MUSEUM REGISTRAR, NATURAL HISTORY
Natural History
In New Jersey, Museum Registrar, Natural History is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
Qualifying takes a master's degree and 1 year of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $66,592 and $97,354, and state payroll currently lists 4 people in the title, most of them at State.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. One agency employs it. We don't track live vacancies.
See where to apply for this title →Who employs this title
Museum Registrar, Natural History appears on the State payroll at one department, Department of State.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of State | 4 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 4 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $83,659. The agencies employing the most are:
- State (4)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the limited supervision of a supervisory official in the State Museum, Department of State, determines, plans, executes, and makes decisions for the maintenance and preservation of all objects in the Bureau of Natural History and those on loan to the New Jersey State Museum; monitors the recording and management of data on collections and materials entering or leaving the museum; monitors the location, condition, and documentation of all items in the natural history collection and on loan to the museum; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
- Maintains the computerized collection management software for the entire collection of the Bureau of Natural History, including working with the curatorial staff on identifications as needed.
- Monitors and documents the location of every item in the natural history collections or on loan to the museum; maintains information on whether items are in storage, exhibition, on loan, or in transit.
- Identifies and recommends exhibition and storage methods; monitors the use of storage areas for the safety of the collection.
- May provide recommendations for the planning and evaluation of natural history exhibitions.
- Monitors the shipping and receiving of natural history objects; selects shipping carrier, schedules pick-ups and deliveries, procures insurance, and oversees the packing and unpacking of materials; checks the condition of objects upon arrival.
- Conducts research on museum collections; assists in identifying objects using the museum's collections and library resources.
- Performs fieldwork in geology and zoology as required, and collects and records specimens.
- Monitors museum collection files including loan files, photograph files, cross-referenced files, and insurance and condition files.
- Assembles information and material for use in catalogs covering natural history exhibitions.
- Enforces the regulations regarding the handling and treatment of collection items.
- Enters data in the collections management system and provides guidance to the cataloging staff in maintaining an identification service for natural history items.
- Coordinates the work of collection assistants providing conservation or research services, and interns handling museum collections.
- Coordinates the cataloging and maintenance of the museum's natural history library.
- Determines photographic needs for the documentation of collections and either takes the photographs or develops a plan for photography; coordinates the maintenance of cataloged photographic collections to be used as a teaching aid and reference file for temporary exhibitions.
- Provides guidance to clerical personnel on registrar assignments.
- Coordinates the work of student interns and volunteers.
- Prepares reports on collections.
- Maintains collection and exhibition records and files.
- 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 an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in natural or physical science, and a Master's degree in a natural or physical science or Museum Professions such as Museum Studies, Collections Management, or Collections Care.
Experience
One (1) year of collections management experience with natural history specimens.
License
Appointees may be required to possess a 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 scientific research techniques and methods.
- Knowledge of natural history to formulate the organization of scholarly data for computerization.
- Knowledge of the methods used to identify, catalog, and inventory natural history specimens.
- Knowledge of the methods used to handle, pack, transport, and store museum objects.
- Knowledge of the methods used to schedule loans and exchanges of museum objects.
- Knowledge of the objectives, standards, procedures, materials, and resources used in a museum.
- Ability to identify natural history specimens.
- Ability to conduct research.
- Ability to maintain the computerized collection management software for the entire collection of the Bureau of Natural History.
- Ability to use a collections management system.
- Ability to monitor the location, condition, and documentation of museum specimens.
- Ability to monitor the packing, storage, transport, and exhibition of museum specimens.
- Ability to monitor the preparation of accurate and complete catalog files.
- Ability to provide recommendations for exhibition methods and participate in the planning and evaluation of exhibitions.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Ability to prepare reports.
- 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 the 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 t he 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.
This combination of undergraduate and graduate degrees is required.