BUFFALO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE POSITION DESCRIPTION

Collections Documentation Specialist

 

Inspiring curiosity through exploration

 

Dep’t./Division: Collections

Position Title: Collections Documentation Specialist

Primary Reporting Responsibility: Curator of Collections

Status: Full time/exempt

 

Overview: The staff of the Buffalo Museum of Science 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.  BMS senior staff is committed to identifying, nourishing, and employing the unique strengths and interests each person brings with them to their position here.

 

Summary of Position: Seeking an organized and energetic individual to manage and develop the Museum’s catalog using PastPerfect Museum Software.

 

The Collections Documentation Specialist will ensure the overall integrity, functionality and security of the Collections Management Database as it relates to the permanent and loaned collection of the Buffalo Museum of Science. In addition to cataloging new acquisitions, the candidate will implement a collection wide inventory and photo documentation project. Responsible for the maintenance and management of collection records.

 

Essential Functions:

• Manage and maintain PastPerfect database
• Photo document BMS collection items as assigned
• Implement online access to the Museum’s catalog
• Work closely with Collections Department staff to ensure the proper and consistent entry of data and to develop internal standards for data entry and reporting utilizing approved museum standards
• Work closely with the IT Department to ensure the overall integrity, functionality and security of the data stored within
• Work closely with others utilizing the database to ensure the proper and consistent entry of data
• In conjunction with IT, coordinate maintenance of files and consistent data backup 
• Data entry as required
• Perform general administrative duties as required
• Complete special projects and basic research as assigned
• Transition older collection databases into pan-collections catalog using PastPerfect Software
• Supervise volunteers and interns where appropriate
• Participate in team projects as needed

 

 

 

Qualifications, Experience, Skills,

• Minimum of Bachelors degree in museum studies or related field. Masters degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited program preferred. Advanced coursework in Biology or Natural Science recommended.
• Demonstrated experience with database software, specifically PastPerfect, required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experience in object photography required
• Good people skills – speaking, listening, writing, friendly disposition
• Strong organizational and creative problem-solving skills
• Self-motivator, ability to work independently

 

Physical Requirements:

• Able to move moderately heavy items
• Position requires sitting at a desk and utilizing a computer for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.

 

Salary:

• 27K Commensurate with qualifications and experience

 

Please send cover letter, names of three references, and curriculum vitae to:

 

Kathryn H. Leacock

Curator of Collections

Buffalo Museum of Science

1020 Humboldt Parkway

Buffalo, NY 14211

Phone: (716) 896 5200 ext 376

 

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Applications will be accepted until December 7^th 2012.

 

 

 

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Kathryn H. Leacock
Curator of Collections
Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt Parkway
Buffalo, New York 14211 

Tel: 716 896 5200 x376
Fax: 716 897 6723

Email: [log in to unmask]