Reporting to: VP of Exhibitions and Programs
Purpose: The Natural Science collections at the Staten Island Museum are broad-based, spanning the disciplines of botany, zoology, geology, paleontology and archaeology. The Curator of Science is responsible for both leading and supervising all departmental activities pertaining to collections acquisition, management and oversight, in addition to field research, and the development of science exhibitions. The Curator also serves as the spokesperson for the Museum on all matters relating to environmental science and science education, and participates in the formation of public policy on behalf of the Museum.
Goal: To fulfill the organization’s Mission Statement to “engage visitors with interdisciplinary exhibitions and educational programs that explore the dynamic connections between natural science, art and history based on its diverse collections. The Museum is dedicated to making its current and future collections broadly accessible for educators, students, researchers and the general public by providing authentic experiences in the field and at the Museum.”
Responsibilities include but are not limited to
- Maintain collections/ Acquire new collections
- Continue the digitization of the natural science collections.
- Develop exhibition topics for submission to grant agencies.
- Write exhibition text, labels, catalog essays, and articles for publications.
- Participate and represent the Museum in community and regional science.
- Develop course curriculum as needed.
- Oversee visiting science speakers and related projects.
- Collaborate in developing programs and curricula for both schools and public audiences.
- Collaborate in the training and evaluation of museum educators, volunteers and docents in the area of informal science education.
- Oversee science interns and docents as assigned.
- Approve for scientific accuracy and relevancy all written statements, program curricula, exhibition text and museum publications.
- Teach selected programs (environmental walks, citizen science) and associations and activities public audiences and docents in the area of informal science education.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science or related discipline
Broad-based experience in the field of natural science
Comfortable teaching both children and adults
Familiar working with collections management database systems|
Excellent interpersonal skills
Must be well organized
Must be proficient with verbal and written communication skills
Must be able to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor
Must be a team player as well as a flexible “initiative” taker
Valid Driver’s License
Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office & Outlook, experience or initiative to learn in Excel, and Past Perfect (or similar collection database system).
Note: The responsibilities described in this job description reflect the principal functions of the position and may not be construed as a complete description of all the requirements that may be inherent in the position, or as an employee of the Museum.
Application Instructions:
- Cover letter that outlines how your background and expertise will fit in with our mission and goals
- Resume
- Contact information and relationship for 3 references
For consideration please submit materials to Diane Matyas, VP Exhibitions and Programs, via email at dmatyas@statenislandmuseum.org with “Curator of Science” in the subject line. Please visit our website at www.statenislandmuseum.org for more information. No phone call or mail submissions. Staten Island Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.