Collections Manager

SPNHC; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Iowa is seeking a Collections Manager for the Paleontology Repository, a research collection with nearly two million fossils. The role coordinates access for research, teaching and public engagement, and oversees loans while training interns.

You will maintain inventories, databases, and documentation, supervise staff and interns, and support SEES faculty. A Master’s in Earth Sciences or related combined with Museum Studies is required; PhD is desirable.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Earth Sciences or undergraduate degree in Earth Sciences and a Master’s degree in Museum Studies.
• At least one year of applicable experience; relevant graduate work may be counted toward this requirement.

Responsibilities

• Develop educational resources, support exhibitions, provide tours, and participate in outreach and instructional activities.
• Facilitate access to collections and support research, teaching, and scholarly activities utilizing repository resources.
• Oversee repository operations, including policy implementation, program administration, and supervision of student employees, interns, and volunteers.
• Respond to stakeholder inquiries, maintain communication channels, and serve as a liaison with external organizations and partners.
• Coordinate acquisitions and manage incoming and outgoing specimen loans in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain collection inventories, databases, catalogs, accession records, and documentation to ensure accurate and accessible collection information.
• Maintain, organize, and preserve repository collections through appropriate storage, conservation, and environmental management practices.

Education

Master’s degree in Earth Sciences or undergraduate degree in Earth Sciences and a Master’s degree in Museum Studies

Job description

The Collections Manager is responsible for the care and management of the University of Iowa Paleontology Repository, a research collection of nearly two million fossils with a strong focus on Paleozoic invertebrates. This position coordinates access to the collections for research, teaching and public engagement, facilitation and management of incoming and outgoing research loans, and training and supervision of student interns in collections-related work. The role also assists SEES faculty and students with additional types of research-related collections as necessary.

This positionnoteligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

Position is 100% onsite.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop educational resources, support exhibitions, provide tours, and participate in outreach and instructional activities.
• Facilitate access to collections and support research, teaching, and scholarly activities utilizing repository resources.
• Oversee repository operations, including policy implementation, program administration, and supervision of student employees, interns, and volunteers.
• Respond to stakeholder inquiries, maintain communication channels, and serve as a liaison with external organizations and partners.
• Coordinate acquisitions and manage incoming and outgoing specimen loans in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain collection inventories, databases, catalogs, accession records, and documentation to ensure accurate and accessible collection information.
• Maintain, organize, and preserve repository collections through appropriate storage, conservation, and environmental management practices.

Education Required

• Master’s degree in Earth Sciences or undergraduate degree in Earth Sciences and a Master’s degree in Museum Studies.
  

Required Qualifications

• At least one year of applicable experience; relevant graduate work may be counted toward this requirement.
  

Desired Qualifications

• PhD in Earth Sciences, Museum Studies or a related field.
• Experience working in biodiversity collections management, preferably paleontology.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact: [e-mail].

About Iowa

• Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies.
• Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists.
• Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
• Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
• Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Collections/Exhibitions Mgr
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Contact Information

• Organization: College of Liberal Arts
• Contact Name: Libby Kleppe

Equal opportunity employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services,[phone]or [e-mail] . For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at319-356-7543.