Careers in the Plant Sciences

Collections Move Technician - Botany

Milwaukee Public Museum - Milwaukee, WI, United States

Position Title: Collections Move Technician - Botany
Position Type: Technician
Application Review Begins: Monday, February 03, 2025
Application Deadline: Monday, February 24, 2025
Institution: Milwaukee Public Museum
Department/Division: Collections Move - Botany
Field (e.g., systematics):
City: Milwaukee, WI, United States
General Information: MPM is seeking 2 temporary, part-time Collections Move Technicians to support the museum’s goal of moving its 4 million object collection to a new building.  The technicians will operate within the museum’s Natural Science department, with possible work in the Botany, Geology, and Zoology collections.  The Technicians will work collaboratively under the supervision of the museum’s collections move project associate.  Initial work will focus on undertaking a systematic evaluation of the museum’s botanical collections, which include herbarium specimens, wood cuts, and plant models.  In addition to these tasks, future projects may include work with fluid-preserved collections and other dry, zoological collections, paleontological and mineral collections, and taxidermy specimens.

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. 

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
Qualifications/Requirements: Education and/or Experience: 

A documented history (which can include undergraduate or graduate experience) in natural science coursework, or commensurate experience with the natural sciences, is required.  Specific work with an herbarium or botanical collections is preferred.  The ideal candidate will have previous experience with plant taxonomy and/or knowledge of plant families and genera. 

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
Responsibilities: 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 
Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.): To apply for the position please visit: www.mpm.edu/about/join-our-team/careers

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.
Compensation Range: $15.00
Contact Name: Britt Vinz, vinzb@mpm.edu