Please visit Vertebrate Paleontology Collections Manager for complete job posting and application instructions.
The Florida Museum of Natural History (FM) is hiring an experienced full-time Vertebrate Paleontology Collections Manager within the Department of Natural History. The Vertebrate Paleontology division currently consists of two curators, three full-time staff, and 10 graduate students. It has an extensive collection (~1,000,000 specimens) of primarily Cenozoic vertebrate fossils that form the basis for a wide variety of paleontological research. This full-time, TEAMS exempt staff position will manage all aspects of the vertebrate paleontology research collections, supervise local annual fossil digs, oversee the Vertebrate Paleontology Permit Program, participate in public outreach, and contribute to the research goals of the institution.
Job Description
- Manage all aspects of an active vertebrate paleontology research collection and library. This includes curation, conservation, organization, digitization, loans, and accessions of fossils, books, and related items; maintaining the Vertebrate Paleontology collection in an orderly and well-organized manner; purchasing equipment and supplies to perform these tasks and managing UFF endowment funding for collections and library.
- Coordinate and assist research by students, curators, and visiting scholars.
- Supervise other UF collections and preparation staff assigned to Vertebrate Paleontology as well as students and volunteers.
- Respond to requests for fossil identifications and loans as well as use of/downloads of 2D & 3D image data.
- Assist VP curators in writing reports and grants in support of the collection.
- Work with curators and staff to organize and participate in outreach events for the public, amateur fossil collectors, school children and educators, and other interested groups.
- Work with curators and staff to run fossil digs open to public with volunteers and students.
- Oversee Vertebrate Paleontology Permit Program (fossil collecting permits).
- Generate, edit, manage, and update content on the division’s public web sites.
- Maintain an independent research program in vertebrate paleontology
Expected salary: $55,000-$62,000 commensurate with education and experience.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and five (5) years of appropriate experience working with vertebrate paleontology collections. Specific knowledge of the discipline is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing vertebrate paleontology collections or in a similar leadership role supervising staff.
- Ph.D. degree in an appropriate area of specialization such as geology or biology and at least five (5) years of experience in identification, care, analysis and cataloging of vertebrate paleontology collections.
- Extensive knowledge and experience with the field of vertebrate paleontology and curatorial procedures in a modern museum including standards of conservation, computer cataloging, and virtual 3D collections.
- Physically able to safely collect, move and handle vertebrate fossils.
- Experience with identification of North American Cenozoic vertebrate fossils from a broad range of classes, in particular Mammalia and Reptilia. As most of the collection is from either the Neogene or Pleistocene, preference for someone whose expertise and experience includes fossils from either or both of those time intervals.
- Experience using a computer database for curation of museum specimens, especially Specify.
- Experience working with or supervising students and volunteers in museum and field settings
Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must apply online at https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/522115/museum-collection-manager-ii. In order to be considered you must upload 1) a professional CV or resumé, 2) a cover letter highlighting relevant experience in vertebrate paleontology, collections management, public fossil digs and other outreach programs, and other professional background, and 3) a statement, no more than two pages, describing your approach to collections management in a university-based museum. The statement should also address the applicant’s past and current contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and/or future aspirations for increasing DEI within the context of the FM and UF. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) on June 24, 2022.
The Florida Museum’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At FM, we strive to create a more diverse and inclusive student, faculty, and staff experience at the University of Florida. As a university-based museum, we believe it is essential that we, as educators, develop pathways for learners of all ages and wide-ranging audiences toward increased diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in STEM and Social Science disciplines and workforces. We are committed to the ongoing self-reflection and work needed to serve students from historically underrepresented groups within the greater University of Florida community, especially through student mentorship, teaching, public outreach, and experiential learning opportunities. Candidates who, through their job duties, teaching, and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the UF community are encouraged to apply.
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. The University of Florida invites all qualified applicants, including minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under the Florida Sunshine and Public Records laws.