Geological Repository Assistant (Exhibition Assistant)

Indiana University; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition subsidy

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Team environment

Job summary

Indiana University’s Indiana Geological and Water Survey in Bloomington is seeking a Geological Repository Assistant to support the core repository project and general artifact handling. The role focuses on re-boxing, labeling, inventory, and long-term preservation of geological cores within IGWS facilities.

Responsibilities include implementing standard workflows, ensuring data integrity, operating handling equipment, and assisting with exhibit preparation and storage solutions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associates degree in museum studies, archival studies, geology, Earth sciences, library science, or related field preferred.
• 2 years of related work experience required.
• Experience with reboxing/rehousing projects preferred.
• Familiarity with inventory tracking, databases, or collections management systems.
• Experience in museum, archive, or scientific collections environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the IGWS core repository initiative through re-boxing, rehousing, labeling, inventory verification, and organization of geological core collections.
• Preserve long-term access by implementing workflows and project objectives for the multi-year re-boxing project.
• Perform large-scale re-boxing and rehousing of geological cores as part of the USGS Data Preservation Program.
• Transfer core material to new CoreSafe core boxes following IGWS procedures and quality standards.
• Evaluate core condition, maintain material integrity, and document re-boxed cores for traceability.
• Locate, stage, move, inventory, organize, and restack cores and related materials.
• Maintain accurate location information and inventory records.
• Assist with storage issue resolution and collection organization efforts.
• Operate or assist with material handling equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, carts).
• Document progress and communicate workflow issues, damaged materials, or inventory discrepancies.
• Assist with project reporting and support photography, inventory verification, and other project-related activities.
• Maintain safe working conditions and follow safety policies.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Professionalism

Time management

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Teamwork

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

Associates degree (preferred)

Tools

Forklifts (preferred)

Inventory databases

Job description

Geological Repository Assistant (Exhibition Assistant)

Department Information

The Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS) is charged with conducting geological research; providing geological information, data, and educational outreach; and maintaining physical and digital geological collections. The IGWS is a long-standing, state-supported organization benefiting the welfare of the citizens of Indiana since 1837, when Dr. David Dale Owen was hired to conduct a geological assessment of the state. The Survey has been associated with Indiana University (IU) for most of the 20th century and was formally established as part of the university through Indiana statute (IC 21-47-2) in 1993. In 2022, the state legislature established the IGWS Center for Water (IC 21-47-2-7) and Center for Energy (IC 21-47-2-8) to support long-term studies of the state's natural water and energy resources.

Job Summary

The Geological Repository Assistant is a full-time grant-funded position at the Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS), Indiana University Bloomington. This position is fully funded through the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Data Preservation Program grant and is will end on June 30, 2028.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Works under the direction of the Archives and Collections Manager, the position is responsible for supporting the IGWS geological core repository initiative through the systematic re-boxing, rehousing, labeling, inventory verification, organization, and physical management of geological core collections.
• Plays a critical role in preserving and improving long-term access to Indiana's geological collections by implementing established workflows and project objectives associated with the multi-year re-boxing project.
• Performs large-scale re-boxing and rehousing of geological core collections as part of the USGS Data Preservation Program project.
• Transfers core material from deteriorating storage containers into new CoreSafe® core boxes following established IGWS procedures and quality standards
• Evaluates core condition during processing, maintains material integrity, and ensures proper placement and organization of recovered materials. Properly labels, marks, and documents re-boxed cores to maintain identification and long-term traceability.
• Locates, stages, moves, inventories, organizes, and restacks geological cores and related materials within IGWS storage facilities.
• Maintains accurate location information and inventory records throughout the re-boxing process.
• Assists with resolving storage issues, identifying undocumented materials, and supporting collection organization efforts needed to improve accessibility and long-term stewardship of geological collections
• Operates or assists with material handling equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, carts, and other storage equipment, to transport geological core materials between storage areas and processing locations.
• Maintains safe working conditions and follows all applicable safety policies and procedures while handling geological collections and warehouse materials.
• Documents project progress and communicates workflow issues, damaged materials, inventory discrepancies, equipment concerns, or preservation challenges to the project supervisor.
• Assists with project reporting requirements and supports photography, inventory verification, and other project-related activities necessary to achieve grant objectives and project milestones.

General Responsibilities

• Responsible for the maintenance and conservation of artwork and museum artifacts, including cleaning, reframing, re-matting, reglazing, and building housing.
• Assists with preparation of installation of exhibits and frequently interacts with other Museum Services staff to determine scheduling, installation needs, and timeline.
• Maintains workshop, including upkeep and routine inspection and maintenance of equipment. Repairs or upgrades equipment as needed.
• Assists with collection management efforts and may assist with the installation of large projects, performing inventory, and moving art and museum artifacts.
• Makes ongoing technical and spatial adjustments to exhibits after initial installation. Ensures proper condition of artwork and museum artifacts, escalating issues to appropriate staff as needed.
• Documents processes; may provide guidance to student or temporary staff.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED).

Preferred

• Associates degree in museum studies, archival studies, geology, earth sciences, library science, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 2 years in related field.

Preferred

• Prior experience with reboxing or rehousing projects.
• Familiarity with inventory tracking, databases, or collections management systems.
• Experience working in a museum, archive, or scientific collections environment.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Preferred

• Possesses a valid driver's license and ability to be insured by Indiana University upon date of hire.

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Highly thorough and dependable.

Preferred

• Ability to use of collection handling equipment such as carts, pallet jacks, or forklifts may be required; training will be provided as needed.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and work instructions.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to interact with technology and software, including Microsoft Office applications.
• General knowledge of geology or geological materials.
• Ability to maintain productivity while performing repetitive tasks.

Working Conditions / Demands

This role requires both sedentary work and the ability to move about for long periods of time. It also requires good communication skills and the ability to use tools, operate machinery, and complete construction projects with precision and accuracy. The ability to move and support heavy objects up to 50 pounds, and perform strenuous labor is required. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential tasks with or without an accommodation.

Additional Information

This is a limited term position, currently funded through 06/30/2028. Continuation is contingent on available funding, but employment beyond that date is not expected. As such, discontinuation of this position will not be subject to the Reduction in Force (RIF) policy.

Work Location

Bloomington, Indiana

Advertised Salary

$41,000.00 annually

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events

Job Function: Educational Resources & Tech

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at [e-mail] or by visiting IUPD.