Principal responsibilities are organization, management, preservation, conservation, and supervision of use of paleontological specimens in the collections of the UNSM Paleontology Department, including the Invertebrate Paleontology and Vertebrate Paleontology Divisions. This position also maintains archives related to the collections and other important documents. Responsibilities include maintenance of the Paleontology databases and collection digitization – photography, data records, archived catalogues, field notebooks, and additional metadata (provenance, identifications, etc.). Duties include monitoring the storage environment and security, monitoring for pests and taking appropriate pest management actions, conducting object condition reports, coordinating incoming and outgoing loans, and processing new acquisitions.
This position assists and supervises visiting researchers, trains and supervises collection volunteers, UNL student interns, student employees, nonstudent employees and other users of the collections in collaboration with paleontology staff and curators to ensure proper maintenance of collections. An additional set of responsibilities centers on supporting the museum’s public education mission by assisting with exhibit curation (selection of objects, drafting text, installing/de-installing exhibit objects), assisting with educational programs as a content expert and speaker, and contributing to the museum’s digital presence by providing content for social media posts and website.
As an EO employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/
Minimum Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Paleontology, geology, earth sciences, museum studies or related field and 3 years’ experience in managing museum collections, including knowledge of professional practices in object care, documentation, loans, exhibitions, packing and shipping; additional years of completed relevant education may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
- Working knowledge of databases and standard MS office software proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Supervisory experience.
- Knowledge of and past experience in securing federal or state permits to comply with federal Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA) and relevant state laws.
- Museum collections management skills.
- Knowledge of professional practices in object care, object reports, archives and other documentation, loans, exhibitions, packing and shipping.
- Knowledge of taxonomic principles.
- Ability to follow policies and procedures regarding sensitive data and maintain confidentiality.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- PHD in Paleontology, geology, earth sciences, museum studies or related field
- Working knowledge of Specify and Filemaker Pro databases.
- Experience working with paleontology field crews and communities.
- Knowledge of Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and its relevance to archaeological and adjoining paleontological sites.
- Demonstrated experience writing exhibit text, exhibit curation; or experience collaborating with educators as a content expert and providing appropriate text or references for curriculum
- Experience working with undergraduate students or graduate students.
- Experience supporting faculty and curator research needs.
Posted Salary
$51,000/yr. minimum
How to Apply
Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file. You will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and list of references as three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format.
