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Dr Jenny C. McElwain
mcelwain@fieldmuseum.org
Monday, August 25, 2003 11:53:19 AM
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<![CDATA[Collections manager, paleobotany
The department of Geology of the Field Museum has an immediate opening for an
experienced
collection manager of fossil plants. The fossil plant collections, especially
strong in Carboniferous
from Mazon Creek, Paleocene from the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains, and in
Mid and Late
Cretaceous floras of North America encompass approximately 80,000 curated
specimens and are
ranked among the top paleobotanical collections in the world. We are seeking
someone
experienced with all aspects of modern collection management, a background in
paleobotany or
botany and familiar with the maintenance and use of database software to
facilitate and develop
initiatives for enhancing collection use and profile. The Collection Manager
will report to the
Curator of Paleobotany. Although not essential, a graduate education and an
advanced degree in
systematic paleobotany or botany are highly desired. A bachelorís degree in
botany/geology with a
minimum of three years collection management experience will also be considered.
To apply send
your CV and statement of interest to Human Resources, Paleobotany Collection
Manger Search,
The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 by September 30th
2003. Please
arrange to have three letters of reference sent to Jennifer McElwain, Department
of Geology, The
Field Museum by the same date.
Detailed description
The primary role will be to manage and coordinate all aspects of the extensive
Paleobotanical
collections for the Geology Department. Responsibilities will include
conservation of collections,
facilitating loans, accession of fossil plant material into the collections,
cataloging material, and
management and up keeping of the collections database. The role will involve
facilitating and
developing initiatives for enhancing collections use and profile, including
continued development
of on line access to the collections database. Other major responsibilities
will involve writing and
administering grants for collection care, maintenance, storage, computerization
and acquisitions.
In particular two large paleobotanical collections recently acquisitioned by the
Field Museum
require considerable curation.
The collection manager position will require a strong background in fossil plant
identification and
at least three years experience in plant or fossil plant systematics. Although
not essential, a
graduate education and an advanced degree in botany or paleobotany are highly
desired. A
bachelors degree in botany or geology with at least three years experience in
collections
management will also be considered. The position requires experience in fossil
collections
management, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Good
communication skills
and a personable nature are also highly desired as the position will involve the
supervision of
volunteers and collections staff, assisting visiting scientists, interaction
with amateur collectors,
guiding public tours of the fossil plant collections and identification of
specimens for the public.
Responsibilities will include participation in other departmental duties and in
public learning
programs in all areas of the museum as required. Specific duties include
assisting the paleobotany
curator in all aspects of the re-development of Life Over Time. The position is
full time permanent
and includes health and dental insurance benefits with a minor level of employee
contribution.
The fossil plant collections at The Field Museum are ranked fourth or fifth in
size nationally with
about 77,800 curated specimens that range in geologic age from Precambrian to
Pleistocene. The
collections are especially noteworthy for the Pennsylvanian Mazon Creek flora,
Paleocene floras
from the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains, for Mid and Late Cretaceous floras of
North America.
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