What are the responsibilities and job description for the Curator of Ornithology position at People Architects?
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, founded in 1920, is located in the heart of
University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. For more than a century,
the Museum has inspired visitors to connect with the wonders of science and nature.
Today, we continue that legacy—and remain committed to sharing our resources to
promote a healthy future for both humans and the planet.
As Ohio’s largest natural history museum, we use our vast collections and state-of-the-
art facilities to contribute to scientific understanding worldwide. Our scientists conduct
research across a variety of disciplines, making groundbreaking discoveries about early
human ancestors, ancient Ohio, animal and plant life around the world, and more. We
steward more than 12,500 acres of wild habitats through our Natural Areas Program,
working to protect the environment of northern Ohio and the diverse species that call it
home.
The Museum is seeking a creative and dynamic professional to join our Biological
Sciences curatorial team.
Job Summary
The Curator of Ornithology is a museum scientist who runs an independent research
program as part of a team of interdisciplinary curators. They will serve as a scientific
expert for the museum in areas such as avian ecology, field ornithology, genomic
ornithology, and/or avian biodiversity. The Curator engages in public outreach and
engagement, working to translate scientific information into accessible, compelling
content that enhances public interest and knowledge. The Curator trains students
through Museum-supported undergraduate work study, internships for high school and
college students, and volunteer opportunities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities – Equally divided, with 1/3 (33.3%) devoted to
research, 1/3 to public engagement, and 1/3 to institutional services.
Conduct relevant fieldwork, collection-based, or laboratory research in support of
an established research program. Adapt or build a research program that
supports the Museum’s mission and utilizes our galleries, collections, and/or
natural areas. Present research results in academic forums such as peer-
reviewed scientific journals and conferences.
Seek external funding to support research activities and manage the research
budgets.
Oversee Research Assistant staff members, volunteers, students, interns, and
other specialized staff involved in research activities.
Establish collaborative networks that can enhance the reach and application of
the research program.Contribute accurate and relevant scientific content for Museum projects, including reports, marketing materials, and public engagement. Serve as the content
provider in the development of CMNH temporary and traveling exhibits.
In collaboration with philanthropy, lead tours, meet with donors, and develop
content in support of fundraising activities.
Collaborate with collections management staff to create and implement collection
strategies and access, including reviewing external research requests. Provide
advisement and assistance for the care and access to collections.
Develop or enable academic partnerships for student training aligned with
research program and Museum priorities.
Adhere to the CMNH Collections Policy Manual.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Ecology, Ornithology, Biodiversity, or a or a related field and 3-5 years of
experience required. Experience securing external funding and research publications
required.
Research focus related to Northeast Ohio, the Lake Erie Basin, and/or the Museum’s
collections and natural area preserves preferred.
Required Application Materials
CV
Research Statement
Cover Letter
Must include a museum integration plan that speaks to the science
communication experience, community outreach, and use of Museum
resources such as collections.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Expert knowledge of biodiversity, climate change, conservation, ecosystems,
evolution, natural history, and best-practice research methodology.
Proven ability to plan, direct, report on, and secure external funding to support
research activities.
Strong ability to communicate scientific materials in accessible, compelling ways
to engage with diverse audiences.
Proven ability to manage research personnel, including students, interns, and
volunteers.
Strong knowledge Microsoft Office Suite products.
Excellent written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and listening skills.
Ability to work independently, within interdisciplinary teams, and as a leader on
large-scale projects.
Ability to follow all established Museum operating, safety, environmental, and
quality policies.
Ability to function in a fast-paced environment with time constraints and meet
deadlines with competing priorities.
Working Conditions
This position includes working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Position
may require sitting, walking, standing, or working at a computer for prolonged periods of
time. Must be able to lift 50lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA
EMPLOYER, and a SUBSTANCE-FREE WORKPLACE
University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. For more than a century,
the Museum has inspired visitors to connect with the wonders of science and nature.
Today, we continue that legacy—and remain committed to sharing our resources to
promote a healthy future for both humans and the planet.
As Ohio’s largest natural history museum, we use our vast collections and state-of-the-
art facilities to contribute to scientific understanding worldwide. Our scientists conduct
research across a variety of disciplines, making groundbreaking discoveries about early
human ancestors, ancient Ohio, animal and plant life around the world, and more. We
steward more than 12,500 acres of wild habitats through our Natural Areas Program,
working to protect the environment of northern Ohio and the diverse species that call it
home.
The Museum is seeking a creative and dynamic professional to join our Biological
Sciences curatorial team.
Job Summary
The Curator of Ornithology is a museum scientist who runs an independent research
program as part of a team of interdisciplinary curators. They will serve as a scientific
expert for the museum in areas such as avian ecology, field ornithology, genomic
ornithology, and/or avian biodiversity. The Curator engages in public outreach and
engagement, working to translate scientific information into accessible, compelling
content that enhances public interest and knowledge. The Curator trains students
through Museum-supported undergraduate work study, internships for high school and
college students, and volunteer opportunities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities – Equally divided, with 1/3 (33.3%) devoted to
research, 1/3 to public engagement, and 1/3 to institutional services.
Conduct relevant fieldwork, collection-based, or laboratory research in support of
an established research program. Adapt or build a research program that
supports the Museum’s mission and utilizes our galleries, collections, and/or
natural areas. Present research results in academic forums such as peer-
reviewed scientific journals and conferences.
Seek external funding to support research activities and manage the research
budgets.
Oversee Research Assistant staff members, volunteers, students, interns, and
other specialized staff involved in research activities.
Establish collaborative networks that can enhance the reach and application of
the research program.Contribute accurate and relevant scientific content for Museum projects, including reports, marketing materials, and public engagement. Serve as the content
provider in the development of CMNH temporary and traveling exhibits.
In collaboration with philanthropy, lead tours, meet with donors, and develop
content in support of fundraising activities.
Collaborate with collections management staff to create and implement collection
strategies and access, including reviewing external research requests. Provide
advisement and assistance for the care and access to collections.
Develop or enable academic partnerships for student training aligned with
research program and Museum priorities.
Adhere to the CMNH Collections Policy Manual.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Ph.D. in Ecology, Ornithology, Biodiversity, or a or a related field and 3-5 years of
experience required. Experience securing external funding and research publications
required.
Research focus related to Northeast Ohio, the Lake Erie Basin, and/or the Museum’s
collections and natural area preserves preferred.
Required Application Materials
CV
Research Statement
Cover Letter
Must include a museum integration plan that speaks to the science
communication experience, community outreach, and use of Museum
resources such as collections.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Expert knowledge of biodiversity, climate change, conservation, ecosystems,
evolution, natural history, and best-practice research methodology.
Proven ability to plan, direct, report on, and secure external funding to support
research activities.
Strong ability to communicate scientific materials in accessible, compelling ways
to engage with diverse audiences.
Proven ability to manage research personnel, including students, interns, and
volunteers.
Strong knowledge Microsoft Office Suite products.
Excellent written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and listening skills.
Ability to work independently, within interdisciplinary teams, and as a leader on
large-scale projects.
Ability to follow all established Museum operating, safety, environmental, and
quality policies.
Ability to function in a fast-paced environment with time constraints and meet
deadlines with competing priorities.
Working Conditions
This position includes working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Position
may require sitting, walking, standing, or working at a computer for prolonged periods of
time. Must be able to lift 50lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA
EMPLOYER, and a SUBSTANCE-FREE WORKPLACE
