Collections Technician

Position: Collections Technician

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Department: Gantz Family Collections Center

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

The successful candidate will assist 3-days per week (19 hours/week) with the digitization and mobilization of mammal specimen trait data as part of the NSF-funded RANGES Thematic Collection Network. The Ranges TCN consists of 21 natural history collections seeking to extend basic specimen records with traits (e.g., measurements, reproductive data) to fill digital data gaps and firmly link specimens and their traits in an extended specimen network.

The successful candidate will work on digitizing and mobilizing specimen-level trait data for nearly 16,000 Field Museum non‑marine mammal specimens from the western United States (18 states, including Alaska).

This Collections Technician (Mammals) will report to Collections Manager Adam Ferguson and is responsible for digitizing trait data and ensuring it is integrated into the Museum's internal database EMu (e.g. grant‑funded term position) and ultimately external data aggregators. Duties for this individual position are as described below.

• Transcribe and digitize trait-associated specimen data for at least 16,000 specimens
• Format trait data in accordance with universal data standards
• Mobilize data into the Field Museum's internal data management software (EMu)
• Work to ensure internal data is shared via data aggregators such as GBIF
• Help lead and coordinate community science efforts to digitize primary data
• Participate in group calls, meetings, and discussions with other Ranges partners

• Bachelor's Degree in science or related field with at least 1‑year of experience working in a natural history museum
• Experience with relational databases or data management software
• Familiarity with specimen-based trait data recorded in natural history museums
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to work independently in a museum setting
• Attention to detail
• Familiarity with online platforms for distributing biodiversity data (e.g., GBIF) and managing community science projects (e.g., Notes for Nature)
• Flexibility in regard to activities related to different project goals and objectives

Receives general supervision by Negaunee Collection Manager of Mammals

The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

19 hours

Not eligible

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605

This position is represented by Field Museum Workers’ United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL‑CIO.

$20.00/Hourly

The Field Museum is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment.