Illinois State Museum Society · Springfield, Illinois
ABOUT US
The Illinois State Museum Society is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 1952. Since its inception, the Society has provided valuable support – through both financial resources and advocacy – for the programs and operations of the Illinois State Museum. We are looking for the right person to join us in furthering the Museum’s efforts to study, collect, and interpret Illinois’ land, life, and people.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This Natural Science Registrar plays an important role in the museum’s collections team under the direction of the Curator of Zoology. The registrar will assist with the digitization of specimens and associated records and monitor the safety and storage environments for the three collection areas of Zoology, Geology, and Botany. The position will be focused (40%) on registration needs for the Zoology collection, (40%) for the Geology collection, and (20%) on the Botany collection. The Natural Science registrar is instrumental in the creation and organization of collections records, from hard copy cataloging to processing digital data, metadata, and digital images, to tracking object workflows in the three collections.
Responsibilities include conducting collections inventories, photographing objects, scanning or otherwise digitizing data files, cataloging duties as assigned, supplemental research, and maintenance of data associated with the collection(s) records. Additional responsibilities include assessing object conditions and rehousing objects according to museum best practices. To be successful in this position the candidate must have experience handling a range of natural history specimens and using archival materials in caring for natural sciences objects and specimens or similar museum collection objects.
The Registrar will join the collections team in the ongoing migration of collections data to a new collection management system. This system serves the diverse needs of the ISM collection. The ISM collection consists of artifacts and specimens related to the Natural and Cultural history of the state of Illinois with extensive collection holdings in the fields of Anthropology, Art, Botany, Geology, History, Library Science, Paleontology, and Zoology. The Natural Science Registrar will play a key role in the future of ISM collections data management and care and conservation of collection objects.
This candidate will need to be diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity (DEAI) focused and help foster a work environment that is safe and welcoming. This candidate will be willing to work as part of a team, as well as work independently.
THE SKILLSET
· Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Museology, or Natural Science subject areas, with an emphasis in the fields of Zoology, Botany, or Geology (especially Paleontology).
· Excellent research and writing skills
· Knowledge and experience with digital database software in a museum or similar cultural institution setting
· Knowledge and experience with handling and caring for natural history specimens.
· Working knowledge of DEAI
EMPLOYER
The Natural Sciences Registrar is employed by the Illinois State Museum Society, the non-profit dedicated to supporting the Illinois State Museum. The individual will not be employed by the State of Illinois.
WORK LOCATION
ISM Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St. Springfield, IL 62703
EMPLOYEE DURATION
This position is 37.5 hours a week. The schedule is Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00 with an hour lunch break. (Two-Year Term)
SALARY: $36,500 (annually)
BENEFITS
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, retirement program, vacation time, sick leave, personal days, and paid holidays
TO APPLY
Send a cover letter, resume, and contact information (phone and email) for three professional references in a single PDF document to: the Director of Collections and Research, Robert Sill at Robert.sill@illinoisstatemuseum.org
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 15, 2022
The Illinois State Museum Society is an equal-opportunity employer.