Collections Manager: Terrestrial Invertebrates at National Museum Bloemfontein

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Entomology, Zoology, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience managing invertebrate collections (both dry and wet).
• Minimum of 1 year of experience with Specify software.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of invertebrate taxonomy.
• High computer literacy (e.g., MS Word, Access, Excel).
• Excellent problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as a team leader.
• Strong social and communication skills, with experience supervising volunteers and students.

KPA: Curation and collection management

• Collection management: Oversee the care, organization, and curation of approximately 500,000 specimens, ensuring global standards are met.
• Processing of new material: Process new invertebrate specimens for incorporation into the collections.This may include sorting, counting and pinning.
• Co-ordination of curatorial/collection management activities: Coordinate pest management, specimen repairs, facility troubleshooting, and routine maintenance.
• Identification of specimens: Identify specimens using diagnostic keys, comparative materials, or consultation with experts.
• Auditing of collections: Assist with the auditing of collections; provide information.
• Managing Standard operating procedures (SOPs): Develop, update, and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for collection management.
• Supervision Supervise volunteers, interns, and students working on collection related tasks.
• Loan preparation: Prepare specimens for loans and manage the associated documentation and postal processes.
• Other collection-related activities: perform or assist researchers as requested.
• Collection databases: Maintain and update the collection database using Specify software, including transferring field data and digitizing specimen records.
• Backup of database: Perform monthly backups of the electronic database.
• Literature database: Manage the Acarology literature database using MS Access
• Research planning: Identify projects through literature review and expert discussions.
• Fieldwork and data collection: Plan and participate in field activities and laboratory work.
• Data analysis: Use appropriate tools and methods to analyze findings.
• Dissemination: Publish research in scientific journals and/or scientific popular magazines.
• Social media and website: Develop content for the museum’s social media and website, highlighting invertebrate-related activities and achievements.