Biodiversity Lab Manager - MNS60035057

Agency

Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division

Museum of Natural Sciences

Job Classification Title

Natural Science Research Curator II (NS)

Position Number

60035057

Grade

NC14

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team!

Description of Work

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Biodiversity Lab Manager. The Biodiversity Lab Manager conducts original research in biodiversity and conservation and engages in education outreach with a diversity of audiences. The job includes supervision of the on-exhibit Biodiversity Laboratory, with a focus on the oversight of technology and equipment, personnel, students involved research programs, financial administration, volunteer programs, outreach efforts, permitting for field work, and annual reports. The position will engage in original research on a relevant aspect of biodiversity, emphasizing the innovative application of technologies like camera traps and AI, in conjunction with the underlying mission of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, which includes local, regional, and international efforts. Research results are expected to be published in peer review literature, shared with museum visitors through the Lab, and shared globally through digital platforms. The position is responsible for best practices in the lab, ranging from hygiene, to serving as a role model for future scientists, to creating programmatic themes that raise the science literacy of visitors.
Key Responsibilities:
• Manage the operation of the Biodiversity laboratory, including daily operations and oversight of students/staff
• Purchase and maintain equipment and supplies, including camera traps, animal tracking gear, and other high-tech equipment
• Provide direct support to researchers through field work and associated lab follow-up
• Conduct original research in biodiversity and conservation
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, sometimes leading papers, and present research to peers at professional meetings
• Maintain a cutting-edge knowledge of current questions, technologies, and methods in biodiversity research

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. 

** This is an anticipated vacancy. **

Recruitment Range: $52,592 - $72,410

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment, will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Demonstrated experience in Biodiversity research, particularly with mammals and birds.
• Demonstrated experience with techniques and technologies used in biodiversity research, such as camera traps and animal tracking.
• Possess expert knowledge of biodiversity data and experience working with large datasets.
• Demonstrated experience supervising in a professional capacity.
   

Position/Physical Requirements:

• M – F, 8AM – 5PM

This position is located at: 
121 W Jones Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Master's degree in biology, zoology, or a science curriculum related to area of expertise from an appropriately accredited institution

AND

three-years' experience in specialty area;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental and Contact Information

Division Description

The State’s museum devoted to science and nature, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in central Raleigh is the largest institution of its kind in the Southeastern United States and, with over a million visitors a year, the state’s most visited museum. Its 300,000 square foot downtown campus is augmented by Prairie Ridge Ecostation and satellite facilities in Whiteville, Greenville, and Contentnea Creek. Together, they provide a variety of curriculum-focused classes onsite, offsite, outdoors, and online for pre-kindergarten through graduate students across the state.

As a museum of nature, we integrate the dual concepts of illumination and inspiration with the work we do and the many stories we tell. In a time of unprecedented environmental challenges, nothing could be more critical. This nexus of ideas makes us unique. Across three vibrant floors of laboratories and exhibitions, our Nature Research Center provides an unparalleled opportunity to see science in action by watching museum researchers studying the natural world in real time. In the Nature Exploration Center, exhibits and live animal displays reveal North Carolina’s rich natural habitats, wildlife, and geology from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.

Our programs and activities impact people in all the state’s one hundred counties. We develop a variety of exhibits to share with institutions across North Carolina and support other museums by administering the North Carolina Science Museums Grant Program. We also engage the state’s students indirectly by providing professional development training for teachers, research opportunities for classrooms, and outdoor learning environments on school campuses.

Section/Unit Description:

The Research & Collections Section of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences illuminates the natural world through original scientific research; to grow, house, curate, and maintain research collections of natural history materials and related data for the global scientific community; to study the specimens and data that make up these collections; and to disseminate this information through published scientific articles, popular media, and other programs. Units of the Research and Collections Section include Astronomy & Astrophysics, Biodiversity, Collaborative Science, Conservation, Evolutionary Biology & Behavior, Genomics & Microbiology, Geology, Herpetology, History of Science, Ichthyology, Library & Archives, Malacology, Mammalogy, Non-molluscan Invertebrates, Ornithology, Paleontology, and Science Data Administration. The section champion’s the Museum’s mission and advances operational plans. It provides cross-sectional collaboration to support the network across the State and contributes to total quality management.

The Biodiversity Unit conducts research on patterns of biodiversity in North Carolina and around the world with the ultimate goal of sharing results with a broad audience. It maintains the Biodiversity Lab, which includes an on-exhibit research space and ways to interact with visitors within the museum. The unit conducts research through new field work, laboratory research, and analytical models and produces peer reviewed publications and popular media with an emphasis to engage the public in understanding scientific research.

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The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence. 

We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community. 

Application Process

 Be sure to complete the application in its entirety.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application. The hiring process may take several weeks.
• Be sure to complete the application in full. Applicants are unable to submit more than one application to an individual posting.  Only one application received prior to the closing date will be accepted.  Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on the night prior to the closing date.  

Degree/College Credit Verification 

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more. 

Veteran’s and National Guard Preference 

Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application. 

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. 

Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. 

ADA Accommodations 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. 

Employment Eligibility 

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System). 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division of Human Resources

109 E. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

Phone: 919-814-6670

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Mike Peele

Email:

[email protected]