Paleontology Collection Manager

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 45,900 - 56,100; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking a qualified individual to oversee the management and preservation of paleontological specimens. The successful candidate will organize collections, assist visiting researchers, and contribute to educational programs.

Applicants should possess a Master’s degree in Paleo-related fields, with strong supervisory experience. The posted salary is a minimum of $51,000 per year. This position supports the museum's community and education mission.

Qualifications

• 3 years’ experience in managing museum collections.
• Experience securing federal or state permits.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Organize and manage paleontological specimens.
• Assist and supervise researchers and interns.
• Support museum’s public education mission.

Skills

Database management

Museum collections management

Supervisory experience

Knowledge of taxonomic principles

Education

Master’s degree in Paleontology, geology, earth sciences, museum studies or related field

PHD in relevant field (preferred)

Tools

Specify and Filemaker Pro databases

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Responsibilities

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.

EEO Statement

As an EO employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/

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.
• Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
• Criminal History Background Check Required.

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.

Salary

Posted Salary $51,000/yr. minimum