Description

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Job Summary

Reporting to the Curator of Natural History - Malacology, the Malacology Collections Specialist manages all aspects of the Paul W. Parmalee Malacological Collection, which is the official authoritative reference collection of freshwater and terrestrial mollusks in Tennessee, by overseeing documentation, safety, access, and direct care. The museum is also the primary repository for many state agencies' collections and specimen. Working with historic collections that include sensitive information about extinct and endangered specimen, this position serves an important role in preparing, maintaining, and securing the documentation of Malacology collections, such as loan agreements, accession files, catalog records, permits, and donations. This position also serves as the primary point of contact for local, state, and federal agencies, as well as staff, students, partners, and others when requesting access to Malacology collections. The Specialist works closely with the Curator and Collections Manager & Registrar to implement the Collections Management Policy and procedures. 

Job Responsibilities

Malacology Collections Management: 50%

1. Manages the Malacology Collection and its records, documentation, and images, ensuring proper provenance and permits for new acquisitions and collections while incorporating appropriate practices, standards, philosophy, theory, and ethics of collection stewardship.
2. Makes decisions based on appropriateness, ethics, and the museums mission about individual access to Malacology collections for local, state, and federal agencies for identification, reference, and research. 
3. Using specialized knowledge of taxonomy and scientific standards, manages electronic and digital records, including updating taxonomic and auxiliary information, and associated metadata for new and existing collections, maintaining computerized databases, providing content for the museum's website and online collections access. 
4. Manages historic documentation of collections including databasing, capturing digital images of scientific labels and specimens, correspondence, archives, publications, and loan records using collection management software.
5. Identifies, prepares, catalogs, and constructs housing for Malacological specimen, and identifies long-term storage solutions for collections. 
6. Responds to verbal and written requests, including inquiries from the general public, regarding loans, accessions and donations. 
7. Processes accessions and handles incoming and outgoing specimen loans for the Malacology collection, including providing documentation and securing national and international permissions and permits. 
8. 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, storage equipment and logistics, and ordering supplies. 
9. Other duties as assigned. 

Fieldwork, Research, Education, and Outreach Duties: 25%

1. Supports the research program of the Curator of Natural History - Malacology, by preparing specimen, photographic work, field work, and preparing grant proposals, as needed.
2. Advances the collection by conducting collection-focused research in field of expertise
3. Uses specialized knowledge to serve public programs and educational and outreach activities by developing and presenting outreach materials for education, such as ecology and identification workshops, exhibition best practices input (temporary and permanent), and direct participation in public outreach events, as needed.
4. Develops and presents Malacological content for tours, presentations, informal classes, and other similar activities, upon request.
5. Trains and supervises collection assistants, students, volunteers, and interns to carry out daily custodial duties, curation activities, specimen preparation, and research.  
6. Provides collection access to the research community, faculty, students, and visiting researchers with the use of the collections.
7. Participates in scholarly activity outside the university that promotes the Malacology Collection, as exemplified by attending or presenting at professional meetings and/or engaging in professional development activities.
8. Other duties as assigned.

Collaborative Responsibilities, Compliance, and Support: 25%

1. Using knowledge of Natural History Collections best practices, recommends and enforces priorities for short and long-term collection care and management.
2. Advises local, state, and federal agencies on species identification, life history and/or ecological consultation for known species, as needed.
3. Implements the Collections Management Policy in collaboration with the Curator and the Collections Manager & Registrar.
4. Serves as an active part of NAGPRA compliance and repatriation activities for Malacology collections by analyzing, identifying, and flagging items for potential repatriation.
5. Provides support to the Museum community, e.g., serving on committees.
6. Develops grant proposals for collections improvements and other collection-based initiatives.
7. Provides support for promotional and institutional advancement activities, including opportunities to engage with donors and participate in behind-the-scenes tours.
8. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) required to perform essential job functions. All KSAs should be related to the functions and responsibilities of the position. These statements should all contain the word ‘knowledge”, “skill”, or “ability”. This is not the experience necessary to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrated knowledge of invertebrates, including  mollusks and arthropods, among others.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current museum best practices and standards for collection care, collection and database management, documentation, digitization, conservation and registration methods for collections.
• Competent with Microsoft Access and familiarity with geodatabasing software, such as ArcGIS.
• Knowledge of best practices for the preparation, preservation and exhibition of specimens natural history specimens and their data (e.g., metadata standards, data management, etc.), with particular emphasis on malacological specimens.
• Ability to supervise students and communicate directions and expectations effectively.
• Interpersonal skills commensurate with representing the Malacology Collection in one-on-one and group settings.
• Ability to be detail-oriented and highly organized for accuracy of data and information.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and with interdepartmental teams and initiatives.
• Ability and credentials to obtain a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Scientific Collection Permit. 

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities

•  Knowledge in the taxonomic identification of collections.
• Knowledge of Database Management and/or Inventory Management.
• Knowledge of ethical practices and legal standards and compliance in collections management.
• Supervisory skills necessary for directing other people working in the Malacology Collection, including volunteers, students, and interns.

Required level/type of experience and/or years of experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Ecology, Biology, Zoology, Paleontology, or Fisheries/Wildlife.
• At least two years of experience working in collections management of natural history collections in a museum or similar setting.
• At least one year of experience working in a team setting.
• Proficiency in using microscopes and other equipment essential for laboratory biological collections work.

Preferred level/type of experience and/or years of experience

• Master's Degree in Ecology, Biology, Zoology, Paleontology, or Fisheries/Wildlife.
• Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Scientific Collection Permit.
• Two years of experience working with Malacology collections in a museum or similar setting.
• At least one year of experience supervising and training students, volunteers or interns. 
• Experience using established occupational health and safety practices.
• Experience with education and outreach activities for K-12 students and the general public, including experience presenting to communities and organizations, STEM/STEAM education,  and science communication.