About

• Description
• Title: Curatorial Assistant Entomology
• Classification: Temporary, Non-exempt
• Department: Invertebrate Zoology
• Reports To: Curator of Entomology
• Wage Band: Coordinator/Assistant Level 1
• Pay Range: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour*

• Mission: The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History inspires a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world.

• Position Summary: Assist in the documentation, care and curation of the entomology collection.

Specific Responsibilities

• Assisting with specimen preparation and integration into the collections.
• Catalog specimens in the entomology database, capturing collection data and specimen attributes.
• Extracting occurrence records from primary entomological literature.
• Photographing specimens using conventional imaging and scanning electron microscopy.
• Digital processing of images.
• Coordinating data entry work with other staff and project manager.
• Assist in arranging loans and accessions of specimens.
• Assist with extraction, amplification, and purification of DNA from specimens.
• Ensure that specimens are properly prepared, preserved, handled, and stored.
• Organization Wide
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized workspaces.
• Follow opening/closing procedures and uphold safety and emergency protocols.
• Supports the Museum’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for fellow staff, guests, and the community.
• Fosters a spirit of teamwork and collaboration by actively supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a positive work culture.
• Contributes to a positive guest experience by greeting and addressing any questions when encountering guests as they navigate through the Museum and Sea Center.
• Assist with other Museum educational and special events as needed and approved by the supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Requirements

• Strong computer and keyboarding skills with excellent organizational ability and attention to detail, supporting accurate documentation and collections recordkeeping.
• Demonstrates exceptional care, responsibility, and respect when handling and maintaining museum specimens.
• Dependable and responsible, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively; strong interpersonal skills for working with collections staff, researchers, and volunteers.
• Foundational knowledge of invertebrates, with an interest in entomology and museum collections work.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in entomology.
• Experience working with entomological specimens in museum collections.
• Demonstrated expertise or specialized training in the identification and classification of Diptera (flies).

Work Environment

• Frequent work in an office and collection environment.
• Frequent repetitive data entry on a computer.
• Occasional climbing of ladders or other work in elevated conditions.
• Frequent lifting of light to moderately heavy loads (10-20 lbs.).
• Work with preservative fluids (ethyl alcohol).
• The incumbent must be able to perform each requirement of the position as outlined in the job description. Essential Requirements are representative and are essential for satisfactory job performance. The Work Environment characteristics are representative of those that may be encountered while on the job. The Museum will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• *The pay range above represents the budgeted range for a new hire, encompassing the minimum and maximum rates. Placement within this range will depend on factors such as specific skills, qualifications, relevant years of experience, and alignment with the salaries of current employees in similar roles. In most cases, newly hired employees are placed below the midpoint of the range.