ASSISTANT CURATOR, NATURAL HISTORY

Definition

Under the general supervision of the Curator of Natural History in the State Museum, Department of State, plans and implements natural history collection research, cataloging, care, and management, and plans and implements field research projects; initiates, plans, researches, implements, and evaluates exhibitions on natural history subjects; seeks, researches, and administers travelling exhibitions from other museums and museum service agencies for presentation at the New Jersey State Museum; researches funding sources from corporations, foundations, governmental agencies, and individuals; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Determines the requirements for effective collections and exhibitions of natural history specimens; assesses appropriateness of specimens in the collection or proposed for the collection for use in exhibitions, publications, and programs, and conducts the research required to implement programs.
• Researches specimens and groups of specimens in the collection or proposed for the collection including but not limited to mammals, birds, and amphibians; conducts statistical analyses of the populations.
• Plans and implements field research projects including studies of sites, and logistics of excavation including recovery or collection, field preparation, and field cataloging.
• Provides recommendations of subjects/topics to be included in exhibitions, purchases for the collections, gift acceptances, or deaccessioning of specimens; selects specimens for exhibitions based on appropriateness to subject and availability.
• Plans installation design to accommodate specimens selected for exhibitions.
• Provides guidance and instruction to museum personnel and/or volunteers in the care and management of specimens in the collection including assessment of condition, proper storage and handling, and maintaining accurate and complete location records.
• Prepares loan forms, condition reports, insurance forms, and all other forms for loans used in the exhibitions.
• Electronically catalogs specimens in the collection or on loan for exhibitions.
• Writes publication-ready copy for brochures, catalogs, and announcements which document and/or interpret exhibitions to the public.
• Prepares information for use in communication to the general public via the press and other media.
• Researches sources for outside funding based on knowledge of possible connections between the bureau's collections and foundations, corporations, governmental agencies, and individuals.
• Coordinates with other museum bureaus in planning and implementation of exhibitions.
• Cooperates with other state agencies involved in projects with a natural history interest.
• Establishes and maintains records and files necessary for the implementation and documentation of exhibitions.
• Participates in and/or serves on museum committees, professional associations, and support organizations.
• Prepares reports on exhibitions as required by museum administration.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from and accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a natural or physical science.

Experience

Two (2) years of natural history field and laboratory experience, one (1) year of which shall have involved performing curatorial duties related to collecting, researching, and exhibiting natural history specimens in a museum, college/university, or science center.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of museum methodology including registrarial procedures, collection care and management, and exhibition planning in a museum.
• Knowledge of scientific research techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of the basic natural science features of New Jersey.
• Knowledge of the physical, biological, and geological sciences.
• Knowledge of subject matter pertinent to developing natural history collections and exhibitions.
• Knowledge of the methods used to select and prepare specimens for exhibition.
• Knowledge of scientific field research techniques, including site investigation, planning and plotting areas for scientific study, and recording and preserving materials in the laboratory and field.
• Knowledge of the methods used to catalog natural history collections.
• Ability to identify research references and literature concerning natural history.
• Ability to relate the natural history of North America to New Jersey.
• Ability to communicate to a variety of audiences including the general public, the press, and a specialized natural history clientele.
• Ability to work harmoniously with museum staff and outside consultants.
• Ability to coordinate natural history collections and exhibition activities with those of other museum bureaus, including the Exhibits Bureau and the Office of Public Information.
• Ability to use a collections management system.
• Ability to catalog museum natural history specimens and collections.
• Ability to research funding sources from foundations, corporations, governmental agencies, and individuals.
• Ability to prepare natural history reports, brochures, and other written materials.
• Ability to establish and maintain records and files.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.