Please visit https://bit.ly/UAJobs513388 for complete job posting and application instructions.
The Department of Museum Research and Collections at The University of Alabama seeks a Natural History Collections Manager. This is a full-time, staff-level position with benefits located on the campus of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The position reports to the Director of Research and Collections.
The University of Alabama Museums includes five museums, two research departments, and a PBS television program within the College of Arts and Sciences. These include the Alabama Museum of Natural History (oldest museum in Alabama), Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum, Gorgas House (oldest structure on The University of Alabama campus), Moundville Archaeological Park (185-acres on the former site of the political and ceremonial center of a vast Native American chiefdom), Paul W. Bryant Museum, Discovering Alabama (Emmy Award-winning public television series), Office of Archaeological Research and the Department of Museum Research and Collections, which manages more than five million objects and specimens.
The Natural History Collections Manager will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the diverse UA Museums collections housed in Mary Harmon Bryant Hall. These collections comprise entomology, geology, history, invertebrate zoology, mammalogy, ornithology, and paleontology. Duties of the position include: recruitment, training and supervision of personnel, both staff and volunteers, in assisting with collections operations; cloud-based and local database collections data entry and management; care for the preservation of collections and assisting with the proper use of exhibit display objects and their upkeep, all according to best museum practices and the UA Collections Management Policy.
The successful candidate will have strong organizational skills, an aptitude for detail-oriented work, and strong interpersonal and supervisory skills. They will be able to prioritize, problem-solve and effectively manage their time. Effective verbal and written skills are a must. Strong computational skills including fluency with Microsoft Office (including Excel and Access) as well as experience with database management software, ideally in the area of collections management (Arctos, FileMaker Pro, MySQL, or Specify), and the ability to quickly learn new and evolving programs are a must. A preference will be given to candidates who have experience in digitizing collections and/or possess relevant photographic and imaging skills (e.g. focus stacking). We are also looking for someone who enjoys engaging in educational outreach activities with visitors and students in the collections. Candidates should be willing to participate in monthly Arctos database working group meetings and become a member of SPNHC (Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections).
An interest in and familiarity with taxonomy is strongly preferred. Additional desirable skills include experience with writing or assisting with collections-related grant proposals, experience with the management of tissue collections, experience with live invertebrate husbandry and coding and/or scripting skills (e.g., BASH, Perl, Python, etc.).
The successful candidate must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and maneuver carts, rolling ladders, and some large objects in tight places. It is expected that this person will attend collections-related meetings and conferences for continued professional development.
Preferred Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in a field such as Biology, Entomology, Geology, Paleontology, other sciences, or Museum Studies is preferred, with 3+ years of experience.
Questions about the position should be addressed to the chair of the search committee, Dr. John Abbott (jabbott1@ua.edu). To apply, go to https://bit.ly/UAJobs513388, complete the online application, and upload: (1) a cover letter; (2) CV; (3) a list of three to five references (including contact information). The search committee will request letters of reference as needed. Consideration of applications will begin August 15, and will continue until the position is filled. There will be a preliminary Zoom screening of selected applicants, after which the top candidate(s) will be invited for an in-person interview The start date is negotiable, but ideally before the end of the year. Additional information about the UA Museums can be found on our website at https://museums.ua.edu/. The University of Alabama is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected vets and individuals with disabilities.