California Academy of Sciences
About the Opportunity
The Geological Collections of the California Academy of Sciences contain over 8 million specimens, is global in scope, and includes one of the best collections of Pacific Basin invertebrates of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic ages, and significant fossil fish, foraminifera and plants from California and the western U.S. The mineral collection includes a meteorite and globally diverse mineral and gemstone collection, of approximately 50,000 specimens. The diatom collection, the world’s third largest, comprises both Recent and fossil material. The collections are actively growing and are used by researchers, students, and members of the public from around the world. The collections staff processes scores of loan requests each year, as well as hosts dozens of visitors.
Organizational Culture:
Join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.
We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications for the position.
This position is based in San Francisco, California. Staff are currently expected to work from the Academy offices at least 2-3 times per week, which may fluctuate based on business needs. Please do not apply if you are not able to work onsite. Candidates are required to have up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, including receiving a booster shot, as a condition of employment, absent qualifying exemptions in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals receiving a conditional offer of employment from the California Academy of Sciences will be provided the full text of the vaccination policy.
About the Department
The Geology Section of the Department of Invertebrate Zoology & Geology comprises the Curator of Geology and Paleontology, the Geology Collections Manager, several Curatorial Assistants, post-doctoral researchers, graduate students, and volunteers, including undergraduate interns. There is also close interaction with other curators within the department, as well as the Collections Manager of Invertebrate Zoology.
Key Responsibilities
The Geology Collections Manager (GCM) reports to the Director of Collections in the Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability (IBSS), works closely with the Invertebrate Zoology and Geology (IZ&G) Department curators, and supervises Geology collections staff, student interns and volunteers. The GCM is responsible for the maintenance and organization of the Academy’s paleontological, mineral and diatom collections, and works with the Geology Curator(s) to develop and implement a strategic vision for the collections’ advancement and growth. This involves oversight and documentation of all collection-related procedures, such as accessioning, deaccessioning, filing, labeling, handling of loans, exchanges and gifts, cataloging, identification, and preparation of specimens. A significant component of the GCM’s responsibilities includes continued innovation and progress of the collections digital infrastructure and enhancement and expansion.The GCM is also expected to help seek funding to support the collections, make the collections more accessible to scientific and public audiences, and participate in public engagement activities. Opportunities for continued professional development include participation in activities of the broader geosciences and natural history collections communities.
Qualifications
A qualified candidate will have a combination of the following experience and/or equivalent education:
- Master’s degree or demonstrated equivalent experience in the geosciences required
- Four (4) years of experience in collections curation or closely related work
- Two (2) years of experience supervising staff and volunteers
- Two (2) years of experience managing budgets
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Comprehensive and current knowledge of curatorial procedures, regulations, taxonomy, databases and literature relevant to the Academy’s geology collections
- Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with diverse internal and external partners such as Academy staff, volunteers, members of the public, donors and Trustees
- Ability to work effectively independently and as a team member
- Strong interpersonal, communications (written and verbal), and computer skills
- Ability to help with field work and acquiring collections, as appropriate
POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain and organize department collections, including ancillary collections and metadata (e.g., photographs, field notes, teaching & library materials), and develop and maintain digital infrastructure and documentation systems for the Geology collections, including computer database record-keeping. Manage lab spaces and equipment in which collections-related work is conducted.
- Stay current in modern techniques in systematic paleontology, database management, geological collections maintenance, and fieldwork, and relevant health and safety protocols.
- Supervise and train curatorial assistants, technicians, student interns and volunteers.
- Train and provide collections-use oversight for Academy students, postdoctoral researchers and non-Curator Academy researchers.
- Collaborate with the Director of Collections, IZ&G Curators, and the Chief of IBSS to develop a long-term strategy for collections use and stewardship, including the Academy’s strategic plan for digital assets management.
- Work with the Director of Collections to establish and manage the IZ&G collections budget, and with the Curator of Geology for purchase and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
- Participate in public engagement activities as appropriate.
- Maintain, update, and where necessary create, geology collection policy and protocol documents.
- Serve on Academy committees as requested and appropriate.
- With advance approval of the Director of Collections and relevant Curator(s), may participate in field expeditions aimed at generating relevant collections for the Academy.
- Assist visiting scientists, other visitors, and the general public with inquiries and arrange and/or lead tours of the geology collections.
- Assist other Academy programs in Education, Exhibits, and Development as appropriate.
- Assist with the preparation of grant proposals and grant reports related to the Geology collections, and collect and maintain pertinent records for grants and IBSS and Academy reports.
- Other duties as assigned.
Physical Environment: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 50% of the time.
Compensation and Benefits
Hiring range: $78,381-$83,000
Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hours per week
Starting salary will vary based on experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.
The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on January 23, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled.
To apply, please visit our website https://californiaacademyofsciences.applytojob.com/apply/7OsPkPgt7T/Collection-Manager-Geology
The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).
The California Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to ensure that all employees and applicants receive equal consideration and treatment, regardless of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, place of birth, national origin or ancestry, physical, mental or medical disability, height or weight, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.