Mineralogy Collections Intern~ CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER

CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER Internship Position
Mineralogy Collections Intern

Reports to:         Cameron Schwalbach – Paleontology Collections Manager; Dr. Brenda Hunda – Invertebrate Paleontology Curator
Department:      Collections and Research, Invertebrate Paleontology
Location:           Geier Collections and Research Center – 760 West Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203
FLSA Status:      PT temporary, nonexempt
Compensation: $ 15.00 hourly
Term:                 Annual or Seasonal (Summer: June-August / Fall: September-November / Spring: January-March)
Department:   Collections and Research, Invertebrate Paleontology

Status:             Unfilled
Term:              Annual or Seasonal (Summer: June-August / Fall: September-November / Spring: January-March) Position Title: Mineralogy Collections Intern
Location:         Geier Collections and Research Center – 760 West Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203

Purpose: To assist in the daily operations of the paleontology department through assigned projects including, processing, cataloging, data entry, and on-going care/maintenance of mineralogy collections, as well as the cleaning/organizing of collection and laboratory areas and the packing of specimens for transportation to new collections facility.

Background: The mineralogy collection is a small but mighty part of the CMC’s collections and features exhibit quality specimens of a wide variety of local and exotic rock and mineral specimens. The mineralogy collection is maintained by the paleontology department and is made available for research and education purposes for the scientific and public community.  
As a Mineralogy Collections Intern, you will assist with the goals of the Cincinnati Museum Center, with a focus on the area of mineralogy, specifically, that of specimen processing and preparation for the collection to a new facility.  You will be educated in various aspects of collections processing – including but not limited to physical handling of specimens, cataloging, photography, and digitization – in order to provide a valuable educational resource on minerals and Earth history for both professionals and amateurs alike.
In addition to mineral specimens, the department preserves associated contextual data (field notes, maps, photographs, correspondence, preparation history sheets, old exhibit and collection labels, and publications referencing specimens in the collection) related to the catalogued collection items. Pertinent data and digitized images are made available in on-line digital format on an on-going basis. Specimens in the Museum's collection are available to individuals for research and educational use by appointment.

Reports To:  Cameron Schwalbach – Paleontology Collections Manager; Dr. Brenda Hunda – Invertebrate Paleontology Curator

Key Responsibilities:   

•          Demonstrate proper specimen handling techniques to ensure the preservation of important rock and mineral specimens
•          Learn proper specimen cataloging procedure and assist in various stages of the cataloging process
•          Assist in specimen photography and digitization efforts, including processing of specimen photos and electronic record keeping
•          Maintain a high level of organization, allowing for easy navigation of collection specimens and photographs
•          Monitor collections for evidence of pests, mold, damaged housing (boxes, jars, etc.), missing labels, etc. and remedy situations.
•          Package and secure specimens for transportation to lab or external facilities.
•          Other duties as assigned

Requirements:
•    Interest in the geological sciences and Earth history.
•    Scheduling flexibility and capacity to change tasks quickly or notify supervisor of sudden absences.
•    Must be able to perform technical work, make careful observations, and record data legibly and accurately.
•    Must have strong organizational skills and be attentive to detail.
•    Ability to communicate and collaborate with team members.
•    Capacity to work independently for prolonged periods of time.
•    Must be able to lift a weight of at least 25 pounds.
•    Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
•    *Bonus: Experience with digital photography.
•    *Bonus: Experience in Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator.Ability to self-regulate in stressful situations and communicate needs effectively
Excellent paperwork and organization skills required
Ability to work without direct supervision

Additional Requirements

Time Commitment:  The Mineralogy Collections Volunteer will work according to their availability, but between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday – Friday. The Geier Collections Facility is not open evenings or weekends. While the position is flexible, the maintenance of a regular schedule (approved by a supervisor) is essential.  A weekly time commitment is required. Shifts can be from 2-8 hours and must fall within normal operating hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Once approved, schedule details will be discussed with your supervisor.   Dress Code: Casual – clothes may get dusty/dirty.  Closed-toe shoes.
Age Requirement: Must be 18 years of age or older.