The Florida Museum of Natural History (FLMNH; http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu) at the University of Florida (http://www.ufl.edu) invites applications for a full-time collections manager of the herpetology collections, effective 1 July 2017.
This person will oversee and manage the curation of herpetological specimens, the accession of specimens into the collection, the maintenance of division records, reports, collections budget, and supplies, the processing of loans to and from the herpetology collection and provide assistance to visiting scientists and scholars. Day-to-day curation includes handling preserved skins and skeletons as well as fluid-preserved scientific specimens (maximum ~12 lbs/jar). The collections manager will be responsible for loans, managing volunteers, maintenance and improvements of collections databases, and preparation of scientific specimens. It is expected that the collections manager will participate in on-going lab- and field-based research projects in cooperation with the curator(s) of herpetology at FLMNH. Participation in public education programs and exhibit planning within and outside the FLMNH will also be strongly encouraged. Coordination of tours and press visits within the Herpetology collection; preparation of appropriate educational outreach devices (i.e., website, educational programs, displays).
ADVERTISED SALARY: Commensurate with education and experience.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of experience working with a collection of an appropriate discipline. Specific knowledge of the discipline for the collection area is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. preferred, with at least 2 years of experience in working with a systematic collection of amphibians and reptiles. Proficiency at using the scientific literature to identify such species, prepare and curate specimens in accordance with the standards of the discipline. Inclusive of:
- Intimate knowledge of inner workings of a systematic herpetology collections and curatorial techniques. Among these are:
(a) skills constructing and working with databases;
(b) ability to extract and interpret field data;
(c) knowledge of international, federal, and state regulations pertaining to scientific specimens;
(d) skills in geocoding and mapping data;
(e) knowledge of preservation techniques; - Sufficient knowledge of the systematics of amphibians and reptiles and associated literature is necessary for accurate sorting and identification of incoming material, catching earlier identification errors, ascertaining relative values of incoming material, and shelving of specimens.
- Knowledge of computers and software, specifically Specify, GIS-related applications, Microsoft Word, and other technical software specific to research discipline for mapping localities.
- Must be able to work independently so that day-to-day activities need not require constant monitoring by the immediate supervisor. In addition, the person in this position must have good organization skills.
- Knowledge of standard field collecting techniques and procedures and how to secure proper permits.
- Demonstrated ability for effective scientific writing, research, and communication with peers, students, and the general public. Knowledge and adherence to the rules and regulations associated with the collecting, shipping and accessioning of natural history specimens for a major museum and specimen repository and managing a database for the same.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: In order to be considered for this position all applicants must submit (1) a CV, (2) names and contact info for 3 professional references, and (3) a statement of philosophy regarding the use and management of scientific collections (1 page maximum). This is a time-limited position.
For questions about this position, please contact FLMNH Associate Curator of Herpetology, Dr. David C. Blackburn. dblackburn@flmnh.ufl.edu
For further details on the position, please visit: http://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/cw/en-us/job/501283/collections-manager-ii
To be considered, all applications must be submitted on-line at http://jobs.ufl.edu (requisition # 501283).
For additional information and instructions guides on managing your job posting online, go to
http://hr.ufl.edu/learn-grow/just-in-time-training/myufl-toolkits/careers-at-uf/