Collections Move Technician - Natural Science (Geology)

Job Details: Job Location: Milwaukee Public Museum - Milwaukee, WI, Salary Range: $15.45Commission, MPM is seeking 1 temporary, part-time Collections Move Technician to support the museum’s goal of moving its 4 million object collection to a new building. This technician will operate within the museum’s Natural Science department, with their main area of work being Geology with some work in the Zoology collections and the Herbarium. The technicians will work collaboratively under the supervision of the Collections Move Project Associate. Initial work will focus on packing vertebrate fossils. Future projects may include packing the mineral and invertebrate specimens, unpacking specimens into new storage, and possibly assisting in the zoological collections and herbarium as needed.

While most of the work will be done at MPM, some work may be done at an offsite storage location or at the site of the new museum.  

This position will require consistent standing, bending, and lifting throughout the day and tasks that require repetitive movements for long periods of time.

The schedule for the position is Monday through Thursday from 8:30 – 3:30, and the position will run for approximately 1 year with the possibility for extension.  To perform this job successfully, ideal candidates will be expected to complete the following duties:  

Safely handle and manipulate museum specimens  
Read and transcribe identifying numbers from specimen labels, catalog books, and catalog cards  
Swiftly generate digital records from transcribed data into a spreadsheet  
Create, tie, and otherwise attach barcodes to museum specimens  
Photograph specimens and drawers of specimens as required  
Critically assess specimen stability and material makeup, pre-packing  
Pack and unpack various types of specimens safely and securely  
Fabricate basic packing supports out of archival materials  
Construct crates and other large scale packing material  
Operate a standard pallet jack to move packed crates  
Perform basic operations within Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft products  
Other move-related collections duties as assigned

Education and/or Experience:  

A documented history (which can include undergraduate or graduate experience) in natural science coursework, or commensurate experience within the natural sciences, is required.

Competencies: 

Comfortable undertaking fine dexterity work and handling delicate materials  
Ability to complete repetitive tasks consistently, while maintaining accuracy, safety, and integrity 
Detail oriented, with strong problem-solving skills  
Ability to wear PPE appropriate to the tasks assigned  
Strongly developed 3D-spatial reasoning skills  
Capable of working independently and as part of a team  
The ability to use a ladder, and spend much of the day standing, bending, and lifting  
Familiarity with Microsoft products, with specific experience in Excel  
Proficient typing skills 

Benefits:

Dental and Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off Package
401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
Free Museum Membership
Museum Shop, Food, & Beverage Discounts
Parking Subsidy/Discounted Bus Pass

The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM): The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) is a natural and human history museum located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum is among the oldest in the United States, with a history dating back to the 1850’s. We offer great career opportunities for people with all levels of training, experience, and education. We are a composition of diverse and talented staff working together as a team to offer our visitors the best possible immersive experience in learning and enjoyment.

A career with the Milwaukee Public Museum allows you to connect your skills and abilities in a rewarding position with a non-profit organization doing good work in our community. MPM provides an unlimited opportunity to gain knowledge about our world, as you connect with visitors, donors, innovative staff members, curious students, interns and volunteers in your day-to-day-work. See what MPM has to offer and consider applying today!

The Milwaukee Public Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.