OVERVIEW:
The Lead Paleontologist & Manager oversees the management of the Natural Science and Paleontology collections and all associated staff at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. They serve as the primary researcher, preparator, educational contact, and public representative for the natural science and dinosaur collections and for “Dinosphere”. The incumbent participates in exhibit, experience and program development and provides content expertise to maximize the use of the collection. The lead is responsible for defining, developing, executing and monitoring the collections plan for Natural Science and Paleontology including research, acquisition and deaccession, as well as monitoring the associated financial plans. The lead works closely with international partners to prepare, review, implement, and monitor research plans and publications on museum specimens.
The Children’s Museum is fiercely devoted to our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) efforts. Together we are building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences.
REPORTS TO: Director of Collections
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Leads the Natural Science and Paleontology collections team to plan, establish, and implement goals and objectives for development and use of the collection in line with museum strategic plan and collections standards.
- Serves as the principal staff resource for museum-led paleontology excavations. Coordinates staff schedules, guest site visits, planning, purchasing, and other logistics and site data collection. Generates reports relative to site work when requested. Interacts directly with landowners, partners as needed.
- Liaisons with Scientists in Residence and other contractors and advisors to execute projects according to plan.
- Manages the Jurassic and Polly Horton Hix Paleontology Labs, where duties include staffing, scheduling, and coordinating preparatory work with fossil specimens as they move through the lab during transportation, preparation, molding and casting, and articulation. Is directly involved in prepping fossils & teaching prep skills to staff and volunteers. Creates and monitors the financial plan for this area of the collection.
- Works with the Director of Collections and other curators to develop overall plans for strategic acquisition, use, and deaccession of collection materials.
- Oversees the processing of natural science and paleontology specimens into the museum’s permanent collection, including specimen acquisition, designation, significance, handling, cataloging, storage, retrieval, and recording of documentation into collections management computer database.
- Hires, nurtures, supervises and retains top talent within the Natural Science and Paleontology team. Holds staff accountable for key performance metrics. Manages the work of the Curator of Paleontology, Curator of Natural Science, Paleontology Preparators and Paleontology Assistant Preparators, interns and youth/adult volunteers working with the collection. Oversees the function of the Paleo Labs to ensure that preparation work and scientific study are on-going along with direct interaction with the general public.
- Works with marketing and creative media to supply scientific information to produce website content and virtual experiences related to the collection. Works collaboratively with other museum departments to lead collections tours, and create public and professional presentations, publications, and other ventures. Works collaboratively with Dinosphere interpretive staff, Scientists in Residence, International Partners and Advisors.
- Serves as or assigns staff to serve as integral members of exhibit and program planning teams to integrate science concepts, information and collections into current and upcoming permanent, temporary, traveling, and virtual exhibits, programs and other museum experiences.
- Work closely with Collections Management and Conservation staff to facilitate collections care, safety and documentation, and with Conservation, Exhibit Production & Design and Exhibit Development staff to plan, prepare and install science collection-based exhibits. Monitors the condition of fossil and cast specimens on display in the museum, in the collection, and on loan to other institutions for conservation purposes.
- Develops and executes scientific research policies and procedures, safety protocols, federal permits, research plans, and research access, working with vendors, university professors, scientists, donors, and visitors for the purpose of strengthening museum relationships and maximizing opportunities. Conducts and publishes research involving museum specimens and sites according to plan.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in geoscience field with specialization in vertebrate paleontology required; Master’s Degree or PhD preferred.
- Three (3) years’ experience with collections curation and management; teaching or educational program planning; exhibit development; strategic planning and budget management.
- Three (3) years supervisory museum experience. Experience hiring, mentoring, evaluating, and managing staff as a team.
- Three (3) years paleontological field and laboratory experience with recognized institutions.
- Proven experience working productively and creatively in an educationally oriented museum with special emphasis on children and families.
- Strong organizational skills and leadership experience.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and experience.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse audiences, as a team member and with the public.
- Advanced research skills for the development of text for exhibits, catalogues, and publications as well as for the identification of potential acquisitions.
- Proficient computer skills, including word processing and database programs.
- Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
- Appreciation for and tolerance of other cultures.
Complete details at
https://recruiting.ultipro.com/CHI1023/JobBoard/6f16dad2-aeb7-b3ae-7e8c-63d0684114fc/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=66782a22-1adc-47ba-9621-13290ee2bc7e