Assistant Collection Manager

Published: May 10, 2023    Collections Assistant, Collections Manager, Jobs

This is a 3-year fixed term position and is posted at Assistant Collection Manager 1 and 2 level.

Stanford Libraries and the Doerr School of Sustainability Geoscience Specimen Collection are seeking a full-time Assistant Collection Manager (3-year term) to perform a variety of tasks and functions in support of the long-term preservation, enhancement, and access to a significant collection of rock, mineral, fossil, and other geological specimens housed in the Doerr School of Sustainability. The Libraries values are rooted in a commitment of mutual respect, the idea that every member of the staff has something to contribute, and that learning is constant.  We are seeking a team member who is ready to share their skills and perspectives.

About the Geoscience Specimen Collections:

The Geoscience Specimen Collections include a wide variety of rock, mineral, fossil, soil, water, and other geological samples, and associated field notes, maps, publications, and other metadata. The collections date back to the founding of Stanford University and have continued to grow through the research of Stanford’s faculty, students, and staff, and are global in scope. The collections are housed within the Doerr School of Sustainability and serve as important and irreplaceable research infrastructure that support the school’s education and research mission to generate knowledge, innovate, and drive impact for a sustainable future.

About Stanford Libraries:

Stanford Libraries is a network of over 15 libraries with over 400 employees. We are committed to fueling teaching, learning and research across Stanford by acquiring, stewarding, and making available a robust collection, currently in excess of 12 million items. Everyone in the organization plays a vital role in fulfilling that objective. Our dedication to discoverability and information management also has us engaged in dynamic global partnerships. We are constantly building and strengthening our organization, and we recognize striving for excellence is a marathon and not a sprint. We are constantly trying to strike the right pace and admit there are times when we find ourselves at a fast jog. While we hope to always find candidates who fit within our organization, what we truly seek is someone who will add to our culture, our profession as well as the greater academic arena. We are invested in the success of our teams and the individuals who represent Stanford Libraries.

About the Position:

The Assistant Collection Manager reports to the Geoscience Specimen Collection Curator and Manager and will work closely with faculty and collections staff to complete a detailed inventory and relocation of the collections into a new facility. The Assistant Collection Manager will be responsible for overseeing aspects of this work including but not limited to packing, rehousing, and relocating collections, digitizing specimen data and metadata, developing workflows and protocols, assisting with supervision of student workers, and providing collections access to staff, students, and researchers.

This position is based at Stanford University’s main campus. Work will be conducted on-site Monday through Friday during standard business hours unless otherwise arranged in advance. Work may also be conducted one to two days per week at an off-site storage facility. This position is a three-year term position with the possibility of extension.

CORE DUTIES:

At the Assistant Collection Manager 1 level:

  • Inventory, rehouse, organize, and relocate existing collections.
  • Catalog, and perform data entry into a relational database, photograph and otherwise document specimens in the collection.
  • Georeference locality information.
  • Oversee the processing of incoming specimens and outgoing loans.
  • Respond to inquiries and provide collections access and assistance to Stanford faculty, students, and visitors.
  • Assist with the development, implementation, and maintenance of collections protocols and workflows.
  • Assist with the design and implementation of exhibits.
  • Assist with the training and supervision of student workers.
  • Lead tours and/or give demonstrations/workshops on collections resources.
  • Help maintain departmental files and other collections-related documentation.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 In addition to the above, at the Assistant Collection Manager 2 level:

  • Approve and oversee the processing of incoming specimens and outgoing loans.
  • Perform quality control and cleaning of collections metadata.
  • Assist with database development and oversee database maintenance.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain and/or enhance collections protocols and workflows, and remain current in community standards and best practices.
  • Train and supervise staff and students.
  • Assist with generating reports.
  • May perform specimen preparation and identification in an area(s) of expertise.
  • May manage a unit and/or special projects within the collection.
  • May assist with identification of funding programs and in developing grant proposals.

 * – Other duties may also be assigned.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

  • Advanced degree in museum studies, geology, earth science or related field, or bachelor’s degree in geology, earth science or related field combined with relevant experience is required.
  • At the Librarian 1 level: One or more years of experience working in collections or a closely related setting is required.
  • At the Librarian 2 level: Three or more years of experience working in collections, or a closely related setting is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Demonstrated working knowledge in one or more areas of the geological sciences and related field and laboratory methods.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of collections management best practices.
  • Basic understanding of relational databases and data cleaning methods.
  • Ability to be organized with excellent attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a diverse team.
  • Consistent display of strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Basic managerial or supervisory skills.
  • Flexibility to be organized, productive and effective in a dynamic environment, involved with a variety of simultaneous projects and workflows.
  • Ability to read cursive handwriting.

In addition to the above, at the Librarian 2 level:

  • Proficiency in one or more areas of the geological sciences and related field and laboratory methods.
  • Proficiency with relational databases and tools for data cleaning.
  • Experience managing/supervising staff, students.
  • Experience developing workflows and overseeing dynamic collections-related projects.
  • Evidence of professional contribution and engagement in relevant professional or academic communities.
  • Consistent display of excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong presentation skills.

Details and to apply:
https://careersearch.stanford.edu/jobs/assistant-collection-manager-i-or-ii-21380