Volunteer Position Description: Conchology Collections Assistant
Reports To: Curator of Invertebrate Zoology
Responsibility Statement: This volunteer will be responsible for one or more of the tasks and
responsibilities listed here. Provide support to the conchology collections in the Zoology Department.
Provide support in identification of specimens to the species level. Assist the curator or knowledgeable
volunteers with timely cataloging and/or databasing of specimens. Assist with outreach activities.
Essential Functions and Standard of Performance
1. Assist with specimen acquisition
 Unpack and process incoming donations
2. Process specimens according to the steps outlined in the Conchology Collections Manual. All
steps completed with 100% accuracy.
 Assign catalog number
 Capture collecting data
 Number and box shells
 Prepare labels
 Enter data into Argus
3. Identify specimens to correct taxonomic group
 Identify specimens with 100% accuracy with assistance of curator or experienced
volunteers or departmental associates
4. Incorporate specimens into collection
 Place specimens in with correct taxonomic group with 100% accuracy and with
appropriate accompanying data
5. Assist with outreach activities
 Behind the scenes tours of collections
 Show-and-tell activities during lectures or classes
 Answer questions from public about conchology-related topics
Other Functions
 Attend a New Volunteer Orientation and be familiar with Museum policies and procedures as
outlined in the Volunteer Orientation Handbook
 Read and be thoroughly familiar with information contained in Conchology collections manual
 Work closely with curator to improve identification material (books, reprints, etc) on marine
groups
 Work closely with curator to assess potential new donations
 Work closely with curator to improve the quality of the collection by recommending lots for
deaccession that have no scientific value.
 Work with curator and collections manager to process approved deaccessions as directed by the
Conchology Collections Manual
 Direct and participate in the rearrangement of the specimens in the collection according to
species (rather than by ZC number)
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Review the current identifications of specimens to determine their accuracy and recommend
changes as needed
Recommend updates to the Conchology Collections Manual to reflect changes in procedures
Recommend other projects to improve the collections as appropriate
Periodically Inspect collections as part of pest management activities
Experience/Education
 Knowledge of or intense interest in marine invertebrates with a focus on mollusks and shells
 Experience in specimen preparation and data management
 Knowledge of other invertebrate groups (e.g.,corals, echinoderms) very helpful
Position Requirements - Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
 Solid attention to detail
 Solid experience handling collection objects
 Solid ability to read and understand taxonomic literature and publications
 Solid oral and written communication skills
 Solid knowledge and understanding of a natural history museum’s mission and practices
Supervisory
 Train new volunteers and direct their weekly activities on projects as appropriate
Financial
N/A
Equipment
 Computer
Physical Working Conditions
 Sitting or standing for long periods of time
Physical Effort Required
 Generally not required
Training
 On the job training will be provided by the curator, collections manager, curatorial assistants,
and office manager