[NHCOLL-L:2774] Collections Analyst position, American Museum of Natural History

[Lisa Kronthal]

Collections Analyst, Natural Sciences Conservation
American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY

Opening for a Collections Analyst as part of an institution-wide risk 
assessment study at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH).

The AMNH natural science and cultural holdings of over 30 million 
specimens and artifacts include diverse forms ranging from 
fluid-preserved specimens, mounted specimens, skins and skeletal 
materials to minerals, gems, ethnographic and archaeological 
material.  This is not a passive archive, but a dynamic resource that 
is housed in a complex of 26 interconnected buildings.  To 
strategically plan for the long-term preservation of the collections, 
the AMNH is conducting a comprehensive scientific collections risk 
assessment project.  This is a quantitative approach to collections 
preservation resulting in a logical prioritization of collections 
needs. 

The museum is looking for a highly motivated, innovative person who 
will work as part of a team composed of staff from science and 
operations and who will provide critical support to the project 
directors.  The position's responsibilities will include:

- Compiling and recording data concerning the AMNH collections, their 
history, use, condition and current storage environment
- Facilitating risk assessment sessions with scientific staff in 
order to apply quantitative values to the current state of 
collections preservation and storage
- Maintaining databases & spreadsheets and analyzing results
- Assisting in preparing final reports, identifying institutional 
collections preservation priorities and developing strategies

The candidate should have 2 years relevant experience and should 
possess the following qualifications:

- General understanding of taxonomy, collections management and 
conservation, specifically preventive conservation as it applies to 
natural science collections
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, administrative and 
communication skills
- The ability to think creatively
- Moderate level of comfort with data analysis and proficiency in Excel

This is a full time, 18-month position with excellent benefits.  EOE.

Applicants should send a letter of interest and a CV with names of 
three references by August 12, 2005 by electronic or surface mail to:

Lisa Kronthal
Conservator of Natural Sciences Collections
American Museum of Natural History
79th Street at Central Park West
New York, New York 10024
kronth at amnh.org

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