Collections Technician I, II, III, Botany

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent
Deadline to Apply: This application will remain open until the position is filled.
Rate of Pay: $17.50 - $23.97 per hour, commensurate with experience. This wage band is set and not subject to negotiation.

Job Purpose

The Natural Sciences Collections Technician supports the care, preservation, digitization, documentation, and accessibility of the Museum’s biological collections across multiple taxa. This position assists with daily collection operations, specimen processing, environmental monitoring, and database management in accordance with institutional policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. At higher levels, the role provides technical leadership, oversees complex projects, develops protocols, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, and collaborates with Collection Managers, researchers, and visiting scientists to support research, education, and public engagement activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Level I:

• Assist with specimen handling, labeling, and basic cataloging, including entering and updating records in collection databases.

• Support digitization efforts, including imaging, scanning, and barcoding of specimens.

• Follow established protocols for specimen cleaning, preservation, and storage.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory and storage areas.

• Adhere to safety and handling procedures to protect specimens, staff, and visitors.

• Assist with routine pest monitoring, environmental checks, and general laboratory upkeep.

Level II:

• Catalog, accession, and process both new acquisitions and legacy specimens.

• Identify and classify undetermined materials into appropriate taxonomic groups (e.g., Order, Family, Subfamily) to improve collection access and organization.

• Maintain accurate records of loans, exchanges, and specimen condition in the Museum’s collections database.

• Train and supervise interns, volunteers, and junior technicians in collection procedures and protocols.

• Troubleshoot issues related to specimen preservation, storage conditions, or documentation.

• Assist with field collection activities and specimen preparation.

• Prepare specimens for storage or research use, including insect mounting, fluid preservation, and herbarium sheet assembly.

• Conduct environmental and pest monitoring and support implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

Level III:

• Oversee daily operations of the biological collections and ensure adherence to institutional best practices.

• Develop and implement workflows for digitization, databasing, and long term specimen preservation.

• Coordinate with the Collection Manager on specimen access, use, and documentation.

• Plan and execute large scale projects, including collection moves, inventories, and rehousing efforts.

• Develop, document, and refine protocols for preservation, databasing, and digitization across multiple taxonomic groups.

• Assist with field collection activities and specimen preparation.

• Train and supervise junior technicians, interns, and volunteers in advanced collection care techniques.

• Manage incoming and outgoing loans and maintain detailed records of specimen use in collaboration with the Collection Manager.

• Collaborate with researchers, educators, and visiting scientists to facilitate access to collections and support research activities.

• Conduct regular integrated pest management (IPM) and environmental monitoring (e.g., temperature, humidity, light, dust); calibrate equipment; and maintain records and reports.

• Ensure compliance with institutional, legal, and ethical standards, including permits, CITES, NAGPRA, and other regulatory frameworks.

• Identify specimens to lower taxonomic ranks (e.g., Family, Genus, Species) and contribute to taxonomic publications, such as new species descriptions and locality records.

• Comply with all federal and state regulations regarding collecting, salvaging, possession, and shipment of biological materials in coordination with the Collection Manager.

Responsibilities Applicable to All Technician Levels:

• Process specimens for preservation and storage using appropriate methods to ensure their long term usability for research, education, or display.

• Assist with updating and maintaining collection databases (e.g., specimen, geographic, bibliographic), including managing associated digital assets such as images and audio files.

• Perform routine collection care tasks, including monitoring fluid preservative quality (e.g., level, pH, specific gravity), freeze sterilizing materials, conducting inventories, and maintaining cabinet and drawer organization.

• Coordinate with the Collection Manager on specimen loans, accessions, and deaccessions in accordance with institutional policies and procedures.

• Follow established collection processes and policies under the guidance of the Collection Manager, Registration, and Informatics staff.

• Participate in public engagement activities, tours, and exhibit development as assigned.

• Interact with staff and Museum clients with tact, courtesy, and professionalism. Demonstrate a collaborative approach; support teamwork; and maintain constructive working relationships with colleagues, clients, and partners.

• Perform other duties and participate in training as assigned.

Qualifications

Level I:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Coursework in biology or a related field is strongly encouraged.

• Demonstrated interest in science, natural history, and museum practices.

• Ability and willingness to learn collection management systems and follow preservation protocols.

• Basic computer proficiency, including data entry and use of standard office software.

Level II:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in biology, museum studies, or a related field.

• Minimum of two years of experience in fieldwork, laboratory settings, or a museum or science-related environment.

• Proficiency in using collection management systems.

• Working knowledge of relevant taxonomic groups, biological preservation methods, and museum best practices.

Level III:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, museum studies, or a related field.

• Minimum of four years of relevant experience in fieldwork, laboratory settings, museum collections, or systems and data management.

• Advanced knowledge of biological classification, data standards, and museum ethics.

• Demonstrated expertise in one or more relevant taxonomic groups.

• Strong experience with digital asset management systems and collection databases.

• Proven leadership, training, and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications (All Levels):

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.

• Experience with museum database software such as EMu, TMS, or Specify.

• Experience with GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.

• Experience with bioinformatics and or phylogenetics software such as Geneious, MEGA, or BOLD.

• Experience with image processing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or GIMP.

• Familiarity with programming languages such as R, Python, or SQL.

• Relevant certifications or specialized training as required by the department.

Other Requirements

• The position is based on O’ahu and requires regular, on-site presence for leadership and coordination of Museum operations.

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of the organization and respond to operational priorities.

• Must maintain the ability to travel independently between Museum facilities, partner sites, and meetings; a valid driver’s license is required only if driving is necessary to perform job duties.

• Must successfully complete required institutional safety training, including respirator use and applicable HIOSH or departmental safety programs, and participate in any associated clearance or monitoring as required.

Direct Reports

Volunteers

Interns

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in laboratory, collection storage, office, and field environments. Laboratory work may involve exposure to fumes, noxious odors, and gases from fixative and preservation media, as well as dust and mold from the storage environment. Employees may work in temperature and humidity-controlled spaces, low light areas, and on elevated shelving systems while using microscopes, hand tools, and specimen preparation equipment.

Fieldwork may involve exposure to high altitudes and wet conditions, hiking over uneven terrain, carrying equipment, and travel between Museum facilities or partner sites. Evening or weekend work may be required to support inventories, collection moves, public programs, or operational needs, and personal protective equipment must be used in accordance with institutional safety policies and training.

Physical Requirements

Primarily light work with periods of sitting, standing, walking, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Requires a high degree of hand eye coordination to use microscopes and hand tools to prepare specimens ranging from small and delicate to large and heavy, as well as prolonged handling and manipulation of specimens and storage containers. Involves extended periods of data entry and keyboard use.

Requires visual acuity sufficient to perform detailed work, including depth perception, a wide field of vision, and the ability to distinguish colors, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Requires the ability to communicate verbally and in writing with colleagues and others and to read and process information.

Machines and Equipment Used: Stereo dissecting microscope, plastic heat sealer, large hand tools (e.g., hammer, pliers), small hand tools (e.g., forceps, scalpel), electrical tools, computer, scanner, and photocopier.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at hr@bishopmuseum.org or 808-848-4107 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Salary : $18 - $24