FWS | Cincinnati Museum Center Zoology Collections Student Worker

Employer Address: Mount St. Joseph University 5701 Delhi Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45233

Department: Institutional General

Status: Non-Exempt

Supervisor Contact Information:

Dr. Heather Farrington, Curator of Zoology                                                                                                                    

Makayla Dean, Zoology Collections Manager

Job Location: Geier Collections and Research Center | 760 West Fifth St., Cincinnati, OH 45203

Pay: The Student Employee Pay Wage Policy can be found on myMount

Evaluation Period: Annual performance evaluations if the student works the entire academic year. If the student works one semester, the performance evaluation will be completed after that semester.     _____________________________________________________________________________________

Purpose: To assist in the preparation for upcoming collections move of the Zoology department including rehousing, labeling, inventorying, cataloging, and organizing specimens in the dry and fluid collections.

Background: Cincinnati Museum Center’s Zoology collections include birds, mammals, herps (reptiles/amphibians), fish, insects, and shells. These collections include both dry and fluid preserved collections, with some specimens dating back over 100 years. Collections are managed for both research and education purposes, as well as potential exhibition. Volunteers and students are critical to help museum staff keep up with daily activities in the collections. 

Key Responsibilities:

The focus of this position is to assist museum staff in preparing the zoology collection for the upcoming move in 2027. The list of responsibilities below are examples of work to be completed but is not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed or at the expressed interest of the student.

• Identify and relabel specimens with damaged, illegible, or missing tags.
• Rehouse specimens into archival boxes and trays.
• Monitor and maintain jar fluid levels in the fluid collection.
• Assist in maintenance of electronic and paper catalog records.
• Catalogue, label, and install into the collection freshwater and marine shells, pinned and mounted insects, and vertebrate specimens.
• Monitor collections for evidence of pests, mold, and other agents of deterioration.
• Assist museum staff in keeping work and collection areas clean and well-organized.
• Additional duties, such as assisting in processing incoming collections and outgoing loans, as the need arises.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled at Mount St. Joseph University
• Eligible for Federal Work-Study Program.
• Interest in zoology, biology, museology, or closely related field.
• Knowledge of mussel, insect, mammal, bird, or herptile taxonomy a plus.
• Must be able to perform technical work, make careful observations, and record data legibly and accurately.
• Must have strong organizational skills and be attentive to detail.
• Must be capable of working independently and in small groups.
• Familiar with spreadsheet databasing (Excel).
• Must be able to lift weight of at least 25 pounds.

Time Commitment: Flexible based on student schedule. Shifts available M-F during business hours (9-4).

Dress Code: Casual – clothes may get dusty/dirty. Collection storage and work areas are maintained at 65°F. No excessive dangling jewelry or clothes. Must wear close-toe shoes.

To apply, please upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information with three professional references via Paycom.

A review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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Mount St. Joseph University is an Equal Opportunity Employer