Paleontology Collection Manager

University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Nebraska-Lincoln's University Museum seeks a Paleontology Collection Manager to organize, preserve, and supervise use of paleontological specimens across the UNSM Paleontology Department, including Invertebrate and Vertebrate Divisions. Responsibilities include maintaining databases, digitization, loans, acquisitions, exhibit support, and contributing to the museum's digital presence.

Supervisory duties cover volunteers, interns, and student workers; ensure compliance with PRPA and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Paleontology or related field with museum experience.
• Experience with databases and MS Office suite.
• Supervisory experience and ability to manage collections staff.

Responsibilities

• Organize, manage, preserve, and supervise use of paleontological specimens.
• Maintain archives, databases, and digitization of collections.
• Coordinate loans, acquisitions, and field notebooks; monitor environment and security.

Skills

Database proficiency

Supervisory experience

PRPA compliance knowledge

Museum collections management

Taxonomic knowledge

Confidentiality handling

Driver's license

Education

Master’s degree in Paleontology

PhD in Paleontology (preferred)

Tools

Specify

Filemaker Pro

Job description

Working Title

Paleontology Collection Manager

Department

University Museum-0932

Description Of Work

Principal responsibilities are organization, management, preservation, conservation, and supervision of use of paleontological specimens in the collections of the UNSM Paleontology Department, including the Invertebrate Paleontology and Vertebrate Paleontology Divisions. This position also maintains archives related to the collections and other important documents. Responsibilities include maintenance of the Paleontology databases and collection digitization – photography, data records, archived catalogues, field notebooks, and additional metadata (provenance, identifications, etc.). Duties include monitoring the storage environment and security, monitoring for pests and taking appropriate pest management actions, conducting object condition reports, coordinating incoming and outgoing loans, and processing new acquisitions.

This position assists and supervises visiting researchers, trains and supervises collection volunteers, UNL student interns, student employees, nonstudent employees and other users of the collections in collaboration with paleontology staff and curators to ensure proper maintenance of collections. An additional set of responsibilities centers on supporting the museum’s public education mission by assisting with exhibit curation (selection of objects, drafting text, installing/de-installing exhibit objects), assisting with educational programs as a content expert and speaker, and contributing to the museum’s digital presence by providing content for social media posts and website.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Paleontology, geology, earth sciences, museum studies or related field and 3 years’ experience in managing museum collections, including knowledge of professional practices in object care, documentation, loans, exhibitions, packing and shipping; additional years of completed relevant education may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
• Working knowledge of databases and standard MS office software proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of and past experience in securing federal or state permits to comply with federal Paleontological Resources Preservation Act ( PRPA ) and relevant state laws.
• Museum collections management skills.
• Knowledge of professional practices in object care, object reports, archives and other documentation, loans, exhibitions, packing and shipping.
• Knowledge of taxonomic principles.
• Ability to follow policies and procedures regarding sensitive data and maintain confidentiality.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• PHD in Paleontology, geology, earth sciences, museum studies or related field
• Working knowledge of Specify and Filemaker Pro databases.
• Experience working with paleontology field crews and communities.
• Knowledge of Native American Graves and Repatriation Act ( NAGPRA ) and its relevance to archaeological and adjoining paleontological sites.
• Demonstrated experience writing exhibit text, exhibit curation; or experience collaborating with educators as a content expert and providing appropriate text or references for curriculum
• Experience working with undergraduate students or graduate students.
• Experience supporting faculty and curator research needs.

Posted Salary

$51,000/yr. minimum