Description

MPM is seeking 1 temporary, part-time Collections Move Technician (Natural Sciences) to support the museum’s goal of moving its 4 million object collection to a new building. The technicians will operate within the museum’s Natural Science department, with possible work in the Zoology, Geology, and Botany collections. The Technicians will work collaboratively under the supervision of the museum’s Collections Move Project Manager.

Initial work will focus on undertaking a systematic evaluation of the museum’s ornithology collections, which include study skins, taxidermy, nests, and eggs. In addition to these tasks, future projects may include work with fluid-preserved collections and other dry, zoological collections, paleontological and mineral collections, and herbarium specimens. 

The schedule for the position is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 – 3:30, and the position will run for approximately 1 year with the possibility for extension. To perform this job successfully, ideal candidates will be expected to complete the following duties: 

Essential Duties

• Safely handle and manipulate museum specimens 

• Read and transcribe identifying numbers from specimen labels, catalog books, and catalog cards 

• Swiftly generate digital records from transcribed data into a spreadsheet 

• Create, tie, and attach barcodes to museum specimens 

• Photograph specimens and drawers of specimens as required 

• Critically assess specimen stability and material makeup, pre-packing 

• Pack and unpack various types of specimens safely and securely 

• Fabricate basic packing supports out of archival materials 

• Construct crates and other large scale packing material 

• Operate a standard pallet jack to move packed crates 

• Perform basic operations within the museum’s collections database, EMu 

• Other move-related collections duties as assigned 

Education and/or Experience: 

A documented history (which can include undergraduate or graduate experience) in natural science coursework, or commensurate experience with the natural sciences, is required. Specific work with a natural science museum collection is preferred. Experience handling collections items is highly valued. 

You will be successful in this position if: 

• You are comfortable undertaking fine dexterity work and handling delicate materials* 

• You have the ability to complete repetitive tasks consistently, while maintaining accuracy, safety, and integrity 

• You are detail oriented, with strong problem-solving skills 

• You have the ability to wear PPE appropriate to the tasks assigned 

• You possess strongly developed 3D-spatial reasoning skills 

• You are capable of working independently and as part of a team 

• You can use a ladder, and spend much of the day standing, bending, and lifting* 

• You have familiarity with Microsoft products, with specific experience in Excel 

• You possess proficient typing skills 

*The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM)

is a natural and human history museum located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum is among the oldest in the United States, with a history dating back to the 1850’s. We offer great career opportunities for people with all levels of training, experience, and education. We are a composition of diverse and talented staff working together as a team to offer our visitors the best possible immersive experience in learning and enjoyment.

A career with the Milwaukee Public Museum allows you to connect your skills and abilities in a rewarding position with a non-profit organization doing good work in our community. MPM provides an unlimited opportunity to gain knowledge about our world, as you connect with visitors, donors, innovative staff members, curious students, interns and volunteers in your day-to-day-work. See what MPM has to offer!
The Milwaukee Public Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.