Assistant Collections Manager, Vertebrate Paleontology

The Natural History Museum of LA County (NHMLA) seeks an Assistant Collections Manager of Vertebrate Paleontology. NHMLA’s Vertebrate Paleontology collection is the fifth-largest in the U.S., with more than 150,000 specimens. This position is directly supervised by the Collections Manager.    

The Assistant Collections Manager works with the Collections Manager to support all ongoing collections activities and to maintain and care for the collection. Tasks include processing incoming and outgoing loans, entering and maintaining database records and supplying data to users, and assisting in routine monitoring and maintenance of the collections workspace. The Assistant Collections Manager facilitates use of the collection by visiting researchers and helps support the needs of other NHMLA departments as directed. The Assistant Collections Manager provides operational coordination and training to staff, volunteers, students, interns, and contractors as needed.  

NHMLA is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to engage and include culturally diverse audiences in museums and in science.    

RESPONSIBILITIES:   

• Participates in curation and collection management activities including identifying, classifying, organizing, moving, preparing, and preserving objects, specimens, and archives for research, exhibition and education. May participate in fieldwork. Contributes to conservation of objects as it relates to specimen housings, storage and/or display. Exercises independent judgment in the classification of artifacts and specimens under the general direction of a Collections Manager.   
• Maintains collection records and supplies data when requested. Uses computerized databases and digital technology to document information on collections and their locations. Catalogues specimens/objects and localities as necessary for research and exhibitions. Assists in processing loan requests and new acquisitions (e.g. purchases, donations, exchanges).Adheres to all institutional and departmental guidelines for the management of the Museum’s collections.  
• Assists visiting scientists by providing logistical access to the collections as directed by the Collections Manager.   
• Assists in the routine monitoring and maintenance of the collections workspace, including any laboratory areas, and collection objects and specimens.  
• Participates in the Museum’s Public Program activities, including but not limited to, assisting with exhibitions, presentation of public lectures, instruction of Museum classes and participating in educational programs.   
• Provides operational coordination and training to staff, volunteers, work study students, interns, and contractors as needed.  
• Maintains working space, and purchases collection tools, equipment and supplies.  
• Conducts collection and lab tours as needed.   

  REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least one year of experience in a job involving a similar type of collection (e.g. identification, classification, excavation, preparation, or conservation of specimens), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Familiarity with basic collection conservation and care.  
• Demonstrated skill and experience in handling museum objects/specimens.  
• Basic knowledge of object data and the use of databases in museum collections management.  
• Eligibility to work in the U.S.  
• Experience using a personal computer and with typical word processing, spreadsheet, email, calendar, and other software (PC and/or Macintosh).   

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Master’s degree in a related field  
• Demonstrated competency in the use of DSLR cameras and management of digital assets.  
• Demonstrated competency in the use and care of dissecting microscopes.  
• Ability to effectively present information to and respond to questions from individuals and groups, including the general public.  

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL ACTIVITY  

The incumbent is in a non-confined office-type setting in which he or she is free to move about at will. The environment for this position is mostly clean and comfortable but may include some minor annoyances such as noise, odors, drafts, dust, extreme temperatures, etc.  

In the course of performing this work, the incumbent:   

• Will spend substantial time sitting, utilizing the computer and microscope.  
• Must travel via personal vehicle or public transport to off-site meetings.  
• May lift up to 50 lbs. periodically.   
• Operate a computer using typical software and internet tools.  
• If working in collection or laboratory areas and/or moving collections, respirator, hearing protection, and gloves may be required. During such work, extended periods of standing and stooping may be necessary.  
• Must be able to work under any or all of the following lab conditions: resin fumes, dust, various chemicals (e.g. solution and reaction adhesives, acetic, formic or sulfamic acid, polyester resins, or organic solvents), use sharp objects and assist with lifting/moving heavy objects. May be required to wear a lab coat, respirator, face shield, and gloves with the use of chemicals.  

The application deadline is November 15, 2019. Submit a current CV, a cover letter describing how your experience, knowledge, and interest qualify you for this position, and the names and contact information of three professional references through the Museum’s employment site at https://nhm.org/careers-our-museums/careers-natural-history-museum .