FLMNH Collections Manager II - Gainesville - University of Florida

Description

FLMNH Collections Manager II / FLMNH Collections Manager III

Job No: 537851

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Libraries/Museums

Department: 56021200 - NH-INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY

Job Description

The Florida Museum (FLMNH) is seeking an experienced full‑time Collections Manager II or III to serve as Director of Invertebrate Paleontology Collections within the Department of Natural History. The Invertebrate Paleontology (IP) division currently consists of two faculty curators, two full‑time staff, one half‑time staff, numerous interns and volunteers, three graduate students and one post‑doctoral researcher. The IP collection contains approximately 7,000,000 specimens, primarily Cenozoic invertebrate fossils, and forms the basis for a wide variety of paleontological research.

This full‑time, TEAMS exempt staff position is expected to begin Summer 2026 and will manage and support all aspects of IP research collections, conduct fieldwork, participate in public outreach, pursue external funding, and contribute to the research goals of the institution.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the curation of IP collections, accession specimens, maintain division records, reports, supplies, process loans, and assist visiting scientists, students, and other scholars. Ensure adherence to best practices in all areas of collection management and develop and implement collection policies and workflows in collaboration with the IP Curators.
• Hire, coordinate, train, and supervise staff (TEAMS, OPS), volunteers, and students. Oversee all aspects of training graduate, undergraduate, and postdoctoral researchers in basic curatorial skills, field collection methods, digital imaging, curation, and related procedures.
• Plan and conduct field work aimed at increasing the breadth and quality of IP fossil collections. Support research, including field work and collections‑based projects of the IP curators as well as postdoctoral and student researchers, or other collaborators. Maintain and develop relationships with private mining companies and state agencies to facilitate access, collaboration, and compliance.
• Raise funds to support curation activities by soliciting private entities, foundations, or corporations and by writing grant proposals to fund IP collections or IP facility improvements. Prepare, monitor, and administer grant and state budgets for curation projects.
• Assist with and participate in collection‑based scientific research that advances the IP Division's and FLMNH's standing in the scientific community. Publish findings in peer‑reviewed and popular publications and present research at local, regional, national, and international meetings.
• Lead and participate in public education programs and exhibit planning within and outside the FLMNH. Coordinate tours and press visits within the IP collection and prepare appropriate educational outreach materials. Respond to requests for identification and information from researchers and the public. Maintain and develop relationships with numerous advocacy paleontology societies to support IP outreach initiatives.

Classification Minimum Requirements

Collections Manager II – Bachelor's Degree in a related field is required, and five years of experience working with a collection of an appropriate discipline. Specific knowledge of the discipline for your collection area is required.

Collections Manager III – Bachelor's degree in a related field and ten years of experience working with a collection of an appropriate discipline. Specific knowledge of the discipline for the collection area is required.

Expected Salary

• Collections Manager II: $58,656 – $65,000 annually
• Collections Manager III: $66,000 – $75,000 annually

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. The level of appointment will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications.

Required Qualifications

Collections Manager II – Bachelor's Degree in a related field is required and five years of experience working with a collection of an appropriate discipline. Specific knowledge of the discipline for your collection area is required.

Collections Manager III – Bachelor's degree in a related field and ten years of experience working with a collection of an appropriate discipline. Specific knowledge of the discipline for the collection area is required.

Preferred

• Substantial experience managing invertebrate paleontology collections or in a similar leadership role supervising staff and budgets.
• M.S. or Ph.D. degree in an appropriate area of specialization such as geology or biology and at least five (5) years of experience in identification, care, analysis and cataloging of invertebrate paleontology collections.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with the field of invertebrate paleontology and curatorial procedures in a modern museum, including standards of conservation, computer cataloging, and digital imaging.
• Experience with identification of invertebrate fossils from a broad range of phyla. As most of the collection is from the marine Cenozoic geological record, someone whose expertise and experience includes Cenozoic marine invertebrates, especially mollusks, is preferred.
• Experience using a computer database for curation of museum specimens, especially Specify.
• Experience working with or supervising students and volunteers in museum and field settings.

Special Instructions to Applicants

In order to be considered you must upload (1) a professional CV or resume; (2) a cover letter highlighting relevant experience in invertebrate paleontology, collections management, grantsmanship, outreach programs, and other professional background; (3) a statement, no more than two pages, describing your approach to collections management in a university‑based museum; and (4) names of three references.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants must have a valid driver's license for travel to field sites.
• Must be able to lift moderately heavy objects and stand or walk for extended periods.
• Willingness to work under varying environmental conditions, including heat and humidity.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.

Other Information

Health Assessment Required: Yes

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Applications Close

05 January 2026

To apply

Visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/537851

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Contact

All inquiries may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Michal Kowalewski at mkowalewski@flmnh.ufl.edu.