Collections Move Technician - Natural Science (Zoology)

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

Museum Shop, Food, & Beverage Discount

Job summary

The Milwaukee Public Museum seeks a temporary, part-time Collections Move Technician to assist in relocating its 4 million object collection. Primary work in Zoology with potential in Geology and Herbarium; duties include packing, labeling, and documenting specimens, and maintaining careful handling under supervision in the Natural Science department.

Hours are 8:30–3:30, Monday to Thursday, for about a year with possible extension.

Qualifications

• A documented history in natural science coursework, or commensurate experience with natural sciences, is required.
• Specific work with fluid-preserved collections or other zoological museum collections is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely handle and pack museum specimens, including fluid preserved specimens.
• Read and transcribe identifying numbers from labels and catalog cards.
• Generate digital records from transcription data into a spreadsheet.
• Create and attach barcodes to museum specimens.
• Photograph specimens and drawers as required.
• Pack and unpack specimens safely and securely.
• Fabricate packing supports from archival materials.

Skills

Dexterity

Detail-oriented

Problem-solving

Teamwork

PPE usage

3D-spatial reasoning

Typing

Standing/Lifting

Education

Natural science coursework/experience

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Milwaukee Public Museum - Milwaukee, WI 53233

Salary Range: $15.45 Hourly

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 in Zoology, however, some work may be done in the Geology collections and the Herbarium. This technician will work collaboratively under the supervision of the museum’s Collections Move Project Associate. Initial work will focus on packing bird and mammal specimens for transport and unpacking them into new storage. In addition to these tasks, future projects may include work with other dry zoological collections, fluid storage, and possibly assisting in the geology 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. To perform this job successfully, ideal candidates will be expected to complete the following duties:

• Safely handle and manipulate museum specimens, including fluid preserved specimens
• Read and transcribe identifying numbers 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 as required
• Critically assess specimen stability and material makeup, pre-packing
• Pack and unpack various types of 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 with the natural sciences, is required. Specific work with fluid-preserved collections or other zoological museum collections is preferred.

Competencies

• Comfortable undertaking fine dexterity work and handling delicate materials
• Ability to complete repetitive tasks consistently, while maintaining accuracy, safety, and integrity
• Detail oriented, with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to wear PPE appropriate to the 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 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. See what MPM has to offer and consider applying today!

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.