Amherst College · 9 hours ago
Interim Head of Collections and Operations
Amherst, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$35/hr - $40/hr
5+ years expAmherst College is a highly selective liberal arts college committed to diversity and enriching its educational experience. They are seeking an Interim Head of Collections and Operations for the Beneski Museum of Natural History, responsible for managing the museum's collections, ensuring the physical stability of specimens, and overseeing day-to-day operations.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Cataloging, catalog development and catalog maintenance for nine museum collections, including digital database development and management
Specimen and provenance research; review literature to update citations on major collections
Fielding research inquiries and supporting teaching and research done by Amherst students and faculty, and visiting scientists from around the world. This involves investigating the collections, identifying uncataloged material, pulling relevant specimens from storage, providing catalog information, designing & generating database reports based on researcher/museum needs, developing strategies for safe usage/transport
Researching and developing temporary and special exhibitions
Attending and presenting about the collections at regional and national conferences/workshops
Initiating and completing accession and deaccession procedures consistent with Museum policy
Reviewing and updating policies in collaboration with the Museum Director
Maintaining the condition and physical stability of all specimens in two facilities: the Beneski Museum and the space allocated to the Museum in the "Bunker."
Monitoring agents of deterioration and implementing interventions as needed to reduce deterioration
Performing specimen repair and stabilization; staying current in best practices; identifying specimens in need of specialized treatment by a conservator
Supervising specimen housing, storage, shipping, and retrieval
Managing all aspects of outgoing and incoming loans
Managing documentation of Museum history, including museum correspondence, the origin and evolution of various collections, and the history and works of various Museum staff and Amherst faculty
Curating the Museum's Loomis Library of publications on vertebrate paleontology, with works dating to the mid-19th century
Collaborating with College Archives in preserving and documenting museum and collection histories
Conducting day-to-day purchasing operations (researching and stocking necessary supplies and materials for specialized Museum functions)
Coordinating shipping and receiving
Managing public relations: including but not limited to correspondence and inquiries, whether by mail, email, or phone; requests for media usage; production of museum brochures
Monitoring and maintaining exhibits, interpretive signs, collections, lighting, and environmental conditions in two facilities: the Beneski Museum (galleries, labs, and collections storage) and Museum space in the College "Bunker."
Supervising all custodial and trade activities within the Museum; providing specialized training to museum custodians and floaters
Liaising with the Museum Security Manager, including programming the Museum security system
Participating in all programming activities at the Museum, including College events, public outreach events, and special programs
Qualification
Required
Master's Degree; Museum Science, Paleontology, Geology, Physical Anthropology, Anatomy or related field
Equivalent combination of education/experience, in lieu of minimum education and related experience; 5 to 7 years relevant education/experience
3-5 years of direct natural history museum experience, including some working knowledge of:
Standard museum policies for specimen handling and use in research and teaching, including loan and deaccession policies
Collections documentation practices such as catalog development, specimen storage and cataloging, and provenience research and documentation
Digital database development, data population, database aggregation and management
Standards of museum documentation (correspondence, request forms, loan forms, etc.)
Methods and best practices of specimen repair, stabilization, mounting, and storage, and appropriate materials
Necessary environmental conditions (light, temperature, humidity) for collection stability
Standards of museum security
Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, time management and organizational skills
Attention to detail
Ability to take initiative, to multitask, and to work independently and collaboratively
Database and spreadsheet management, webpage management, and word processing computer skills
Successful completion of required reference and background checks
An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check
Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test
A valid driver's license and successful credentialing is required to operate college vehicles
Benefits
Comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package
Company
Amherst College
Amherst College is home to curious thinkers and remarkable doers.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Amara Cunningham
Executive Assistant to the Chief Advancement Officer
Amy Rondeau, SPHR
Human Resources Business Partner
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