Summary

Manages and cares for a large, unusually complex and/or demanding science collection. Develops and implements collection management policies and procedures; directly manages the acquisition, documentation, preservation and growth of museum collections and associated materials. Manages the specimen-based databases, prepares reports, grant proposals and research papers. Supervises curatorial assistants, volunteers and field technicians. Interacts with public, university and professional community through tours, teaching, lectures, presentations, and publishing papers.

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; evaluates the standards and develops strategies to upgrade the physical condition of the collection and increase efficiency.
2. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of computer database applications and participates in long term planning for divisional and museum-wide data management protocol and network systems.
3. Establishes work priorities and directs staffing to effectively accomplish the division's goals and objectives; recruits, employs, trains and supervises graduate and undergraduate curatorial assistants, volunteers and field technicians.
4. Interacts with the national and international scientific community, including negotiating and managing specimen loans, responding to inquiries and maximizing utilization of the collections so as to influence the results of scholarly research.
5. Advances professional development through attendance at conferences and workshops, service on advisory panels, holding office or assuming committee assignments in professional organizations in areas such as conservation techniques, bioinformatics, integrated pest management, health and safety, and policy development.
6. Interacts with internal contacts such as faculty, curators, museum staff, and various University administrators to exchange information regarding the collections; develops and manages the annual budget, purchases materials and supplies, and manages contracts and grants; maintains records on collection use and growth and writes the divisional fiscal year report.
7. Conducts public outreach programs, and participates in educational events (tours, lectures, science fairs, etc.).
8. Represents the museum through professional activities that may include: managing electronic resources, editing publications, organizing workshops, conducting research, teaching, and authoring published publications.
9. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Master's degree; at least 5 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.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Knowledge in field of specialty in science.
• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Knowledge of field and/or laboratory procedures for research and collection purposes.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Ability to effectively establish priorities, schedule work assignments and perform multiple tasks involving science collections.
• Skill in the use of computer spreadsheet and/or database applications in the compilation of research data.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to design, develop, and administer grant-funded research projects.
• Ability to assist researchers to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to use informed judgment and to manage and impart information to a wide range of clientele.
• Ability to provide leadership and direction to staff in the field.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) Evaluating standards and developing strategies to upgrade and enhance collection(s); b) developing and managing annual budgets, preparing fiscal year reports, and managing contracts and grants; c) representing the museum through public outreach programs, workshops, research and teaching; d) strategic representation and collaborative interaction with a wide range of external constituencies including service on advisory panels and professional organization committees.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Work may be performed in an office environment, museum environment or field environment.
• Considerable physical effort. Requires handling of objects that can weigh up to 50 lbs (or greater mass requiring mechanical assistance). Standing/walking may occur more than 50% of time.
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
• Work may be performed in an office, museum, or field environment.

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

Revised Date: 03/20/2017