Collections Move Technician - Natural Science (Geology)

Milwaukee Public Museum; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off Package

401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer

Free Museum Membership

Parking Subsidy/Discounted Bus Pass

Job summary

Milwaukee Public Museum is seeking a part-time, temporary Collections Move Technician to support moving its 4 million object collection to a new building. The role focuses on geology with some work in zoology and herbarium, under supervision, and primarily at the museum in Milwaukee, WI.

The position requires standing, bending, lifting, and repetitive motions. Initially packing vertebrate fossils, with potential for broader packing tasks and offsite work as needed.

Qualifications

• Documented history in natural science coursework or commensurate experience is required.
• Must be able to stand, bend, and lift for long periods.
• Ability to read and transcribe identifying numbers from labels and catalog cards.
• Proficient in creating digital records in spreadsheets and using Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Safely handle and move museum specimens.
• Read and transcribe identifying numbers from labels and catalog cards.
• Generate digital records from transcribed data into a spreadsheet.
• Attach barcodes to museum specimens and photograph specimens as required.
• Assist with packing and unpacking specimens and creating archival packing supports.
• Construct crates and move packed crates using a pallet jack.
• Operate Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft products.

Skills

Fine dexterity

Detail oriented

Problem solving

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Natural science coursework or commensurate experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Milwaukee Public Museum - Milwaukee, WI 53233

Salary Range: $15.45 Commission

MPM is seeking 1 temporary, part-time Collections Move Technician to support the museum’s goal of moving its 4 million object collection to a new building. This technician will operate within the museum’s Natural Science department, with their main area of work being Geology with some work in the Zoology collections and the Herbarium. The technicians will work collaboratively under the supervision of the Collections Move Project Associate. Initial work will focus on packing vertebrate fossils. Future projects may include packing the mineral and invertebrate specimens, unpacking specimens into new storage, and possibly assisting in the zoological collections and herbarium as needed.

While most of the work will be done at MPM, some work may be done at an offsite storage location or at the site of the new museum.

This position will require consistent standing, bending, and lifting throughout the day and tasks that require repetitive movements for long periods of time.

The schedule for the position is Monday through Thursday from 8:30 – 3:30, and the position will run for approximately 1 year with the possibility for extension.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, ideal candidates will be expected to complete the following duties:

• Safely handle and manipulate museum specimens
• Read and transcribeidentifyingnumbers from specimen labels, catalog books, and catalog cards
• Swiftly generate digital records from transcribed data into a spreadsheet
• Create, tie, and otherwise attach barcodes to museum specimens
• Photograph specimens and drawers of specimens asrequired
• Critically assess specimen stability and material makeup, pre-packing
• Pack and unpackvarious typesof specimens safely and securely
• Fabricate basic packing supports out of archival materials
• Construct crates and other large scale packing material
• Operate a standard pallet jack to move packed crates
• Perform basic operations within Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft products
• Other move-related collections duties as assigned

Education and/or Experience

A documented history (which can include undergraduate or graduate experience) in natural science coursework, or commensurate experience within the natural sciences, is required.

Competencies

• Comfortable undertaking fine dexterity work and handling delicate materials
• Ability to complete repetitive tasks consistently, whilemaintainingaccuracy, safety, and integrity
• Detail oriented, with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to wear PPEappropriate tothe tasks assigned
• Strongly developed 3D-spatial reasoning skills
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team
• The ability to use a ladder, and spend much of the day standing, bending, and lifting
• Familiarity with Microsoft products, with specific experience in Excel
• Proficient typing skills

Benefits

• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off Package
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Free Museum Membership
• Museum Shop, Food, & Beverage Discounts
• Parking Subsidy/Discounted Bus Pass

The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM)The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) is a natural and human history museum located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Milwaukee Public Museum is among the oldest in the United States, with a history dating back to the 1850’s.

We offer great career opportunities for people with all levels of training, experience, and education.

We are a composition of diverse and talented staff working together as a team to offer our visitors the best possible immersive experience in learning and enjoyment.

A career with the Milwaukee Public Museum allows you to connect your skills and abilities in a rewarding position with a non‑profit organization doing good work in our community.

MPM provides an unlimited opportunity to gain knowledge about our world, as you connect with visitors, donors, innovative staff members, curious students, interns and volunteers in your day-to-day-work.

The Milwaukee Public Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.