Collections Move Technician - Natural Sciences (Zoology)

Milwaukee Public Museum; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

The Milwaukee Public Museum is seeking a temporary, part-time Collections Move Technician to assist in relocating a vast specimen collection. The role involves inventory, barcoding, and handling delicate materials within the Natural Science department, with duties requiring attention to detail and experience in natural sciences. Ideal candidates should be detail-oriented and capable of repetitive tasks with accuracy.

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

Qualifications

• Documented history in natural science coursework required.
• Preferred experience with zoological museum collections.

Responsibilities

• Safely handle and manipulate museum specimens.
• Generate digital records from transcribed data.
• Pack and unpack various types of specimens safely.

Skills

Detail oriented

Problem-solving skills

Strong 3D-spatial reasoning skills

Familiarity with Microsoft products

Proficient typing skills

Education

Natural science coursework

Experience with fluid-preserved collections

Tools

Microsoft Excel

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. The technician will operate within the museum’s Natural Science department, with possible work in the Zoology, Geology, and Botany collections. The Technician will work collaboratively under the supervision of the museum’s collections move project associate. Initial work will focus on undertaking a systematic evaluation of the museum’s zoology collections, including the inventory and barcoding of each specimen. In addition to these tasks, future projects may include work with taxidermy specimens and other dry, zoological collections, paleontological and mineral collections, and herbarium collections.

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) 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.