[Nhcoll-l] Job: Collections Manager, Insects; Field Museum of Natural History

[Caleb McMahan]

Collections Manager, Insects
Field Museum of Natural History
Chicago, IL USA

The Field Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of
biological specimens. The Insect Collection’s holdings of worldwide
Arthropoda (excluding Crustacea) rank fifth in overall size among North
American collections with over 12.5 million specimens and are of worldwide
importance for many groups. The collection presently includes roughly 4.2
million pinned insects plus 8.4 million specimens or lots in alcohol or on
microscope slides. In addition, there are over 17,000 partly sorted “bulk
samples” from traps or leaf-litter extractions. The collection receives
heavy use by Field Museum scientists and US and international research
visitors and borrowers as well as extensive educational use.

Applications should be submitted by February 1, 2019.

Applicants should include a CV, which includes names and contact
information for three references, as well as a cover letter that further
explains their qualifications and experience that make them uniquely
qualified for this position, as well as their vision for the position.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Collection Manager reports to the Head of Zoological collections and
will supervise a staff managing day-to day activities in the insect
collection. The Collection Manager will work jointly with curators to set
long and short-term priorities for management of the Insect collections.
The Collection Manager will also interact with other collections areas,
research scientists, exhibits, and education staff. The Collection Manager
will have opportunities to seek funding for collections improvements and
specimen-based research projects. The successful candidate will be
evaluated on their ability to promote, study, build, care for, and ensure
accessibility to the great wealth of specimens in the collection.

   - Managing digitization efforts; including transcription of label data,
   imaging specimens, georeferencing, species inventory, and development and
   evaluation of workflows and standards to ensure best practices
   - Oversight of incorporating new material into the collection,
   preparing, sorting, and identifying specimens
   - Tracking and reporting metrics of collection use and growth
   - Managing the insects collection budget
   - Coordinating an active loan program and on-site use of the collection
   by researchers
   - Support for the museum’s public programming and promoting the mission
   of the museum and its fundraising goals
   - Training, mentorship, and supervision of staff, interns, and
   volunteers in the collection

Qualifications:
PhD (with an emphasis in Entomology) with collections experience is
preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience, e.g.,
Masters in Biology (with an emphasis in Entomology) with at least 3 year's
collections experience,
A well-versed background in Entomology is required, including familiarity
with other Entomology collections and research,
Knowledge of taxonomic principles and Entomology collection management,
Strong organizational skills necessary to keep collection accessibleAmple
experience with collection databases, imaging systems, and data aggregators
is required, as well as a strong history of managing digitization projects,
Working knowledge of international and domestic regulations for shipment of
specimens and requirements for packing loans,
Strong history of building and managing a diverse team of staff, interns,
and volunteers;
Training, mentorship, and supervision of staff, interns, and volunteers in
their collection-related duties,
Developing grant proposals for collections projects in collaboration with
curators
Incorporating new material into a collection, including preparing, sorting
and identifying newly collected material, labeling and integration of
specimens

-- 
Caleb D. McMahan, Ph.D.
Collections Manager, Fishes
Field Museum of Natural History
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Ph: 312-665-7994
Fax: 312-665-7391
*https://www.calebdmcmahan.com/ <https://www.calebdmcmahan.com/>*
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