AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM
POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE:
Technical Officer
Division:
Research & Collections
Branch:
Natural Science Collections
Unit:
Marine Invertebrates
Family Name of Position Holder:
Initials:
Signature:
POSITION TITLE OF SUPERVISOR: Collection Manager – Marine Invertebrates
Family Name of Supervisor: Keable
Initials: S.J.
Signature:
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR DELEGATE
Signature:
Date Position Document Approved:
/
/
For Office Use Only
POSITION NO:
CLASSIFICATION:
Technical Officer
GRADE: 1-2
1. PURPOSE OF POSITION
Assist in collection management of the Marine Invertebrates collection.
2. ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
(i)
Position Title of Supervisor: Collection Manager, Marine Invertebrates.
(ii)
Position Titles, which also report to Supervisor: Technical Officer, Scientific
Officer.
(iii)
Position Titles, which report to this Position: none.
3. ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT OF POSITION
The Australian Museum is a State Government agency responsible for scientific research
that increases our understanding of the natural history and culture, particularly of the
Australian region. The Australian Museum conducts a wide range of activities that reflect its
biological, geological and cultural collections and changing understanding about the needs of
its diverse stakeholders. It develops exhibitions/events at its College Street site and other
locations that increase community access and understanding of these matters. The
Museum also provides strategic advice to business and government bodies on scientific
matters. The Australian Museum’s mission is “to inspire the exploration of nature and
cultures”.
Division: The Research and Collections Division is comprised of the following three
Branches: Natural Science Collections, Research, and the Cultural Heritage and Science
Initiatives Branch. The aims of the Museum’s Research and Collections Division are to
properly manage natural history and cultural collections which provide the primary library
on environmental and cultural artefacts, specimens and reference material in Australia, to
conduct research to extend our knowledge of the natural world and its cultures and to
impart and promote this knowledge and insight to the scientific and broader community.
This is done through scientific research, collection management, materials conservation,
development and implementation of relevant policies, practices and procedures. In addition,
the Division plays an active role in providing advice and submissions on a variety of
government, planning and policy processes, and promoting the opportunity of multidisciplinary scientific collaborations within and external to the Museum.
4. NATURE AND SCOPE OF POSITION
A.
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WORK PERFORMED
technical support in the Marine Invertebrates collection
curation including labelling and databasing, specimen and loan preparation
the position holder will be required to undertake physical activity involved in the accessing
and storage of specimens
undertake routine collection maintenance and inventories
assist with field work including SCUBA diving and aboard large or small vessels
assist in answering public enquires and assist with public programmes.
provide supervision or assistance to visitors, volunteers and students
B.
CHALLENGES / PROBLEM SOLVING
The position holder curates specimens (including those preserved in ethanol or formalin)
and interprets data from a range of sources. The specimens are often small and fragile
requiring excellent manual handling skills. Accuracy and attention to detail is critical. The
position holder must understand zoological nomenclature, and be able to interpret and
access relevant scientific literature, and geospatial data. The position holder must be
computer literate and be able to follow guidelines for data entry. The position holder is
willing to participate in fieldwork which may be labour intensive and require overnight stays
including aboard large or small vessels. The position holder is able to undertake
identification of invertebrate specimens (excluding molluscs), for some taxa to the species
level.
C.
DECISION MAKING
The position holder plans their work program in consultation with the Collection Manager,
and with direction indicated through this is able to carry out routine collection management
on a day to day basis with minimal supervision, and is able to determine and set work
priorities. The position holder will be required to evaluate the accuracy of existing
identifications during the course of inventory or registration of specimens, the interpretation
of data relating to the specimens, and apply the appropriate scientific names. This requires
familiarity with data standards, taxonomic literature, and zoological nomenclature. The
position holder makes decisions about the accuracy and validity of geospatial data. The
position holder makes decisions about the correct handling of field collected material. This
requires familiarity with fieldwork techniques for obtaining marine invertebrates.
D.
COMMUNICATION
The position holder has daily contact with the Collection Manager and Collection
Management Staff in Marine Invertebrates, and liaises with other Research and Collections
staff, Museum staff in Public Programs and Operations, and with visiting researchers and
members of the public. Additionally the position holder provides information for volunteers
and students.
E. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES.
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Curate and database collections.
Prepare loans
Assist with fieldwork
Direct volunteers, students and visitors
5. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
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Knowledge of invertebrate systematics with particular reference to marine taxa other
than molluscs
Experience in curatorial techniques used in invertebrate collections with
demonstrated ability to safely handle preserved specimens
Experience with interpretation of geospatial data sources
Accuracy and attention to detail is critical
Experience in the use of computers, particularly use of relational databases,
spreadsheets and word processing
Experience with the AM collection databasing system EMu and AM databasing
standards
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Well-developed written and oral communication skills
Tertiary qualifications in Natural Sciences such as a Certificate or Bachelor of
Science in biology or zoology
Driver’s license
Experience in packing and shipping dangerous goods
SCUBA certification
Motor boat license
Experience in using microscopes to identify small invertebrates
Familiarity with fieldwork techniques for obtaining marine invertebrates