Collection Manager, Recent Invertebrates (Project Management)

Responsible for the daily curatorial operations and management of the SNOMNH Collection of Recent Invertebrates in assistance to the Curator of Recent Invertebrates. Develop and main the collection, databases, image library and associated metadata. Support research staff and education and exhibition programs and provide content for the website. Ensure proper permits, including state and national and international permits and documentation for field collections, accessions, loans and exchange of museum specimens. Assist the Curator of Recent Invertebrates in field work and obtaining and preparing specimens for their research. Assist faculty, scholars, visiting researchers and students in use of the collection. Assist in organizing and preparing presentations and programs highlighting collection materials and research activities. Assist the Curator of Recent Invertebrates in training and supervising students, interns and volunteers. This permanent staff position reports to the Curator of Recent Invertebrates.

Essential Duties:

• Manages daily curatorial needs of the Collection of Recent Invertebrates and its records, documentation and images while incorporating appropriate practices, standards, philosophy, theory and ethics of collection stewardship. 
• Daily curatorial duties include identifying, preparing, cataloging, digitizing, housing and/or conserving  museum collections and associated metadata for new and existing collections maintaining computerized databases and providing content for the website 
• Responds to verbal and written requests, including inquiries from the general public, regarding loans, accessions and donations. 
• Processes accessions and handles incoming and outgoing specimen loans including providing documentation and securing national and international permissions and permits. 
• May conduct some collection-focused research in field of expertise and/or assist and support the research program of the Curator of Recent Invertebrates, including (but not limited to) specimen preparation, photographic work, field work, and preparing grant proposals.  (10%)
• Assists Curator of Recent Invertebrates in public programs and educational and outreach activities, including the development of outreach materials, exhibitions (temporary and permanent), and direct participation in public outreach events as directed. 
• Gives tours to the public and give presentations or informal classes.
• Assists Curator of Recent Invertebrates in training and supervising collection assistants, students, volunteers and interns to carry out curation activities, specimen preparation and research.  Assists visiting researchers make use of the collection. 
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position or other related duties as assigned, including (but not limited to) lab safety, inventory and ordering supplies. 
• Participates in scholarly activity outside the university that promote the SNOMNH Collection of Recent Invertebrates, as exemplified by attending professional meetings and/or engaging in professional development activities 
• Assists Curator of Recent Invertebrates in developing and enforcing section policies, procedures and assessing short-and-long term goals for the collection.  

Required Education: Bachelors degree

Equivalency and Substitution: Will accept 48 months of Collection-related work experience in natural history collections, including collection and database management, digitization and specimen preparation in lieu of the Bachelor's degree.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of recent invertebrates, including insects, mollusks, arthropods, crustaceans, arachnids, among others.
• Demonstrated knowledge of acceptable museum practices and standards for collection care, collection and database management, documentation, digitization, conservation and registration methods for collections.
• Knowledge of best practices for the preparation, preservation and exhibition of natural history specimens and their data (e.g., metadata standards, data management, etc.)
• Ability to supervise staff and communicate directions and expectations effectively
• Interpersonal skills commensurate with representing the Collection of Recent Invertebrates in one-on-one and group settings
• Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent skills in organization and time management and ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to work independently and with interdepartmental teams and initiatives
• Must use established occupational health and safety practices

Certifications:

• Valid driver's license

Advertised Physical Requirements:

Physical:

• Required to be mobile, agile, bend, stoop, squat, climb, lift (15-44 pounds) and carry.
• Ability to engage in repetitive motions. 
•  Able to read handwritten documents.
• Able to speak including expressing oneself or exchanging information with others; able to hear including receiving detailed information orally; and able to see including color, depth, perception or clarity.

Environmental:

• Able to following safety procedures for facilities, equipment and chemical used in the study, preparation and storage of invertebrate specimens
• Frequent exposure to safety hazards from chemicals and onerous odors.

Departmental Preferences:

• Graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D) in a discipline relevant to natural history collections, such as Biology, Biological Sciences, Museum Studies or a related field, with an emphasis in invertebrate biology.
• 36-48 months of collection-related experience in natural history museum collections, including some to all of the following: curation, collection and database management, registration, digitization and preparation of invertebrate specimens (wet and dry collections) or academic experience working with collections in a museum, educational or similar public institution
• Demonstrated knowledge of invertebrate systematics and biology
• Experience in the preparation and preservation of recent invertebrates and genomic resources
• Experience with database management and relational databases and knowledge of external data repositories such as GBIF and iDigBio
• Proficiency in using microscopes and other equipment essential for laboratory biological collections work
• Experience with training and/or overseeing personnel such as students, interns or volunteers
• Experience with education and outreach activities for K-12 students and the general public, including experience presenting to communities and organizations, STEM education (arts with science, technology, engineering and math) and science communication
• Knowledge of museum collections ethics and decolonial practices in collection management

Supervision: Collection Assistants, students, volunteers and interns

Special Instructions:  If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of  Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Hanbooks/TB-Testing.

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