who meet the qualifications below.
Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Education and training:

A PhD with a concentration or emphasis in marine invertebrate zoology and at least three years of experience working with diverse groups of invertebrates in a museum or other scientific environment;
OR
An M.Sc. with a concentration or emphasis in marine invertebrate zoology and at least five years of experience in working with diverse groups of invertebrates in a museum or other scientific environment;
OR
An equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Language requirements:

English and French are essential
Bilingual non-imperative: CBC/CBC ( definition )

Experience:

• At least three years of experience working with, developing, and/or managing invertebrate natural history collections, including specimen identification and classification, systematic organization, documentation, physical care, access, and collection-development activities.
• Experience in cataloguing and planning and leading collection digitization and data-mobilization initiatives.
• Experience in the taxonomic classification and identification of invertebrates in general, with expertise in one or more marine invertebrate groups.
• Experience working with invertebrate specimens, including legalities and regulations concerning their collection, acquisition, shipment, and management, preparation and preservation techniques, conservation concerns and practices, including vulnerabilities to pests or other common risks, destructive sampling techniques, safe handling and care.
• Experience with the use of data management systems in collection management contexts.
• Experience with analytical techniques and data interpretation required for invertebrate identification. Relevant techniques could include application of dichotomous keys in relation to diverse traits (e.g., morphology, anatomy), DNA analysis (e.g., barcoding, phylogenetics, phylogenomics), X-ray radiography, other imaging, and/or microscopy for visualization or measurement of traits, etc.
• Experience setting and managing budgets.
• Experience in supervising, managing, and training staff and students.
• Experience in planning, managing, and executing complex collection-based projects or work programs.
• Experience using a variety of office software, including word processing and presentation applications, spreadsheets, databases, and electronic mail.
• Experience interacting with the public in various formats, such as group/class presentations, meet-the-expert events, collection tours, and outreach through various media.

The following experiences will be considered an asset:

• Experience managing invertebrate natural history collections.
• Experience conducting and documenting due diligence for the legal and ethical acquisition, custody, transfer, import, export, loan, sampling, and use of biological specimens, including permits, restrictions, agreements, and associated records.
• Experience in documenting and justifying acquisitions of invertebrate specimens, including specimen valuation and safe shipment requirements.
• Experience in supporting collection users by coordinating researcher access, visits, loans, sampling, data requests, imaging, and other uses of a scientific collection.
• Experience leading and collaborating on research in invertebrate zoology.
• Publication record and/or conference presentations.
• Involvement in professional organizations or committees relevant to the position.
• Experience in supervising, managing, and training volunteers.
• Experience in fundraising.
• Experience in interacting with potential donors for the purposes of collections care and development.
• Other relevant study or work experience in natural sciences, museum studies, or related fields.

The Canadian Museum of Nature is committed to inclusive and barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If you are invited to participate in the selection process, we encourage you to advise us of any accommodation you may require. This information will be treated as confidential.

The Statement of Qualifications, providing greater detail about the skills, knowledge and aptitudes needed for this role, can be obtained by contacting the Museum at [e-mail].

All candidates must submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae outlining how their experience and training meet the requirements listed above.

Selection process number: 2090-CMN-26-OC-063