Director of Natural Science Interpretation & Collections (full time, 35 hours/week) Position Description
Purpose: The Staten Island Museum seeks a dynamic science leader to spearhead science-based initiatives utilizing the Museum’s historic natural science collections. The Director of Natural Science Interpretation and Collections will interpret the 137-year old collections for today’s audiences and provide access for the public, scholars and researchers. The Director will guide, develop and implement science-based public programming, citizen science initiatives, and educational programming to engage the public and encourage deeper exploration. The Director will be part of an active local science community, fostering a new era of stewardship in connecting with and caring for the island environment. In addition, the Director will institute collections best practices and steward the management and care of entomological, botanical, zoological, archaeological, paleontological and geological collections, supported by the museum’s collections manager. The Director of Natural Science Interpretation and Collections will serve an integral role in planning for the museum’s forthcoming expansion, through a city capital process, into an adjacent building to house and display the natural sciences collections with an aim of creating a participatory, interactive experience with science for visitors.
Reporting to: President & CEO
Primary Responsibilities, include but not limited to the following:
- Provide expertise in content (i.e. local flora and fauna, biodiversity, geology), in coordination with programming and education staff, to inform innovative public science programs for general, diverse audiences. Existing programs include monthly family science workshops, summer Earth Camp, annual Moth Night, local environmental walks, and STEM- based school programs. Further programs to be
- Lead selected public programs and train educators to deliver science-based
- Oversee the care and storage of 500,000+ specimens in natural science collections with assistance from the museum’s collection manager and interns/volunteers.
- Facilitate research requests and access for an increasingly digitized collection.
- Review and assess collections donations and
- Work closely with the Museum President and leadership team to provide expertise and input into the design of natural science experiences in an expanded museum facility, currently in design
- Coordinate with the Museum’s development team to identify and pursue grant funding for science collection and programming initiatives, including further digitization and conservation.
- Foster and forge relationships with individuals, schools, and organizations in the natural sciences to develop partnerships, collaborations and networks in an active local naturalist community.
- Represent the Museum as a science specialist for science-based events, partnerships, and speaking
- Attendance and participation at weekend/evening events and programs as
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or PhD preferred in sciences (Biology, Earth Science, Botany Ecology, Science Education, Environmental Science, Geology or related field)
- 3-5 years relevant professional experience; prior museum or educational experience preferred
- Experience with natural science collections care and management
- Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Confident public speaker and group leader, with ability to connect with a range of audiences
- Basic office and computer skills required (email, internet, Office suite); collections database experience desirable
- Excellent time management skills and ability to handle multiple priorities
- Valid driver’s license
Compensation: Compensation commensurate with experience. Generous employer-sponsored full benefits package.
Start Date: Fall 2018. Position available immediately. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Position open until filled.
Application Instructions:
- Cover letter that outlines how your background and expertise is pertinent to the job responsibilities and museum mission
- Professional resume
For consideration, please submit materials via email apply@statenislandmuseum.org to the attention of Janice Monger, President and CEO, or via mail to 1000 Richmond Terrace, Bldg A, Staten Island, NY 10301. No phone calls, please.
About Staten Island Museum
Mission: Founded in 1881, the Staten Island Museum, New York City’s only general interest museum, engages 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.
Please visit the Museum’s website at www.statenislandmuseum.org for more information.
Staten Island Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.