06/01/1977 26380

MUSEUM CURATOR SUPERVISOR, NATURAL SCIENCE

DEFINITION: This is supervisory curatorial work which includes responsibility for the statewide natural science program of the Historical and Museum Commission.

The employee in this class is responsible for directing and coordinating the state museum's natural science program to acquire and identify specimens, conduct research and studies, and serve as a central repository of information concerning the state's wild life, ecology, and other matters of interest or significance in the natural science field. Work involves supervising the curatorial activities of the natural science section of the state museum, including the development and maintenance of exhibits in the museum's natural science gallery. Work also involves organizing and coordinating programs with other public or private agencies, institutions, or individuals to collect specimens, photographs, recordings, and other records and information relative to plant life, the ecology, and related matters for purposes of conservation as well as information and performing or directing research and publication activities connected with natural science finds. Supervision is exercised over Commonwealth employees and volunteers assigned to the natural science activities, including the assigning and reviewing of work, evaluating employee performance, interpreting labor agreements, resolving complaints or grievances, and insuring the development of staff. Work is performed under the administrative direction of a museum or site administrator, and is reviewed through an evaluation of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Supervises curators, preparators, clerical and other employees of a natural science section of a state museum or site by assigning work, reviewing complete work for adherence to standards, and evaluating employee performance.

Plans and supervises the operational aspects of the program such as assigning projects or studies and scheduling and directing the flow or work.

Develops, through individual and group conferences, the efficiency and skill of subordinate employees.

Initiates corrective disciplinary action for minor misconduct by subordinate employees and recommends major corrective disciplinary actions or dismissals.

Receives grievances or complaints, conducts initial investigation into causes and conditions, discusses with employee, and resolves or recommends resolution to grievance or complaint.

Prepares and signs employee performance evaluation reports.

Plans, supervises, and participates in section training activities.

Directs and coordinates the Commission's natural science program in conducting surveys and research, collecting and identifying specimens, photographs, recordings, and other records and information relative to animal and plant life, the ecology, and related matters; organizes surveys and recording activities involving interested agencies, institutions, and other interested groups and individuals.

Supervises and participates in the collection and identification of specimens, photography, recording of sounds, and other curatorial work such as cataloging, storage, and preservation of the Section's natural science collection.

Supervises and participates in research and the publication of results, and the dissemination to the public of information of an interpretative and analytical nature concerning the state's natural science heritage.

Has charge of development, installation, packing, moving, and maintenance of the state museum's natural science exhibits.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the philosophy, principles, practices, methods, and techniques of natural science and of acquiring and caring for a natural science collection.

Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques used in the care, cataloging, and preservation of natural science objects and specimens, and preservation of natural science objects and specimens, and in the preparation, construction, and maintenance of museum exhibits devoted to natural science subjects.

Knowledge of source materials for natural science research methodology and techniques appropriate for maximum utilization of collections and research findings for educational, conservation, and promotional purposes.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of museum administration.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of employee supervision.

Knowledge of current labor agreement provisions which affect the supervision of employees, including the assignment of work and overtime, scheduling of employees, handling of grievances, and evaluation of work performance.

Skill in identifying and classifying wild animal, flora and fauna, and other natural science specimens.

Skill in performance of natural science research, including methods of specimen collection, photography and tape recording techniques.

Skill in planning and overseeing museum exhibits devoted to natural science subjects.

Skill in lecturing, publishing, and teaching in the natural science field.

Ability to plan and supervise the work of curators, preparators, and clerical employees engaged in natural science and supportive activities.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private groups and individuals concerned with natural science matters.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Museum Curator, Natural Science 2,

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Two years of curatorial work in the field of natural science, and a master's degree in Biology or one of the other scientific specialty subjects in the natural science field, including or supplemented by either a recognized museum studies course at the graduate level recognized by the American Association of Museums or a museum internship.

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training which would afford the applicant the required knowledges, skills, and abilities.