Curator, Invertebrate Zoology

Published: October 24, 2022    Curator, Jobs

Closing: November 1, 2022

Location: Edmonton, AB
Company: Government of Alberta

Job Information

Job Title: Curator, Non-avian Vertebrates
Job Requisition ID: 31904
Ministry: Culture and Status of Women
Location: Edmonton
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Scope: ​​​​​​​Open competition
Closing Date: November 1, 2022
Classification: ​​​​​​​Scientific 2 / (024SCA)

About Us

The Government of Alberta is committed to a diverse and inclusive public service that reflects the population we serve to best meet the needs of Albertans. Consider joining a team where diversity, inclusion and innovation are valued and supported. For more information on diversity and inclusion, please visit:  https://www.alberta.ca/diversity-inclusion-policy.aspx

The Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) is the largest museum in western Canada and one of the top museums in Canada. Located in the Arts District in downtown Edmonton, we collect, preserve, research, interpret, and exhibit objects and specimens related to the heritage of Alberta’s people and natural environment.

For more information about the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) please visit our website at: https://royalalbertamuseum.ca
 

Role

The Royal Alberta Museum is seeking a dynamic and well-qualified individual to take on the role of Curator of Non-avian Vertebrates. The Non-avian Vertebrate collection comprises about 22,600 mammal specimens, 98,000 fish specimens, and a few reptile and amphibian specimens. The mammal component includes study skins, complete or partial skeletons, and taxidermy mounts, including full mounts and head mounts. The fish component comprises mainly fluid-preserved specimens, mostly of freshwater species, as well as skeletal preparations. The collection also includes several thousand cryogenically preserved tissue specimens. The focus of the collection is Alberta, though it does include representation of some species from other areas of the world.

You should have deep knowledge and taxonomic expertise in at least one field of non-avian vertebrate zoology, within either mammalogy or ichthyology. You are expected to have a working knowledge of systematics and taxonomy broadly across mammalogy and ichthyology. You will supervise one direct report.

As a Curator, your primary focus is scientific research and associated collections development, considering the interests of stakeholders and the public. However, you provide expertise for other program areas within the museum and interact with the public. You are expected to use your taxonomic expertise to solve problems related to the identification and curation of non-avian vertebrate specimens. As such, you should have expertise in at least one group, but you are expected to handle questions and issues ranging across the spectrum of non-avian vertebrate zoology. This requires you to have excellent research skills, a strong publication record, and a wide professional network within non-avian vertebrate zoology.

Your main responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

  1. Increasing knowledge of the biodiversity of non-avian vertebrates in Alberta within a regional context through independent scientific research
  2. Building and maintaining a collection of non-avian vertebrate specimens of historical, educational and scientific value as it pertains to the biodiversity of Alberta within a regional context
  3. Communicating knowledge to inform and educate Albertans about non-avian vertebrates and biodiversity
  4. Identifying opportunities to further the museum’s goals and strategic direction as they pertain to non-avian vertebrate biodiversity
  5. Supervising staff to ensure delivery of program products and services, to promote staff satisfaction, and to maintain a safe working environment.
     

Qualifications

Ph.D. in a relevant discipline (such as zoology, mammalogy, ichthyology) with 1-3 years’ experience in a natural history or science institution
Equivalency: Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a natural history or science institution

 Requirements

  • Capacity to do fieldwork for research and collection purposes
  • Demonstrated written productivity, including publications in peer-reviewed literature
  • Experience in collecting, preparing and mounting or storing non-avian vertebrate specimens
  • Must have or be able to get a Canadian Firearms License
  • Class 5 Driver’s License

Assets:

  • Post-secondary education in museum studies or museology
  • Experience in exhibit development
  • Training in outreach and science communication

Details and to apply https://jobpostings.alberta.ca/job/Edmonton-Curator%2C-Invertebrate-Zoology/564097217/