Museum Technician

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Part time

Job summary

The University of New Mexico's Museum of Southwestern Biology, Division of Mammals, seeks a student worker to assist with specimen preparation, data collection, curation, and data management in a hands-on, educational setting.

Work will involve operating the dermestarium, transcribing legacy data, field research support as appropriate, and helping train new student workers, approximately 20 hours per week. This position emphasizes accuracy, organization, and collaboration within a diverse team.

Qualifications

• Work-study award strongly encouraged for applicant.
• Enrolled in Biology or related degree program.
• Academic or career interest in Biology, Museum Studies, or related fields.
• Completed coursework or knowledge in mammalogy, vertebrate zoology, or museum science.

Responsibilities

• Preparing museum specimens and collecting specimen data
• Maintaining and operating the dermestarium
• Processing, organizing, and osteoscribing skeletal material
• Assisting with curation and installation of museum specimens and associated parts
• Entering, verifying, and managing data in a relational database
• Transcribing and digitizing legacy specimen data
• Participating in field research projects, as appropriate
• Supporting museum outreach activities
• Assisting with the training and orientation of new student workers in a peer-learning setting

Skills

Proficiency with word processing and

Familiarity with relational databases

Outdoor fieldwork or related skills

Availability to work approximately 20

Education

Work-study award (strongly encouraged to apply)

Enrolled in a degree program in Biology or a related discipline

Academic or career interest in Biology, Museum Studies, or related fields

Completed coursework or demonstrated knowledge in mammalogy, vertebrate zoology, or museum science

Job description

Position Summary

Work will primarily take place in the Museum of Southwestern Biology's Division of Mammals (msb.unm.edu/divisions/mammals) with occasional opportunities for field-based mammal research.

Responsibilities

• Preparing museum specimens and collecting specimen data
• Maintaining and operating the dermestarium
• Processing, organizing, and osteoscribing skeletal material
• Assisting with curation and installation of museum specimens and associated parts
• Entering, verifying, and managing data in a relational database
• Transcribing and digitizing legacy specimen data
• Participating in field research projects, as appropriate
• Supporting museum outreach activities
• Assisting with the training and orientation of new student workers in a peer-learning setting

Preferred Qualifications

• Work‑study award (strongly encouraged to apply)
• Academic or career interest in Biology, Museum Studies, or related fields
• Enrolled in a degree program in Biology or a related discipline
• Proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet software
• Completed coursework or demonstrated knowledge in mammalogy, vertebrate zoology, or museum science
• Familiarity with relational databases
• Outdoor fieldwork or related skills
• Availability to work approximately 20 hours per week

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.