Assistant Collections Manager - Los Angeles County Museum Of natural History Foundation : Job Details

Assistant Collections Manager, Collections Rescue The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County was the first museum in L.A. to open its doors 111 years ago and is poised for an exciting new era as it plans for the future. Having recently completed a new strategic framework, the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County-including NHMLA at Exposition Park, La Brea Tar Pits and museum in mid-Wilshire, and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall-is looking forward to new building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach, and innovative audience engagement. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County values and endeavors to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and access within its organization and communities. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC), neurodiverse, gender, a person with disability, a veteran, and/or a part of the LGBTQAI+ community are welcome and encouraged to apply. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking an Assistant Collections Manager, Collections Rescue for our Research & Collections Herpetology department. The Assistant Collections Manager, Collections Rescue works closely with the Project Manager, Collections Rescue in implementing a major new initiative funded by the California Institute for Biodiversity that focuses on rescuing natural history specimens that are at risk of being lost to the scientific and conservation communities. It is an exciting time as we embark on new journeys of becoming a museum of, for, and with L.A. Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in daily curation and collections management activities including rehousing, identifying, cataloging, organizing, and preserving natural history specimens and associated data.

• Assist with securing, inventorying, and moving off-site natural history specimens at risk of damage or loss to NHMLAC facilities for further processing, including, when possible, the integration of specimens into the appropriate NHMLAC collection.

• Work with the Project Manager and collections staff across NHMLAC-Research and Collections Division to determine the best course of action to secure specimens.

• Supervise and mentor additional Collections Rescue personnel including volunteers and federal work-study students.

• Assist Project Manager and Museum Registrars and collections staff across NHMLAC-Research and Collections Division to document the legal transfer of specimens from donor to Museum.

• Work cooperatively with other collection management and conservation staff to achieve the highest level of collection care and productivity across organizational units and maintains a collegial work environment that is respectful and collaborative.

• Provide documentation for rescued specimens, including inventorying, cataloging, entering/updating database records, enhancing documentation through digitization, and researching specimen and/or material information.

This position has the following requirements:

• Experience and education equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in biology, museum studies, or a related field and some experience in the management and operation of specimen-based natural history collections.
• Working knowledge of the utility of natural history specimens for diverse research and conservation purposes, and the organization and management of natural history collections.
• Experience with safe handling of natural history specimens and related collections data.
• Excellent attention to detail, including the ability to follow detailed written workflows and enter data accurately.
• Ability to work well with others in a team and to work independently with minimal supervision. Must communicate effectively with supervisor, peers, students and volunteers.
• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication.
• Experience using a personal computer and with typical word processing, spreadsheet, email, calendar, and other software (PC and/or Macintosh) including Google Suite (Drive, Spreadsheets, etc.).
• Ability to write clear technical procedures and professional correspondence is desired.
• Experience working with and supervising a diverse team of volunteers and students is desired.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to engagement and inclusion at culturally diverse audiences in museums and in sciences. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience and commitment working with a diverse community. Hourly range for this position is $24.83 based on experience plus excellent benefits. This is a Full-Time Temporary, non-exempt position with an end date of 04/30/2026. A cover letter, current resume, and list of 3-4 references are required for all applicants. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates please visit www.nhmlac.org/careers-our-museums and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.