Snr Curator, Vertebrate Zoo & Palaeon – TMAG

Position Objective:

As a member of the Zoology team, be responsible for the development, management, conservation and promotion of the State collections in vertebrate zoology and palaeontology. Promote knowledge of vertebrate zoology and palaeontology and facilitate access to collections through high-quality, collections-based research, exhibitions, displays, publications, education and other public programs.

Duties:

• Curate, maintain and develop the vertebrate zoology and palaeontology collections, including preparation, databasing and registration of specimens.
• Undertake collections-based research in vertebrate zoology and/or palaeontology, and publish and disseminate the results.
• Develop joint initiatives with the University of Tasmania for collaborations in museum-based research and public programs. Promote the use of TMAG collections by students for research and the enhancement of the state collection.
• Initiate, plan and execute a diverse public program, including displays, multi-disciplinary exhibitions, lectures and guided tours, that promotes TMAG as a welcoming destination and community asset, and fosters access to the collections.
• Serve as TMAG’s representative in inter-agency programmes such as Tasmanian devil molecular research, TasNetworks mitigation of threatened bird deaths and cetacean specimen-based research with the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment.
• Supervise and train Zoology staff and volunteers in the provision of collection services and related tasks, including the safe operation of equipment complying with Workplace, Health and Safety standards.
• Participate in the development and management of cross-TMAG projects such as interdisciplinary exhibitions, and strategic initiatives.
• Respond to public, government and corporate enquiries by provision of expert advice and identification services relating to vertebrate zoology and palaeontology.
• Identify opportunities and develop proposals for external funding and other income-generating activities.
• Develop and maintain professional networks with stakeholders to enhance the scope and accessibility of the collection.
• Provide advice and reports to the Senior Curator (Zoology) on goals and options for the development, care, use and promotion of the collection.
• The incumbent can expect to be allocated duties, not specifically mentioned in this document, but within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from persons occupying a position at this classification within a small team that will require multi-skilling and flexibility.

Position Requirements

Pre-employment

The Head of the State Service has determined that the person nominated for this role is to satisfy a pre-employment check before taking up the appointment, promotion or transfer.  The following checks are to be conducted:

• crimes involving dishonesty.

Essential

Evidence of the following must be provided prior to appointment to this role:

• Satisfactory completion of a tertiary degree in Biological Sciences with majors in Zoology and/or Palaeontology.

Desirable

• A postgraduate degree preferably to PhD level in an appropriate field.
• A proven track record of securing external funding to undertake a range of projects.
• A current motor vehicle licence.