New Job Curator Of Zoology (Historical/Archival/Cultural Officer 3) In Nova Scotia

About Us

The Nova Scotia Museum is part of the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. This department supports communities across the province to be welcoming, inclusive, and accessible, providing a great quality of life for Nova Scotians. We value the collective diversity of our natural and cultural heritage and our people and believe in the transformative nature of culture to help create healthy, active, growing communities.

For more information visit https://cch.novascotia.ca/

About Our Opportunity

Under the general supervision of the Manager, Collections Unit, the Curator of Zoology undertakes planning and professional work involved with the acquisition, research, and care of the Zoology Collection of the Nova Scotia Museum. The Zoology Collection consists of specimens of zoological significance documenting the natural history of Nova Scotia. Most zoology specimens are stored at the Museum of Natural History however collection specimens are also loaned to researchers and used for exhibits across the province and at times nationally and internationally.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Curator of Zoology, you will develop collaborative relationships with Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage colleagues and those working in other museums, government departments and similar institutions including academia. As the Curator of Zoology, you will support provincial and federal legislation, policy, and public education by providing expert advice on zoology and natural history. This may include but not be limited to reviewing and providing advice on permits, assessments, and management plans.

In this role as the Curator, you will be expected to have strong verbal and written skills as well as a publication history and ability to communicate the role and relevance of the Nova Scotia Museum’s Zoology Collection with diverse audiences. This will include responding to public enquiries and research requests and facilitating use of the collection in research and interpretive initiatives. This position helps provide direction to the Registrar of Natural History and supervises students and research associates.

Key duties of this position include: collection curation, including acquisition, deaccessions, documentation, and management of the zoology collection; Supervision of research associates, assistants, volunteers, and students; leadership in research and presentation of results through online and traditional publications, interpretive products, exhibitions, lectures and other means.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role you will need a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree plus five (5) years related experience; or a Master’s degree plus 3 years of related experience. A specialized degree in Zoology, with broad experience in all natural history areas will be considered an asset.

Candidates should demonstrate extensive and thorough knowledge of zoology in Nova Scotia. They must have experience with scientific specimens and conducting research; experience working with museum collections; and collection management and conservation principles, including safe care and handling of specimens. Experience should include but not be limited to:

• Strong working knowledge of the taxonomy of vertebrates and invertebrates from Nova Scotia as well as Canada and other countries
• Expertise in biodiversity, species conservation, and invasive species in a Nova Scotia context
• Best practices of wet and dry specimen preparation and preservation, including preventative conservation and safe handling of preservation chemicals.
• Training in museum methods including cataloguing and database use.

You will possess highly developed organizational and communication skills (both oral and written) and have knowledge of relevant computer systems including museum databases. An interpersonal style that promotes cooperation and collaboration in a fast-paced museum environment, and a commitment to public service excellence are required.

Expertise working with a diverse range of researchers and community members including those under-represented in museums and zoology will be seen as an asset for this position.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

Combination of office and laboratory working environment, museum storage areas and exhibit galleries with occasional field work. Some travel required. Must be able to lift and stack objects and file boxes weighing up to 14 kilograms (some specimens may be heavier). This position involves some fieldwork which requires the ability to traverse terrain that may be challenging and can involve use of field equipment.

Additional Information

On October 6, 2021 the Government of Nova Scotia announced full vaccination will be a condition of employment for new staff being hired. View News Release

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules/arrangements.