POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Assistant Collection Manager, Palaeontology
AGENCY:
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
CLASS:
OPS 2
DIVISION:
Arts SA, South Australian Museum
POSITION NUMBER:
REPORTS TO
Head of Collections
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Assistant Collection Manager, Palaeontology, is accountable to the Head of Collections, South Australian Museum for the collection, preparation, incorporation, loan and
interpretation of items in the South Australian Museum’s Palaeontology collections and for facilitating public and research access to the collection.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
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Assisting with the day-to-day management and reporting of the Palaeontology
Collections.
Working with the Curatorial/Research collective and with other Collection
Management staff to achieve the proper care and storage of items in the
Palaeontology Collections.
Providing collections management assistance in other collection areas when
required.
Assisting with the storage of collections in a manner that promotes their long- term
well being.
Ensuring that the schedule of conservation is maintained by liaising with
Researchers, Collection Managers and the Head of Collections.
Ensuring specimens in the Palaeontology Collections are documented as far as
practicable through maintaining and refining both paper based and digital systems.
Assistant Collection Manager – Parasitology (November 2009)
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Ensuring the specimen register and loans records of the Collections are up-to-date
and accurate.
Ensuring requested loans are selected, sent and returned and that loan forms are
prepared for approval.
Assisting with limited research programs related to the collections.
Assisting with the promotion and interpretation of the Palaeontology Collections to all
stakeholders, including conducting occasional tours of collection areas, coordinating
collections access, contributing to exhibitions development and participating in
professional organisations and activities.
Assisting with collections augmentation through field work, sometimes in remote
areas, and collection exchanges/acquisitions.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS / INTERACTIONS
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Reports to the Senior Collection Manager, Earth Sciences
Head of Collections
Head of Earth Sciences
Principal Research Scientist, Invertebrate Palaeontology
Other staff within Palaeontology
Collections/Research collective
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
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Out of hours work may be required on occasions
Expected to participate in fieldwork in remote areas.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / EXPERIENCE
 Some experience with record keeping and cataloguing.
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Some experience with computer databases and digital imaging.
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Some experience in dealing with work and public contacts courteously and
effectively
KEY CHALLENGES
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Sound verbal and written communication skills.
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Some knowledge of museum collection management practices.
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Some knowledge of computer databases, image scanning and the World Wide Web.
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Some knowledge of Palaeontology classification systems.
Working to strict deadlines and budgets
Working with a wide range of taxa
POSITION DIMENSIONS
Staff:
May work with a team, individuals and/or volunteers.
DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / EXPERIENCE
● Some experience in collecting, preparing and identifying specimens.
Budget:
● Some experience with field survey techniques.
QUALIFICATIONS
● Some knowledge of invertebrate anatomy.
(ESSENTIAL)
(DESIRABLE)
● Some knowledge of geology.
A university degree or diploma in a relevant field, such as
Palaeontology, Biology or Zoology.
● Knowledge of the role of cultural institutions, most desirably in the
areas of Biodiversity and Conservation.
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for:
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Keeping accurate and complete records of business activities in accordance with
the State Records Act 1997.
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Maintaining a commitment to EEO, Diversity, Ethical Conduct and the legislative
requirements of the OHS&W Act 1986.
Assistant Collection Manager – Palaeontology (November 2009)
Signature:
Date: