The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH), founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Considered one of the finest institutions of its kind in North America, the Museum offers an incredible visitor experience, attracting roughly 275,000 visitors a year. There are more than 140 public education programs and over 80,000 students served annually. The Museum employs about 160 people.
Building on its strong foundation of excellence in education and research, the Museum is poised to transform itself. The Museum will invite and engage a broader audience in the exploration of science and the natural world by revolutionizing the way it presents natural history. The Museum has launched a capital campaign to support a dramatic renovation and expansion of its facilities and exhibits. This ambitious plan will position the Museum to play a leading role in regional and national efforts to improve science education and increase scientific literacy.
The Museum is seeking a dynamic, creative, organized and energetic individual who is passionate about science education in our region and beyond.
Summary: Under the general supervision of the Curator and Head of the Paleobotany and Paleoecology Department, the Collections Manager of Paleobotany and Paleoecology will oversee the general management of paleobotanical and pollen collections within the department. Although the main role will be supportive in growth, management and protection of the collections, this position will be required to pursue research and educational opportunities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Management of Paleobotanical and Pollen Collections:
- Responsible for the management and proper curation of paleobotanical and pollen specimens in the collection.
- Responsible for the management of the systematic arrangement and proper storage of specimens.
- Responsible for the acquisition of new material through research and other accessions and tracking collection growth.
- Responsible for the identification of new material and producing labels.
- Responsible for computer database development of new and existing material and entering the data into the database.
- Responsible for the management of the departmental loan program and filing loan paperwork with the Registrar.
- Responsible for ordering supplies and equipment.
Research:
- Assist curator in research projects and encouraged to develop an independent research program.
- Present research at regional and national meetings.
Outreach:
- Responsible for offering departmental services to museum members, the general public, and businesses based on current departmental fees to provide specimen identification and biological background of paleobotanical specimens.
- Responsible for engaging with the general public through participating in museum outreach activities, giving presentations to schools and other non-profit organizations, and other activities that will raise the visibility of the department and the museum.
Other Responsibilities:
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Curator of Paleobotany and Paleoecology or a member of the senior management team as required.
Education and/or Experience:
- Master’s degree (M.S.) in paleobotany, palynology, or related field with 3-5 years of experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience and knowledge of paleontological collections management and digital data management.
- Database management experience.
- Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite products to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Advanced knowledge and ability working with computers and computer systems, particularly those on Macintosh platforms.
Other Qualifications:
- Ability to communicate a passion or science to diverse audiences.
- Ability to be an outstanding ambassador for the Museum.
- Ability to research scientific information, ideas and methods.
- Ability to deal effectively with public and private agencies and individuals in matters relating to paleobotany and the museum.
- Ability to speak effectively with groups or donors, communicating the museum’s mission as well as why collections are necessary.
- Ability to multi-task and efficiently prioritize assignments while working independently.
- Professional demeanor, tact, diplomacy, discretion, good judgment, strong insight and instinct, maturity and sophistication.
- Ability to work with an interdisciplinary professional team, including high-level division and department directors.
- Demonstrated knowledge of writing clearly and informatively with a high level of sophistication; ability to vary writing styles to meet needs.
- Ability to travel and engage with volunteers and community outside of the normal office environment.
TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references to:
Human Resources
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
One Wade Oval Drive, University Circle
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Hr@cmnh.org
No phone calls, please.
Job Announcement Number: 16A25
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History
is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA EMPLOYER
and a SUBSTANCE-FREE WORKPLACE