Digital Collections Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Position: Assistant Collections Manager - Insects

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Gantz Family Collections Center

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.

• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.

• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

The Field Museum of Natural History has an opening in the Gantz Family Collections Center for an Assistant Collections Manager (Zoology) focused in our Insects Collection. The Museums Insects Collection includes worldwide holdings of Arthropoda (excluding Crustacea) and ranks among the top five largest North American entomological collections, with more than 16 million specimens. The collection includes about 5 million pinned insects plus 8.4 million specimens in alcohol or on microscope slides. In addition, there are more than 17,000 partially sorted bulk samples from traps or leaf-litter extractions. The collection is used extensively by Field Museum scientists and U.S. and international research visitors and borrowers, as well as for educational use.
The Assistant Collections Manager reports directly to the Collections Manager(s), or a Collections Head, and is expected to assist with day-to-day aspects of collections care, curation, and operations and is assigned to specific projects as needed.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the collection during short-term absence of Collections Manager(s)
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized collections storage, work, and lab areas
• Assist with managing, developing, and evaluating digitization efforts, including transcription of catalog and label data, imaging specimens and items, georeferencing, and collections inventory
• Actively participate in museum-wide collections database working group
• Support accurate, timely, and detailed record-keeping related to collections using the Museums collections management system and help ensure collections data and metadata are discoverable
• Work with and digitize specialized and complex collections data
• Assist with processing accessions and acquisitions as well as deaccessions
• Assist with management of day-to-day physical and operational aspects of lab and collection, including but not limited to engaging with Facilities and Protection Services
• Understand and implement best practices and community standards for physical and digital collections care and curation
• Track and report metrics of collections use and growth
• Work with Collections Manager(s) to facilitate an active domestic and international loan program and on-site use of the collection by researchers, exhibitions, and visiting communities
• Participate in the Museums Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM)
• Assist with collections reorganization efforts and other priority projects in Collections as needed
• Help train, mentor, and work with interns, volunteers, and technicians
• Support the Museums public and education programming and promote the mission of the Museum and its fundraising goals

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and minimum three years museum collections experience (or equivalent) (Masters degree in scientific area related to collection preferred)
• Familiarity with biological collections and research
• Working knowledge of basic taxonomic or identification principles and collections management
• Proficiency with preparing, housing, accessioning, and cataloging of materials
• Ability to work with a variety of preservation chemicals (e.g., ethanol)
• Strong organizational skills necessary to keep collections accessible
• Attention to detail
• Demonstrated proficiency with collections databasing is required
• Familiarity with imaging systems is preferred
• Proficient knowledge of and experience with international and domestic regulations for acquisition and shipment of specimens and requirements for packing loans preferred
• Knowledge of basic word-processing and spreadsheet software required
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English required
• Ability to read cursive handwriting desired
• Ability to work well with others and independently
• Capacity for problem solving

Application review will begin 1 August 2026. Applications should include a cover letter, CV, and names and contact information for two references.
Supervision Received:

General supervision from the Collection Manager(s), with oversight from the Head of Zoological Collections.
Supervision Exercised:

The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Work Hours:

35 hours each week
Hybrid Eligibility:

Not eligible
Union Representation:

This position is represented by Field Museum Workers United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO.
Pay Range: $49,000 - $52,000 annually

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.