Job Posting 

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 

Curatorial Associate, Museum Collections 

Job Type: Full-Time with benefits

Application Deadline: Open until filled  

How to Apply: Please visit http://jobs.ou.edu Job # 230657 

Salary/Hourly Wage or Compensation Range: Targeted Salary $60,400 based on experience 

Job Description  

The Curatorial Associate, Museum Collections is responsible for the daily curatorial operations and management of the Collection of Mammals, Oklahoma Collection of Genomic Resources, and may include other collections as assigned. Responsibilities also include supervision of the IPM Technician and operations of the Isolation and Treatment Facility, Integrated Pest Management Program, and Dermestid Facility.  Develop and maintain the collections, databases, and associated metadata, and support research staff and exhibition programs. Maintain the collections websites, including the online databases and image libraries. Ensure proper permits and documentation for field collections, accessions, loans, and exchange of museum specimens. Assist curators, faculty, scholars, and students in accessing and obtaining specimens for their research. Assist in organizing and preparing presentations and programs highlighting collection materials and research activities. Train and supervise collection assistants, students, interns, and volunteers, and help visiting researchers make use of the collections. This permanent staff position reports to the Associate Director. 

Essential Duties: 

    Manages daily curatorial needs of collections and their records, documentation, and images while incorporating appropriate practices, standards, philosophy, theory and ethics of collection stewardship. Daily curatorial needs include identifying, preparing, cataloging, digitizing, housing and/or conserving museum collections and associated metadata for new and existing collections. 
    Plans, coordinates, and supervises the operations of the Isolation and Treatment facility, Integrated Pest Management Program, and Dermestid Facility in accordance with accepted museum practices and standards. 
    Maintains collections computerized database and website. 
    Responds to verbal and written requests, including inquiries from the general public, regarding loans, accessions, and donations. Processes accessions and handles incoming and outgoing specimen loans, including providing documentation and securing permissions and permits. 
    May conduct some collection-focused research in field of expertise and/or assist and support the research program of curators, including (but not limited to) specimen preparation, photographic work, field work, and preparing grant proposals. 
    Trains and supervises collection assistants, students, volunteers, and interns to carry out curation activities, specimen preparation, and research. Assists visiting researchers make use of the collections. 
    Assists in public programs and educational and outreach activities, including the development of outreach materials, exhibitions (temporary and permanent), and direct participation in public outreach events as directed. Gives tours to the public and gives presentations or informal classes. 
    Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position or other related duties as assigned, including (but not limited to) lab safety, inventory, and ordering supplies. 
    Participates in scholarly activity outside the university that promote the SNOMNH collections, as exemplified by attending professional meetings and/or engaging in professional development activities. 
    Assists in developing and enforcing section policies, procedures, and assessing short- and long-term goals for the collections. 

Required Education:  Bachelor’s Degree, AND:  

    36 months of curatorial, librarian, museum registration, or academic experience working with historic or literary collections, manuscripts, artifacts, or memorabilia in a library, museum, educational, archives, or similar public institution 

Equivalency/Substitution:  Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree for a total of 84 months of related experience

Skills: 

    Demonstrated knowledge of the preparation and preservation of natural history specimens 
    Demonstrated knowledge of diverse types of natural history collections 
    Demonstrated knowledge of acceptable museum practices and standards for collection care, collection and database management, documentation, digitization, conservation, and registration methods for biological, genomic, and museum collections, Integrated Pest Management, and dermestid facilities 
    Knowledge of best practices for the preservation and exhibition of physical objects and their data (e.g., metadata standards, data management, etc.) 
    Ability to supervise staff and communicate directions and expectations effectively 
    Interpersonal skills commensurate with representing the museum’s collections in one-on-one and group settings 
    Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information 
    Excellent written and oral communication skills 
    Excellent skills in organization, time management, and ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines 
    Ability to work independently and with interdepartmental teams and initiatives 
    Must use established occupational health and safety practice 

Certifications: 

    Valid driver’s license 

Advertised Physical Requirements: 

    Required to be mobile, agile, bend, stoop, squat, climb, lift (15-44 pounds) and carry 
    Able to engage in repetitive motions 
    Able to read handwritten documents 
    Able to speak including expressing oneself or exchanging information with others; able to hear including receiving detailed information orally; and able to see including color, depth, perception, or clarity 
    Able to follow safety procedures for facilities, equipment, and chemicals used in the study, preparation, and storage of natural history collections 
    Frequent exposure to safety hazard from chemicals and onerous odors 

Departmental Preferences: 

    Graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a discipline relevant to natural history museum collections, such as Biology, Geosciences, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or a related field 
    Experience in the preparation and preservation of mammals and genomic resources 
    Experience with database management and relational databases 
    Experience with training and/or overseeing personnel such as students, interns, or volunteers 
    Experience with education and outreach activities for the general public 
    Knowledge of museum collections ethics and decolonial practices in collection management 
    Experience in supporting inclusion, equity, and diversity in professional settings 

Supervision: 

    Collection assistants, students, volunteers, and interns 

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing. 

Diversity Statement: The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides. 

Benefits  

The university provides partial or fully paid coverage for the following programs. Employees can purchase spouse and child coverage. 

    Medical insurance 
    Dental insurance 
    Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D) 
    Life Insurance 

Employees can purchase these additional benefits through payroll deduction. 

    Vision Insurance 
    Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent daycare 
    Dependent Life Insurance 
    Dependent AD&D Insurance 
    Short-Term Disability Insurance 
    Long-Term Disability Insurance 

University Contributions to Retirement Savings 

The university offers benefit packages that automatically contribute to a 401(a) defined contribution plan for eligible employees. This is a retirement investment account and your benefit in retirement depends on the balance of your account. 

Employee Savings 

Employees can also save for their retirement by participating in the Oklahoma Teachers' Retirement System and the Voluntary 403(b) & 457(b) Retirement Savings Plans. 

    Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System (OTRS): Employees can choose to contribute a portion of their wages to OTRS each paycheck during their career. They will receive a defined monthly benefit in retirement for the remainder of their life. Participation in OTRS is available to benefits eligible salaried and hourly-paid employees. 
    Voluntary 403(b) & 457(b) Retirement Savings Plans: Employees can choose to contribute a portion of their wages to one or both Voluntary Retirement Savings Plans. These are retirement investment accounts and your benefit in retirement depends on the balance of your account. Any employee can participate in the Voluntary Retirement Savings Plans. 

Paid Time Off & Holidays 

Full-time benefits-eligible employees receive 14 paid holidays per year and 18-22 hours of paid time off (PTO) per month depending on their position. Paid time off may be used for vacation, personal illness, funeral attendance, illness of a family member, or other personal business.

About the Museum/Organization/Business  

Our History 

In 1899, the Territorial Legislature of the future state of Oklahoma mandated the founding of a natural history museum on the campus of the University of the Territory of Oklahoma in Norman, now The University of Oklahoma. Since that time, the museum has had a long and distinguished history, including being designated as the Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in 1987 by the Oklahoma Legislature and receiving the state’s first National Medal in 2014 awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. 

Curators and staff of the museum conduct scientific investigations to preserve and develop a greater understanding and appreciation of natural resources and human cultural heritage. They develop exhibitions and conduct educational programs for all ages that illustrate, interpret and explain the natural history of the state and region to bring a greater understanding of our world to the people of Oklahoma and others. 

On May 1, 2000, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History opened its doors to a new 198,000 square foot facility housing 12 collections, labs, libraries, offices and exhibit space. Today, the treasure chest design of the building’s architecture houses more than 10 million objects that belong to the people of the state of Oklahoma. Over 4 billion years of Oklahoma’s natural history are featured in thousands of artifacts from the collections on display in 50,000 feet of public galleries. Visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating natural and cultural history of Oklahoma.

Our Mission 

The Sam Noble Museum at The University of Oklahoma inspires minds to understand the world through collection-based research, interpretation and education.

Our Vision 

As one of the finest museums, we are at the heart of our community, collectively working to inspire understanding, appreciation and stewardship of the earth and its peoples.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

We are committed to achieving a diverse, equitable and inclusive community by embracing each person’s unique contributions, background and perspectives. We recognize that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. This view enhances the experience for all faculty and staff, students and for the communities and audiences that we engage. Find more by visiting http://samnoblemuseum.ou.edu 

  .FO OFF

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