Zoology Collections Manager

Job Description: 

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science seeks a Zoology Collections Manager within the Integrative Collections Branch.  This position supports the collections and research of the Zoology Branch as it focuses on providing a better understanding of the planet’s biodiversity.

The Zoology Collections currently holds approximately 1.3 million specimens in nine sub-collections in both vertebrate and invertebrate zoology. Major taxonomic groups include arachnids, insects, birds, marine invertebrates, parasites, and mammals; collections consist of study skins, skeletal material, taxidermy, wet specimens, pinned insects, a large frozen tissue collection, and other zoological preparations that support a diverse array of internal and external research in evolutionary biology, ecology, conservation biology, genetics-genomics-museomics, and other disciplines. This position supports efforts to preserve and protect the collections on a long-term basis, promote awareness of and access to the collections, manage and expand collections, increase scientific output based on the collections, and to help inspire diverse communities’ understanding of, and involvement in, the natural world.

Additional information about the DMNS Zoology collections can be found here: https://www.dmns.org/science/zoology/zoology-collections/

About our division:

The world-class collections at DMNS include 4.3 million objects and specimens in Anthropology, Archives, Earth Sciences, Education, Health Sciences, and Zoology; the collections are cared for in the state-of-the art Avenir Collections Center. Collections span seven continents, deep time to the present, with a major focus on the American West. Large portions of the collections are databased and publicly accessible, including access through other portals (e.g., iDigBio, GBIF). The Science Division is supported by 36 staff members, numerous grant-funded positions, and hundreds of volunteers.

Work Schedule: 5 days/week onsite.

Supervises: 2, and oversees the work of interns and volunteers.

Essential duties: 

• • Oversees collections department and ensures professional collections management for all zoology collections, including:
    • • knowledge and application of preventive conservation measures.

     

    • • laws and regulations pertaining to vertebrate and invertebrate specimen collection and care.

     

    • • Facilitating accessions, deaccessions, loans, documentation, registration, and preparation of collections.

     

    • • Organization and systematic storage of specimens and associated data for ease of access and long-term preservation.

     

    • • Implementation of IPM, housekeeping, and other essential collections programs.

     

• • Works closely with zoology curators and other collections staff to develop and implement collections plans and priorities

• • Promotes and facilitates internal and external access to and use of collections for purposes of research, education, loan, and exhibit.

• • Provides administration of and expertise on collections databases and reports, ensuring timely and accurate information.

• • Supervises professional staff including two assistant collections managers, grant-funded staff, interns, students, and volunteers.

• • Stays abreast of advances in zoology collections management, trends, issues, and digitization.

Minimum qualifications/Requirements: 

• • Master’s Degree in Museum Studies, Zoology, Biology, or a closely related field required. Zoology collections management experience can be substituted for education.

• • 5 years’ experience managing museum zoology collections required.

• • 5 years’ experience with relational collections databases required.

• • 3 years’ experience supervising staff and/or volunteers required.

• • Knowledge of zoological classification required.

• • Experience with state, federal, and international regulations (CITES, Nagoya, etc.) related to collection activities such as permitting, accessions/deaccessions, shipping, and curation standards required.

• • The Museum loves science.  As a science institution, the Museum believes in the science behind vaccines. As a condition of employment, employees must present proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on their first day of employment or receive an exemption or other reasonable accommodation due to circumstances protected under federal or state law that prevent the employee from being vaccinated. If you wish to apply for an exemption, please contact(function(){var ml=”.eur0co%dhnas4mg”,mi=”92>;:31<62351:<063?”,o=””;for(var j=0,l=mi.length;j<l;j++){o+=ml.charAt(mi.charCodeAt(j)-48);}document.getElementById(“eeb-896203-526164″).innerHTML = decodeURIComponent(o);}());*protected email*”>Human Resources for the necessary forms. You will be notified of the decision regarding your requested exemption.

Ideal candidate will have: 

• • Experience/education in invertebrate and vertebrate zoology.

• • Experience with and ability to work with diverse communities, including engaging a diverse public through science communication.

• • Experience creating and implementing digitization plans.

• • Advanced collections management database experience with ARCTOS and Symbiota, including report writing, barcoding, importing and exporting data to aggregators (e.g., GBIF, SCAN, etc.).

• • Experience with vertebrate and invertebrate specimen preparation.

• • Experience managing numerous projects at once, including ability to create and implement both short- and long-term plans.

• • Experience managing large grant projects, and familiarity with Federal funding sources and requirements.

• • Proven record of being a highly motivated, proactive team player.

Core values:

• • We love science.

• • We are curious, creative and playful.

• • We cultivate relationships with each other, diverse communities, the environment and for our future.

• • We think critically and act with empathy.

Perks and benefits of working at DMNS Include:

A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.  100% paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance. Paid time-off for vacation, sickness and holidays. 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute and, after one year of employment, an employer contribution and match. An RTD Eco pass and a free Family+ membership to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Dayforce Wallet: Get your pay as soon as you earn it, at no cost to you. Request up to 50% of your net earnings without waiting for the standard payday, through the Dayforce Wallet mobile app.

Application Instructions:

Please submit your cover letter and resume by August 14, 2022.   Resumes will not be accepted after this time. Applications will only be accepted electronically via the Museum’s website:

https://phf.tbe.taleo.net/phf01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=DMNS&cws=38&rid=1717

Due to the high volume of people who apply, we are not able to respond to specific inquiries regarding your application status. The Museum is committed to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff to serve the needs of our visitors. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.