Summary

Manages and cares for a science collection. Follows accepted collection management policies and procedures, and directly manages the acquisition, documentation, and preservation of museum specimens and materials. Manages the specimen-based database and supervises museum personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manages all aspects of collections care by following and implementing accepted museum standards for processing and cataloging incoming material and associated archives, data entry, maintenance of systematic order, and routine care and conservation; maintains the physical condition of the collection and its corresponding records.
2. Manages a computer database of specimen records and transactions following established guidelines and promotes efficiency of data entry procedures to maximize data integrity.
3. Establishes work priorities in consultation with the Curator and directs staffing to effectively accomplish the division's goals and objectives; recruits, hires, trains and supervises graduate and undergraduate curatorial assistants, volunteers and field technicians.
4. Interacts with the national and international scientific community, including managing specimen loans, responding to inquiries, and maximizing utilization of the collections so as to influence the results of scholarly research.
5. Interacts with internal contacts such as faculty, curators, museum staff, and various university administrators to exchange information regarding the collections; consults with curator in developing and managing the annual budget, purchasing materials and supplies, and managing contracts and grants; maintains records on collection use and growth.
6. Represents the museum through public education, museum programs, and other museum service.
7. Advances professional development through attendance at conferences and workshops, using electronic resources, and interacting with colleagues at other research institutions.
8. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Comprehensive knowledge of collection management principles, procedures, and materials.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to provide operational guidance and leadership to technical staff in area of specialty.
• Knowledge of field and/or laboratory procedures and techniques for research and collection purposes.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively establish priorities, schedule work assignments and perform multiple tasks involving science collections.
• Knowledge in field of specialty in science.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) Accountability for the preservation and growth of a science collection, both in the physical condition of the collection and the maintenance of associated documentation and records; b) management of staff/students/volunteers; c) providing leadership and direction in areas of museum expertise; d) representation and collaborative interaction with a wide range of internal and external constituencies.

Conditions of Employment

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work may be performed in an office environment, museum environment or field environment.
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of objects that can weigh up to 50 pounds (or greater mass that require mechanical assistance). Standing or walking may occur up to 40% of time.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 08/01/2019