Collections Manager – Entomology

Published: July 14, 2016    Collections Manager, Jobs

Expired

The California Academy of Sciences is seeking to hire a Collections Manager in our Entomology Department.  The position will begin January 1, 2017.  Below is a partial job description.  Please check our web site  http://calacademy.snaphire.com/jobdetails?ajid=p89O8 for the full description and for information about applying for the position.  Application deadline is August 15, 2016.

The Entomological Collections of the California Academy of Sciences include approximately 17.5 million pinned, alcohol, and slide mounted specimens, and is the largest reference collection in western USA

The Collections Manager is responsible for the maintenance and organization of the entomology and arachnology collections. This involves oversight and documentation of all collection-related procedures, including accessioning, deaccessioning, filing, labeling, handling of loans, exchanges, gifts, cataloging, identification, and preparation of specimens. It also requires strong management skills in the leadership of a team of entomology collection staff. The Collections Manager is expected to maintain a working knowledge of modern techniques in systematic biology, database management, entomological collections maintenance, and fieldwork.

The Collections Manager in conjunction with Curators or the Director of Collections will develop and lead collections improvement grants. The Collections Manager reports to the Director of Collections and works closely with the Chair of the Entomology Department and other curators, and supervises all technical Entomology collections staff and volunteers.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Maintains and organizes department collections, including ancillary collections (e.g. photographs, field notes, teaching & library materials)
  • Supervises and assists curatorial assistants, technicians, student interns and volunteers
  • Develops and maintains systems for the documentation of all department collections, including computer database record-keeping, photography, and archiving records
  • Collaborates with the Director of Collections, Entomology Curators and the Chief of IBSS to develop a long-term strategy for collections use and stewardship
  • Works with the Director of Collections to establish and manage the Entomology collections budget
  • Manages use of and access to Departmental collections
  • Advances the Academy’s strategic plan for digital assets management
  • Communicates and interacts with both intra- and extramural public engagement activities
  • Maintains a working knowledge of modern techniques in systematic biology and develops taxonomic expertise concerning insects and arachnids in general
  • Oversees the preparation, identification, labeling and integration of new specimens into the collection
  • Maintains departmental collection policy and protocol documents which may include initial creation of documents and regular updating
  • Sits on the CAS Conservation Committee and other committees as requested by the Director of Collections
  • With approval of Director of Collections and relevant curator(s), may participate in field expeditions aimed at generating relevant collections for the Academy
  • Assists visiting scientists, other visitors and the general public with inquiries and arranges and/or leads tours of the department
  • Assists other CAS departments by teaching classes, providing input to exhibits and participating in development and member events as requested or appropriate
  • Assists with the preparation of grant proposals and the maintenance of  pertinent records for grants received; may assist with the preparation of grant reports as they involve the collections
  • Oversees the purchasing of equipment, lab facilities and supplies for collections, and the maintenance of related records
  • Follows all Academy safety regulations and rules
  • Other duties as assigned

 EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following education and/or equivalent experience:

  • Master’s or Ph.D in the specific field or equivalent experience and education
  • Four (4) years of experience in curatorial or closely related work required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Prior supervisory experience
  • Knowledge of databases and other relevant computer systems
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted
  • A good driving record and the ability to obtain a California drivers’ license

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of the literature and curatorial procedures relevant to the specialized subject area(s) maintained by the department
  • Experience working with budgets
  • Ability to work cooperatively with Academy staff, volunteers and members of  the public
  • Supervisory skills
  • Thorough knowledge of taxonomy related to collection
  • Strong computer skills

Details at http://calacademy.snaphire.com/jobdetails?ajid=p89O8