Collections Technician I, II, III, Botany

Employment Type Full Time Hourly Non Exempt TemporaryPermanent Permanent Deadline to Apply This application will remain open until the position is filled Rate of Pay 1750 2397 per hour commensurate with experience This wage band is set and not subject to negotiation Job Purpose The Natural Sciences Collections Technician supports the care preservation digitization documentation and accessibility of the Museums biological collections across multiple taxa This position assists with daily collection operations specimen processing environmental monitoring and database management in accordance with institutional policies safety standards and regulatory requirements At higher levels the role provides technical leadership oversees complex projects develops protocols ensures compliance with federal and state regulations and collaborates with Collection Managers researchers and visiting scientists to support research education and public engagement activities Duties and Responsibilities Level I Assist with specimen handling labeling and basic cataloging including entering and updating records in collection databases Support digitization efforts including imaging scanning and barcoding of specimens Follow established protocols for specimen cleaning preservation and storage Maintain cleanliness and organization of laboratory and storage areas Adhere to safety and handling procedures to protect specimens staff and visitors Assist with routine pest monitoring environmental checks and general laboratory upkeep Level II Catalog accession and process both new acquisitions and legacy specimens Identify and classify undetermined materials into appropriate taxonomic groups eg Order Family Subfamily to improve collection access and organization Maintain accurate records of loans exchanges and specimen condition in the Museums collections database Train and supervise interns volunteers and junior technicians in collection procedures and protocols Troubleshoot issues related to specimen preservation storage conditions or documentation Assist with field collection activities and specimen preparation Prepare specimens for storage or research use including insect mounting fluid preservation and herbarium sheet assembly Conduct environmental and pest monitoring and support implementation of integrated pest management IPM strategies Level III Oversee daily operations of the biological collections and ensure adherence to institutional best practices Develop and implement workflows for digitization databasing and long term specimen preservation Coordinate with the Collection Manager on specimen access use and documentation Plan and execute large scale projects including collection moves inventories and rehousing efforts Develop document and refine protocols for preservation databasing and digitization across multiple taxonomic groups Assist with field collection activities and specimen preparation Train and supervise junior technicians interns and volunteers in advanced collection care techniques Manage incoming and outgoing loans and maintain detailed records of specimen use in collaboration with the Collection Manager Collaborate with researchers educators and visiting scientists to facilitate access to collections and support research activities Conduct regular integrated pest management IPM and environmental monitoring eg temperature humidity light dust; calibrate equipment; and maintain records and reports Ensure compliance with institutional legal and ethical standards including permits CITES NAGPRA and other regulatory frameworks Identify specimens to lower taxonomic ranks eg Family Genus Species and contribute to taxonomic publications such as new species descriptions and locality records Comply with all federal and state regulations regarding collecting salvaging possession and shipment of biological materials in coordination with the Collection Manager Responsibilities Applicable to All Technician Levels Process specimens for preservation and storage using appropriate methods to ensure their long term usability for research education or display Assist with updating and maintaining collection databases eg specimen geographic bibliographic including managing associated digital assets such as images and audio files Perform routine collection care tasks including monitoring fluid preservative quality eg level pH specific gravity freeze sterilizing materials conducting inventories and maintaining cabinet and drawer organization Coordinate with the Collection Manager on specimen loans accessions and deaccessions in accordance with institutional policies and procedures Follow established collection processes and policies under the guidance of the Collection Manager Registration and Informatics staff Participate in public engagement activities tours and exhibit development as assigned Interact with staff and Museum clients with tact courtesy and professionalism Demonstrate a collaborative approach; support teamwork; and maintain constructive working relationships with colleagues clients and partners Perform other duties and participate in training as assigned Qualifications Level I High school diploma or equivalent Coursework in biology or a related field is strongly encouraged Demonstrated interest in science natural history and museum practices Ability and willingness to learn collection management systems and follow preservation protocols Basic computer proficiency including data entry and use of standard office software Level II Associates or Bachelors degree in biology museum studies or a related field Minimum of two years of experience in fieldwork laboratory settings or a museum or science related environment Proficiency in using collection management systems Working knowledge of relevant taxonomic groups biological preservation methods and museum best practices Level III Bachelors degree in biology museum studies or a related field Minimum of four years of relevant experience in fieldwork laboratory settings museum collections or systems and data management Advanced knowledge of biological classification data standards and museum ethics Demonstrated expertise in one or more relevant taxonomic groups Strong experience with digital asset management systems and collection databases Proven leadership training and project management skills Preferred Qualifications All Levels Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace Experience with museum database software such as EMu TMS or Specify Experience with GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS Experience with bioinformatics and or phylogenetics software such as Geneious MEGA or BOLD Experience with image processing software such as Adobe Photoshop Lightroom or GIMP Familiarity with programming languages such as R Python or SQL Relevant certifications or specialized training as required by the department Other Requirements The position is based on Oahu and requires regular on site presence for leadership and coordination of Museum operations Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends to meet the needs of the organization and respond to operational priorities Must maintain the ability to travel independently between Museum facilities partner sites and meetings; a valid drivers license is required only if driving is necessary to perform job duties Must successfully complete required institutional safety training including respirator use and applicable HIOSH or departmental safety programs and participate in any associated clearance or monitoring as required Direct Reports Volunteers Interns Working Conditions Work is performed primarily in laboratory collection storage office and field environments Laboratory work may involve exposure to fumes noxious odors and gases from fixative and preservation media as well as dust and mold from the storage environment Employees may work in temperature and humidity controlled spaces low light areas and on elevated shelving systems while using microscopes hand tools and specimen preparation equipment Fieldwork may involve exposure to high altitudes and wet conditions hiking over uneven terrain carrying equipment and travel between Museum facilities or partner sites Evening or weekend work may be required to support inventories collection moves public programs or operational needs and personal protective equipment must be used in accordance with institutional safety policies and training Physical Requirements Primarily light work with periods of sitting standing walking reaching lifting carrying pushing and pulling Requires a high degree of hand eye coordination to use microscopes and hand tools to prepare specimens ranging from small and delicate to large and heavy as well as prolonged handling and manipulation of specimens and storage containers Involves extended periods of data entry and keyboard use Requires visual acuity sufficient to perform detailed work including depth perception a wide field of vision and the ability to distinguish colors with or without reasonable accommodation Must be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation Requires the ability to communicate verbally and in writing with colleagues and others and to read and process information Machines and Equipment Used Stereo dissecting microscope plastic heat sealer large hand tools eg hammer pliers small hand tools eg forceps scalpel electrical tools computer scanner and photocopier Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities duties and skills required The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities Please contact us at hrbishopmuseumorg or 808 848 4107 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures providing documents in an alternate format using a sign language interpreter or using specialized equipment Equal Opportunity Employer We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age ancestry citizenship or immigration status color disability ethnicity familial status gender identity andor expression genetic information marital status national origin race religion sex sexual orientation veteran status or any other protected status