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Job Description

Reporting to the Curator of Natural History - Malacology, the Malacology Collections Specialist manages all aspects of the Paul W. Parmalee Malacological Collection, which is the official authoritative reference collection of freshwater and terrestrial mollusks in Tennessee, by overseeing documentation, safety, access, and direct care. The museum is also the primary repository for many state agencies' collections and specimens. Working with historic collections that include sensitive information about extinct and endangered specimens, this position serves an important role in preparing, maintaining, and securing the documentation of Malacology collections such as loan agreements, accession files, catalog records, permits, and donations. This position also serves as the primary point of contact for local, state, and federal agencies as well as staff, students, partners, and others when requesting access to Malacology collections. The Specialist works closely with the Curator and Collections Manager & Registrar to implement the Collections Management Policy and procedures.

Responsibilities

Malacology Collections Management: 50%

1. Manages the Malacology Collection and its records, documentation, and images, ensuring proper provenance and permits for new acquisitions and collections while incorporating appropriate practices, standards, philosophy, theory, and ethics of collection stewardship. 

2. Makes decisions based on appropriateness, ethics, and the museums mission about individual access to Malacology collections for local, state, and federal agencies for identification, reference, and research. 

3. Using specialized knowledge of taxonomy and scientific standards, manages electronic and digital records, including updating taxonomic and auxiliary information, and associated metadata for new and existing collections, maintaining computerized databases, providing content for the museum's website and online collections access. 

4. Manages historic documentation of collections including databasing, capturing digital images of scientific labels and specimens, correspondence, archives, publications, and loan records using collection management software.

5. Identifies, prepares, catalogs, and constructs housing for Malacological specimen, and identifies long-term storage solutions for collections. 

6. Responds to verbal and written requests, including inquiries from the general public, regarding loans, accessions and donations. 

7. Processes accessions and handles incoming and outgoing specimen loans for the Malacology collection, including providing documentation and securing national and international permissions and permits. 

8. Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position or other related duties as assigned, including but not limited to lab safety, inventory, storage equipment and logistics, and ordering supplies. 

9. Other duties as assigned.

Fieldwork, research, education, and outreach duties: 25%

1. Supports the research program of the Curator of Natural History - Malacology, by preparing specimen, photographic work, field work, and preparing grant proposals, as needed.

2. Advances the collection by conducting collection-focused research in field of expertise 

3. Uses specialized knowledge to serve public programs and educational and outreach activities by developing and presenting outreach materials for education, such as ecology and identification workshops, exhibition best practices input (temporary and permanent), and direct participation in public outreach events, as needed.

4. Develops and presents Malacological content for tours, presentations, informal classes, and other similar activities, upon request.

5. Trains and supervises collection assistants, students, volunteers and interns to carry out daily custodial duties, curation activities, specimen preparation, and research. 

6. Provides collection access to the research community, faculty, students, and visiting researches with the use of the collections.

7. Participates in scholarly activity outside the university that promote the Malacology Collection as exemplified by attending or presenting at professional meetings and/or engaging in professional development activities .

8. Other duties as assigned.

Collaborative Responsibilities, Compliance, and Support: 25%

1. Using knowledge of Natural History Collections best practices, recommends and enforces priorities for short and long-term collection care and management.

2. Advises local, state, and federal agencies on species identification, life history and/or ecological consultation for known species, as needed. 

3. Implements the Collections Management Policy in collaboration with the Curator and the Collections Manager & Registrar.

4. Serves as an active part of NAGPRA compliance and repatriation activities for Malacology collections by analyzing, identifying, and flagging items for potential repatriation. 

5. Provides support to the Museum community, e.g., serving on committees.

6. Develops grant proposals for collections improvements and other collection-based initiatives.

7. Provides support for promotional and institutional advancement activities, including opportunities to engage with donors and participate in behind-the-scenes tours.

8. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Ecology, Biology, Zoology, Paleontology, Fisheries/Wildlife, or other relevant field.
• Experience:
  • At least two years of experience working in collections management of natural history collections in a museum or similar setting.
  • At least one year of experience working in a team setting.
  • Proficiency in using microscopes and other equipment essential for laboratory biological collections work.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Demonstrated knowledge of invertebrates, including  mollusks and arthropods, among others.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current museum best practices and standards for collection care, collection and database management, documentation, digitization, conservation and registration methods for collections.
  • Competent with Microsoft Access and familiarity with geodatabasing software, such as ArcGIS.
  • Knowledge of best practices for the preparation, preservation and exhibition of natural history specimens and their data (e.g., metadata standards, data management, etc.), with particular emphasis on malacological specimens.
  • Ability to supervise students and communicate directions and expectations effectively.
  • Interpersonal skills commensurate with representing the Malacology Collection in one-on-one and group settings.
  • Ability to be detail-oriented and highly organized for accuracy of data and information.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and with interdepartmental teams and initiatives.
  • Ability and credentials to obtain a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Scientific Collection Permit.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: 
  • Master’s Degree in Ecology, Biology, Zoology, Paleontology, Fisheries/Wildlife, or other relevant field.
• Experience:
  • Two years of experience working with Malacology collections in a museum or similar setting.
  • At least one year of experience supervising and training students, volunteers or interns. 
  • Experience using established occupational health and safety practices.
  • Experience with education and outreach activities for K-12 students and the general public, including experience presenting to communities and organizations, STEM/STEAM education,  and science communication.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge in the taxonomic identification of collections.
  • Knowledge of Database Management and/or Inventory Management.
  • Knowledge of ethical practices and legal standards and compliance in collections management.
  • Supervisory skills necessary for directing other people working in the Malacology Collection, including volunteers, students, and interns.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: MR08
• Anticipated hiring range: 52,000 – 58,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

 

Application Instructions 

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. 

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. 

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.  

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone. 

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.  

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community! 

Job Info

• Job Identification5700
• Job CategoryLibrary & Museum
• Posting Date11/05/2025, 02:38 PM
• Job ScheduleFull time
• Locations 1327 Circle Park, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US(On-site)

EEO/AA STATEMENT / NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the (EEO). Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the EEO office.