Geoscience Specimen Collections Curator and Manager
Stanford University
Application
Details
Posted: 20-May-22
Location: Stanford, California
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 93809
Stanford Libraries in conjunction with the School of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences invites applications for the full-time permanent position of Collections Curator and Manager for the School's mineral, rock, and fossil collection. The Libraries values are rooted in a commitment of mutual respect, the idea that every member of the staff has something to contribute, and that learning is constant. We seek a team member who is ready to share their skills and perspectives.
The Collections Curator and Manager will report to the Associate University Librarian for Sciences and Engineering. The School holds a large collection of at least 250,000 objects that require professional curation and management. These objects include rock and mineral specimens, samples, artifacts, and associated items such as field notebooks, maps, and reports. This partially curated collection will be housed in a yet to be built permanent physical space with dedicated staff to oversee accessioning, processing, management, and access to the collections in order to further research and teaching within the School and the broader scientific community. We seek an experienced and dynamic expert manager who will build the repository from the ground up into an actively curated collection.
About Stanford Libraries:
Stanford Libraries is a network of over 15 libraries with over 400 employees. We are committed to fueling the teaching, learning and research across Stanford by acquiring, stewarding, and making available a robust collection, currently in excess of 12 million items. Everyone in the organization plays a vital role in fulfilling that objective. Our dedication to discoverability and information management also has us engaged in dynamic global partnerships. We are constantly building and strengthening our organization, and we recognize striving for excellence is a marathon and not a sprint. We are constantly trying to strike the right pace, and admit there are times when we find ourselves at a fast jog. While we hope to always find candidates who fit within our organization, what we truly seek is someone who will add to our culture, our profession as well as the greater academic arena. We are invested in the success of our teams and the individuals who represent Stanford Libraries.
About the Position:
The successful candidate will be responsible for the creation, oversight, procedures, maintenance, and management of the mineral, rock, and fossils specimen collection under the terms, conditions, and directions of the Stanford Libraries' AUL for Sciences and Engineering with the guidance of a committee of professors from the School. The Curator/Manager will be expected to provide leadership, vision, and strategic thinking in order to create a dynamic resource that will integrate the collections and their management into the research and academic programs at Stanford and the wider community. The successful candidate will be expected to provide expertise in setting up the database, create processes and procedures to accession the materials, work with the Faculty Committee on circulation and loan policies, and provide leadership on the creation of the physical space for long-term storage of the collection. The Curator/Manager will hire and manage 3 assistants in term-funded positions to help with the collection inventory, accessioning and photography of the collections.
Core Duties include but are not limited to:
Manage all aspects of storage, maintenance, use, security, and preventive conservation of the collection.
Develop, implement, and manage policies, procedures, and documentation associated with the acquisition, care, display, and loan of the collections.
Develop and monitor access protocols for research and teaching use of the specimens by faculty, students, and other interested parties.
Facilitate access and track use of collections for purposes of research, education, loan, and exhibit.
Develop and maintain the specimen database.
Act as the primary liaison with the School of Earth faculty and develop a cooperative and productive relationship between the Libraries and the School of Earth ensuring successful management of the collections.
Hire, train, and supervise staff to inventory, process, photograph, and maintain the collections.
Document, facilitate, and monitor loan requests.
Conceive, research, develop, and collaborate with colleagues to organize and mount displays of varying scope and curate items for classroom use.
Prepare collections-related reports including an annual report.
Monitor and manage the stewardship needs of the collections in adherence to the university's stewardship standards.
Collaborate with the Metadata Department and the Preservation Department on an as needed basis.
Respond to external requests for information about the specimens and field donation requests in collaboration with the Faculty Committee and Office of Development for the School.
Follow all University and museum ethics rules and protocols.
Other duties as assigned.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
Education & Experience:
Advanced degree in an earth sciences field with two years' work experience in museum collections' management, care, and documentation or over five years extensive experience in a managerial position of a natural history collection.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated experience and background in physical and digital collection management including building or maintaining databases for objects.
Proven experience working with specimen collections and understanding the standards of practice in their management.
Familiarity with general museum collection protocols and library procedures.
Ability to handle delicate specimens and ancillary materials with damage or loss of data.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and efficiently, with competing deadlines.
Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office and Google Suites, and database management applications (preferably with regards to collection management software such as Gallery Systems).
Demonstrated management and project management skills. Must demonstrate the ability to be both an effective manager and team member who can work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Demonstrated ability to build effective long-term relationships both internally and externally and the ability to clearly articulate and carry out the Collection's goals.
Sound knowledge of collections best practices, ethics, and standards.
Physical Requirements*:
Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, seated work and use light/ fine grasping.
Occasionally stand, walk, and write by hand, lift, carry, push pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
Working Conditions:
May work extended or non-standard hours, weekends and holidays based on business needs.
Occasional local and overnight travel may be required.
May work in areas with exposure to dust, paint, chemicals and other toxins.
Work Standards:
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research, teaching and clinical missions.
We believe Stanford's future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.
Why Stanford is for You:
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, and course auditing. Join a TedTalk, watch a film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
