Manager of Camps and Collections

Friends of Dinosaur Ridge•Morrison, CO

3d•$22 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of Camps and Collections at Dinosaur Ridge, a part of Jefferson County Parks and Open Space (JCPOS), is responsible for overseeing and managing the state-certified collections repository and exhibit collections. This includes acquisition, documentation, housing, use, preservation, tracking, disposition, and maintenance of specimens. The role also involves co-leading the planning, implementation, and growth of paleontology-related camp experiences for youth and other age groups. The position requires a passion for paleontology, science communication, a background in paleontological work and education, strong leadership skills, and the ability to engage professionally with internal staff and external stakeholders. This position reports to the Director of Paleontology for Collections work and the Director of Education Programs for Camps work, and collaborates with other Director-level staff. The role may involve direct supervision of volunteers, with authority to direct their efforts and establish training requirements, in collaboration with the Director of Volunteers for major decisions. The position is full-time, generally M-F, with time allocation approximately: 55% for Camp Planning, Administration, Staffing, Training, and Implementation; 20% for Collections Management, Compliance, Protocol/Practice Development; 15% for Education Department Co-Leadership; and 10% for Meetings, Conferences, and Other Duties As Assigned.

Requirements

Bachelors’ Degree in science, collections management, and/or science education
Able to pass a criminal background check and necessary background checks needed to comply with State Office of Childcare Licensing
Able to work and walk around outside in a variety of weather conditions, on uneven surfaces, and on inclines and stairs
Available to work typically 5 days per week, including occasional availability on weekends
Highly organized, analytical, systematic, deadline-driven, and attentive to detail
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong computer and technical skills; experience and/or aptitude working with technical applications, including typical spreadsheet, database, and word processing software
Team-oriented and consistently demonstrates positive values in work habits
Experience with communicating science to all audience levels
One or more years of collections management, museum curation, fossil preparation, specimen handling and/or similar experience
One or more years of experience in science education
Six months or more of experience staffing day camps or an equivalent intensive experiences with science themes
Passion for the mission of Dinosaur Ridge

Nice To Haves

Masters’ Degree in science, collections management, and/or science education
Two or more years of collections management, museum curation, fossil preparation, specimen handling and/or similar experience
Two or more years of experience in science education
One year or more of experience staffing day camps with science themes

Responsibilities

Leads the day-to-day management of all aspects of Collections care, following and implementing accepted museum professional standards and practices, under the advisement of the Director of Paleontology.
Directly manages specimen acquisition, accessioning, deaccessioning, documentation, care, maintenance and handling, use and access, copyright, security, environmental monitoring of objects and facilities, and object-based database development, paper files, and archives.
Oversees and carries out Collections care and maintenance in storage spaces and exhibit spaces including routine Collection dusting, movement, rehousing, and storage space planning.
Maintains State of Colorado specimens within policies and procedures established by the Colorado State Historical Preservation Office and other State agencies in accordance with FODR State Repository status.
Updates and maintains policies and procedures regarding Collection management as per current laws, regulations, ethical standards, and best practices.
Works with and under the supervision of the Director of Paleontology on resource preservation issues and project implementation.
Sets and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs) for specimens to be used in exhibits, and collaborates on exhibition planning with the Exhibit Halls Working Group and the Director of Education Programs.
Acts as lead liaison for all potential loans, donations, and acquisitions of fossils, minerals, and archival materials. Administers loan agreements and ensures adherence to established policies.
Collaborates with state and local government (SHPO, JCOS, City of Golden) on Collections related issues, under the supervision of the Director of Paleontology.
Manages paleontology and field work permits needed for FODR and required by JCPOS or the State of Colorado, under the supervision of the Director of Paleontology.
May train and supervise staff and student employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers and interns, as appropriate to the area of operation.
Co-leads the organization’s planning, growth, and implementation of paleontology-related camp experiences, primarily for youth but also occasionally for other age groups.
Ensures camp-related content is consistent with mission, engaging, scientifically accurate, and age-appropriate, with the Director of Education Programs.
Ensures compliance with all State and local government requirements, including permitting related to Child Care licensing and associated laws and regulations, with the Director of Education Programs.
Co-oversees all other aspects of camp planning and implementation, including logistical planning and adaptations, staffing, adequate and necessary volunteer and staff training, budgeting and financial reporting, marketing, registration processes and troubleshooting, and parent/stakeholder communications, with the Director of Education Programs.
Recommends ideas for qualitative and quantitative camp growth to the Director of Education Programs, Executive Director, and other key stakeholders.
Assists the Director of Education Programs to oversee all aspects of work of the Education Department, including priority-setting, intra-department communications and meetings, review of department priorities, scheduling of education programs, and program content development and revision.
Assists the Director of Education Programs to review and provide feedback and/or make recommendations regarding content of education program talking points and associated resources; content and graphics on new and revised interpretive signage; content in exhibit hall/gallery presentations; and content in other education program offerings.
Represents Dinosaur Ridge at professional conferences and events, with the express prior written consent of the Executive Director.
Cultivates relationships with partners and stakeholders within the broader paleontological community for the furtherance of the organization’s mission.
Participates in regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings with Director of Education Programs and the Director of Paleontology to track progress, discuss priorities, and address needs, ideas, and concerns.
Participates in Bimonthly Preservation and Protection Committee meetings to track progress, discuss priorities, and address needs, ideas, and concerns related to Dinosaur Ridge preservation-related issues.
Regularly attends required all-staff trainings or completes makeup assignments within the set deadline period.
Attends Monthly "Expanded" Director-level meetings, when convenient.