[NHCOLL-L:3629] Collections manager position annoucement

[John Grehan]

BUFFALO SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
POSITION DESCRIPTION

Collections Manager

Core purpose, business, and values:

We aspire to create a better world 
by helping all people to explore and understand it

Department: Science
Position Title: Collections Manager
Primary Reporting Responsibility: Director of Science
Location: Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo, NY
Status: Full time/exempt

Overview: The staff of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences accomplishes its goals through the implementation of strong team processes and procedures.  All staff are recruited, trained, directed and developed with this in mind.  While staff will have position descriptions and well-defined reporting responsibilities, they are required to be flexible in both.  They will at times be asked to perform as part of project teams or task forces, where their reporting responsibility and work requirements may be different from, while related to, their basic position description.  Senior Staff is committed to identifying, nourishing, and employing the unique strengths and interests each person brings with them to their position.

Summary of Position: Ensure all regular collections care and maintenance procedures necessary to protect specimen condition and quality, mediate access and use of collections for exhibits and programs by museum staff or external partners, and facilitate other educational and research activities. The Collections Manager will work with the Director of Science to improve collections management, utilization, and documentation as well as develop and implement a long term collections strategy in reference to AAM Accreditation requirements. Regular communications will be maintained with all collections volunteers as well as help establish and nurture mutually beneficial relationships with individuals, schools, colleges, universities, and other organizations.  The position will involve close partnership and collaboration with staff of the museum's Center for Science Learning and Experience Department.

Essential Functions:
* Work with Director of Science to identify strategies for improving collections storage and utilization for research and education.
* Collaborate with CSL and Experience staff in supervising specimen handling and care in public spaces according to collections care policy requirements.
* Participate in task groups in the development of themed experiences (public exhibits and programs).
* Facilitate collections access and supervise external researchers.
* Initiate, develop and implement collections grants.
* Process, document, archive, track and update loans, accessions and deaccessions.
* Implement collections care and conservation procedures.
* Maintain partnership with Buffalo State College Art Conservation Department and other external partnerships.
* Respond to external collections inquiries and research requests. 
* Assist the science staff with ongoing projects or collections improvement projects 
Qualifications, Experience, Skills 

* Minimum of Masters in the biological sciences, or related field.
* Familiarity with general requirements for care of biological collections.
* Background in anthropological collections preferred.
* Familiarity with NAGPRA compliance preferred.
* Prior experience with collections involving biological specimens.
* Courses on the preservation and curation of biological collections desirable.
* Proficiency with collections database software 
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Personal Qualities
* Excellent people skills - speaking, listening, writing, friendly disposition
* Strong organizational and creative problem-solving skills
* An interest in science and belief in the potential of knowledge and understanding of science to improve quality of life.
* Self-motivator, ability to work independently
* Enthusiasm, Excitement, and Optimism for transitioning the Buffalo Museum of Science to a position as a valued community asset that provides opportunities for all people to improve their lives and the world they live in.

Physical Requirements:
* Able to move moderately heavy items
* Listening and speaking on the phone regularly.
* Drivers license 

Please send application letter, names of three references, and cv or resume by email to:

Dr. John Grehan
Director of Science and Collections
jgrehan at sciencebuff.org

Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14211
Phone: (716) 896 5200 ext 372




Dr. John R. Grehan
Director of Science and Collections
Buffalo Museum of Science1020 Humboldt Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14211-1193
email: jgrehan at sciencebuff.org
Phone: (716) 896-5200 ext 372

Panbiogeography
http://www.sciencebuff.org/biogeography_and_evolutionary_biology.php
Ghost moth research
http://www.sciencebuff.org/systematics_and_evolution_of_hepialdiae.php
Human evolution and the great apes
http://www.sciencebuff.org/human_origin_and_the_great_apes.php