Museum Curator Analyst

The Ohio State University•Columbus, OH

8d•$44,900 - $58,250•Onsite

About The Position

The Museum Curator Analyst for the Orton Geological Museum within the School of Earth Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences is responsible for curating specimens and promoting their responsible use in research, teaching, and outreach. This role involves accessioning, identifying, and labeling fossils, minerals, and rocks (including meteorites), cataloging specimens, and ensuring their conservation and protection. The Curator will document collection materials digitally using standard software, prepare high-quality digital images, and contribute to research documentation. Responsibilities also include maintaining proper specimen storage, supporting display development, and facilitating loans of geological specimens. Additionally, the Curator will engage in outreach activities such as guided tours and presentations, document museum attendance, manage the museum's retail store, and support the general functions of the museum and the School of Earth Sciences.

Requirements

2 years of relevant experience required with museum collections.
Skilled in the identification of fossils, minerals, and rocks.
Knowledgeable in the handling of scientific voucher specimens, including paleozoological, paleobotanical, and meteorite types.
Knowledgeable about currently accepted scientific classification and interpretation of fossils, minerals, and rocks including meteorites.
Able to assist in research related to the preparation of professional articles on geologic materials.
Ability to use integrated, digital museum cataloging systems and digital photo-documentation is essential.
Must be able to lift at least 25 kg.

Nice To Haves

A graduate degree in Earth Sciences, Geology, Biology, or related areas is desired.
Prior museum experience is desired.
Experience with the identification of fossils, minerals, and rocks, including experience with the systematics and morphology of fossils.
Experience using standard digital museum cataloging and imaging software is desired.
2-4 years of relevant experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Accessioning, identifying, and labeling fossils, minerals, and rocks including meteorites according to currently accepted systematic categories and procedures.
Cataloging specimens.
Conservation and protection of specimens and associated metadata, including any necessary repair and/or preservation of archival materials.
Documenting collection materials conventionally and digitally using standard, integrated software.
Preparing high-quality digital images.
Contributing to research documentation and preparation of research materials for publication.
Maintaining proper specimen storage and supporting improvements to storage areas.
Supporting development and maintenance of displays.
Facilitating loans of geological specimens for research, teaching, outreach, and exhibition.
Conducting outreach and engagement activities such as guided tours of the exhibit gallery and presentations at varied venues.
Documenting and reporting museum attendance data.
Managing sales in and maintenance of the museum’s retail store.
Assisting in and supporting the general function of the museum and the School of Earth Sciences.