This is a 2-year fixed term position and is posted at the Collections Assistant 3 level. Work will be conducted on-site in Stanford, California.
Stanford Libraries and the Doerr School of Sustainability Geoscience Specimen Collection are seeking a full-time Geoscience Specimen Collections Assistant to perform a variety of tasks and functions in support of the long-term preservation, enhancement, and access to a significant collection of rock, mineral, fossil, and other geological specimens housed in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability (SDSS). The Libraries values are rooted in a commitment of mutual respect, the idea that every member of the staff has something to contribute, and that learning is constant. Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience to apply.
About the Geoscience Specimen Collections
The Geoscience Specimen Collections are global in scope and include a wide variety of rock, mineral, fossil, soil, water, and other geological samples, and associated field notes, maps, publications, and metadata. Dating to the founding of the University, the collections have grown through the research of Stanford’s faculty, students, and staff. Today, they are housed within the Doerr School of Sustainability where they serve as invaluable research and teaching infrastructure in support of the school’s mission to generate knowledge, innovate, and drive impact for a sustainable future.
About Stanford Libraries
Stanford Libraries is a network of over 15 libraries with over 400 employees. We are committed to fueling teaching, learning and research across Stanford by acquiring, stewarding, and making available a robust collection, currently in excess of 12 million items. Everyone in the organization plays a vital role in fulfilling that objective. Our dedication to discoverability and information management also has us engaged in dynamic global partnerships. We are constantly building and strengthening our organization, and we recognize striving for excellence is a marathon and not a sprint. We are constantly trying to strike the right pace and admit there are times when we find ourselves at a fast jog. While we hope to always find candidates who fit within our organization, what we truly seek is someone who will add to our culture, our profession as well as the greater academic arena. We are invested in the success of our teams and the individuals who represent Stanford Libraries.
About the position
The Specimen Collections Assistant will work with collections staff, faculty, and students to manage, preserve, and relocate the SDSS Geoscience Specimen Collections. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, contributing to a comprehensive inventory of collection holdings, cataloging specimens and entering data into the collections database, georeferencing locality information, identifying specimens in need of conservation, and rehousing, packing, and moving specimens to a new storage facility.
The assistant may also help with metadata cleaning, specimen imaging, workflow development, and providing collections access for research, teaching, and outreach.
We value a collaborative, inclusive team. The assistant will help maintain a respectful workplace and work effectively with colleagues of varied roles and experience levels.
This two-year term position, with possible extension, is based at Stanford's main campus. Work is on-site Monday through Friday during standard business hours unless arranged otherwise in advance. Two or more days per week may be spent at our off-site collections facility in Palo Alto, California.
Core duties under minimal supervision at the Collections Assistant 3:
- Provide reference and research assistance
- Compile detailed inventories of specimen collections
- Draft reports for supervisor
- Perform a wide range of activities, including creation of simple metadata elements, throughout a variety of reformatting workflows for physical specimen/sample materials
- May assist with supervision of lower level staff
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience:
Two-year college degree plus three or more years of experience working in a natural history collection or sample repository, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated experience with word processing and spreadsheet software applications
- Demonstrated ability to perform repetitive, detailed tasks accurately and efficiently
- Ability to read handwritten script
- Ability to understand and communicate collections policies and procedures
- Ability to apply judgment in choosing procedures and evaluating alternatives
- Ability to learn collections procedures
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small group
- Demonstrated experience with collections databases and/or inventory management systems
- Demonstrated leadership skills
- Demonstrated experience using judgment and initiative to analyze and recommend new procedures
Physical Requirements:
- Subject matter knowledge equivalent to two or three courses within a relevant subject area
- Ability to understand and communicate collections policies and procedures
- Demonstrated experience with database platforms or complex information management systems (e.g., Specify), or demonstrated capacity to learn them
- Demonstrated ability to supervise student assistants or lower-level staff
- Demonstrated experience using judgment and initiative to analyze and recommend new procedures
- Ability to maneuver carts loaded up to 650 pounds (requiring initial push force up to 70 pounds), and routinely lift individual specimens weighing up to 30 pounds without assistance.
- Ability to bend, kneel, reach overhead, climb step ladders, and remain standing for extended durations.
- Ability to work in confined or dusty areas and handle specimens containing naturally occurring hazardous materials.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
Working Conditions:
May work in confined spaces and at heights 4-10 feet; be exposed to dust, mold, radioactive minerals, and other non-biological hazards. Expected to follow all safety requirements and procedures including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if required.
Work Standards:
- Interprsonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
The expected pay range for this position is $74,200 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
Why Stanford is for You:
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enriches the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
- Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, and course auditing. Join a TedTalk, watch a film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
- A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
- A healthier you. Choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We provide excellent health care benefits.
- Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ride sharing incentives, discounts and more
