Sternberg Museum of Natural History https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/
Job Description
The Sternberg Museum Collections Manager/Curator is responsible for the preservation and growth of the six zoology collections: 1) mammals, 2) reptiles and amphibians, 3) fishes, 4) aquatic invertebrates, 5) birds, and 6) insects. Collections Manager/Curator supervises 2-3 curatorial assistants. Along with collections management, this person will provide education and outreach and connect stakeholders to the value of the research collections.
Essential Duties
Collections Management
• Processing of loan requests (e.g., tissues, skins, wet specimens)
• Maintenance of skin-prepping materials
• Manage collections database (ARCTOS)
• Collections-improvement grants
• Permit applications and reports
• Annual reports on use of collections
• Active collecting
• Specimen prepping
• Delegation to and managing of curatorial assistants and volunteers
• Collections growth: managing public donations of specimens and cataloguing the backlog
• Integrated pest management
Public Service
• Assist with school tours
• Respond to visitor inquiries
• IACUC committee
• Occasionally assist Exhibits Director
Other opportunities
Depending upon interests and experience, there are other opportunities for the collection manager/curator, including:
• Teaching
• Adjunct teaching of Museum Collections Management (every other year)
• Adjunct teaching for the Department of Biological Sciences
• Research
• Grant writing
• Graduate-student recruitment and supervision
• Undergraduate-research supervision
• Research dissemination
• Outreach
• Collaborate in the care of 23 acres of museum nature trails
• Public presentations for outreach
Minimum Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Zoology or Biology
• Expertise with taxonomy and identification of more than one taxonomic group
• Experience in field collecting and in preparing and conserving specimens.
Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated skills in public speaking, writing, and interpersonal communication
• Evidence of effective teaching at the university level
• Ph.D. in Zoology or Biology
• Specialty in herpetology
• Knowledge of museum-collections practices and standards
Appointment Date: Start date to be determined after acceptance of an offer and completion of a criminal background check.
Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits.
Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers.
Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.
Priority Deadline: Screening of applications will begin on June 7, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Required Application Documents: Applicants must submit letter of application addressing the qualifications listed above, a current resume, and the names and contact information of three references.
Applicant documents must be submitted in one PDF.
If you have questions regarding this position, please contact:
Reese Barrick
rebarrick@fhsu.edu
Community of Hays
FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call “Hays, America” home.
Notice of Non-discrimination: FHSU is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, employment, services, and activities in compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. FHSU prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its programs, activities, admissions, or employment.
Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.
Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.
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