Collections Move Technician - Natural Science (Zoology)

Milwaukee Public Museum Inc; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) Match

Free Museum Membership

Parking Subsidy

Job summary

The Milwaukee Public Museum is seeking a temporary, part-time Collections Move Technician to support moving its 4 million object collection to a new building. Primary work in Natural Science, Zoology, with potential work in Geology and the Herbarium.

Schedule is Monday through Thursday, 8:30–3:30, for about 1 year with possible extension. Duties include packing, labeling, barcoding, photographing, and data entry, with some offsite work as needed.

Qualifications

• Documented history in natural science coursework or commensurate experience.
• Fluid-preserved collections experience preferred.
• Work with zoological museum collections is a plus.
• Ability to wear PPE as required.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Pack and unpack specimens safely and securely.
• Read and transcribe labels; generate digital records in Excel.
• Attach barcodes to museum specimens.
• Photograph specimens and drawers as required.
• Fabricate packing supports from archival materials.
• Construct crates and move crates with a pallet jack.
• Collaborate independently or as part of a team.

Skills

Fine dexterity

Repetitive tasks

Attention to detail

3D spatial reasoning

PPE usage

Teamwork

Independent work

Ladder use

Typing

Microsoft Excel

Education

Natural science coursework

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Pallet jack

Barcode tagging

Digital records tools

Job description

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 specimensRead and transcribe identifying numbers from specimen labels, catalog books, and catalog cardsSwiftly generate digital records from transcribed data into a spreadsheetCreate, tie, and otherwise attach barcodes to museum specimensPhotograph specimens and drawers of specimens as requiredCritically assess specimen stability and material makeup, pre-packingPack and unpack various types of specimens safely and securelyFabricate basic packing supports out of archival materialsConstruct crates and other large scale packing materialOperate a standard pallet jack to move packed cratesPerform basic operations within Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft productsOther move-related collections duties as assignedEducation 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 materialsAbility to complete repetitive tasks consistently, while maintaining accuracy, safety, and integrityDetail oriented, with strong problem-solving skillsAbility to wear PPE appropriate to the tasks assignedStrongly developed 3D-spatial reasoning skillsCapable of working independently and as part of a teamThe ability to use a ladder, and spend much of the day standing, bending, and liftingFamiliarity with Microsoft products, with specific experience in ExcelProficient typing skillsBenefits:Dental and Vision InsurancePaid Time Off Package401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer MatchFree Museum MembershipMuseum Shop, Food, & Beverage DiscountsParking Subsidy/Discounted Bus PassThe 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.