Volunteer

Archives Digital Image Cataloging Volunteer 
Department: Integrative Collections, Archives 
Staff Supervisor: Laura Uglean Jackson 
Project Start Date: December 2024
Project End Date: Indefinite, 1-year minimum commitment 
Number of Volunteers: 1 
Schedule and Total Number of Hours: 4-8 hours a week, Monday-Thursday 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Volunteer for Digital Image Cataloging will assist with creating catalog records and metadata for digital images taken by the DMNS staff photographer that are transferred to Archives. The Volunteer may also assist with other duties as assigned by the Archives staff. This position is entirely computer-based. The volunteer is required to have strong proficiency working in a Microsoft computing environment. This position will not typically work with prints or negatives. This position reports to the Digital Archivist, Laura Uglean Jackson

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Undergo extensive training to gain understanding of the Archives’ description practices and workflows
• Follow established workflow procedures and instructions for cataloging new digital images in an Excel spreadsheet, to be incorporated into the Archives’ collections management and digital asset management systems
• Read, interpret, and reuse existing description embedded within files, spreadsheets, and databases
• Adept at data entry and avoiding typos and misspellings
• Search and navigate the Museum’s collections management system (EMu) and the Digital Asset Management System (NetX)
• Navigate multiple open windows in a Microsoft computing environment, such as file explorer, image files, spreadsheets, and the collections management database
• Create descriptions following inclusive description practices

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong proficiency working in a Microsoft computing environment
• Experience with Excel, preferably creating and editing text within Excel spreadsheets
• Interest in digital images and cataloging
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to work independently and manage tasks efficiently
• Ability to understand archival standards, concepts, and best practices
• Takes direction well and can follow established workflows and procedures
• Onsite work schedule to fall within Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office: Moderate noise (business office with computers and printers, light traffic)
• Stand or sit: must be able to sit at a computer most of the time
• Museum collections: maintenance of collection items

Assist the Museum’s Marine Invertebrate Collection by processing high quality specimen photographs and making them available online to researchers around the world! 

Shift times are from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 12:30 – 4:30. p.m., and 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and are available Tuesday through Thursday with a 6-month commitment at a minimum.

Projects 
Volunteers are needed to help process images of specimens from the Museum’s Marine Invertebrate Collection for subsequent upload to the Arctos database. The Museum’s Marine Invertebrate collection holds a diverse group of worldwide specimens, the largest portion being marine mollusk shells, followed by terrestrial and freshwater shells, corals, and echinoderms. The primary task will be to consolidate high-quality images of micromollusks using Photoshop to upload them to the collections database, Arctos.

The volunteer will add images to Arctos specimen records, verify taxonomy and identification of specimens, and will gain an understanding of all other curation and data management skills involved in maintaining this museum collection. 

This project is suited for those who have experience with detailed computer work. Experience using Photoshop is especially useful. 

Required Skills

• Computer skills (typing, web browsers, spreadsheets, file navigation and management)
• Careful attention to detail
• Previous experience with Photoshop or similar program
• Willing to learn new skills
• Manual dexterity skills, able to manipulate small and fragile specimens
• Cooperative in a team environment
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently
• Must be able to commit to a set weekly schedule

Education or experience in biology or marine biology helpful

Training
The Zoology Assistant Collections Manager will provide on-the-job training.

Schedule and Commitment
Minimum of one shift per week for 6 months. Shifts are available Tuesday– Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Age Requirement
Available to individual applicants 18 or older

The Zoology Department is focused on providing a better understanding of the planet’s biodiversity through an active program of scientific research, collections growth, curation, and outreach. The Zoology Collections staff are responsible for

Volunteers are needed to assist the department with labeling and tagging prepared specimens to be integrated into the Zoology collection. Specimens processed in the Museum’s Vertebrate Preparation Lab are sent down to collections to be matched with corresponding specimen data, including the specimen’s catalog number and collection data. The tasks consist of transcribing the specimen’s catalog number onto the extracted bones, tying tags onto prepared skins, and affixing data labels onto specimen boxes. This position requires a steady hand and a good eye, as volunteers handle fragile, sometimes tiny specimens.

Qualifications

• Manual dexterity skills, able to manipulate fragile, sometimes small specimens
• Excellent handwriting
• Accuracy in transcribing information
• Attention to detail, checking for any inaccuracies
• Excellent communication skills, whether it be prompt in responding to notifications or able to bring up issues to collections staff

Not Required, but Preferred Skills

• Experience in natural history, biology, or zoology
• Computer skills (Excel, databases, web browsers, etc.)

Working Conditions

• Organization and maintenance of Museum collections tasks will all/mainly occur in the B2 (basement 2) level of the Avenir Collections Center
• The use of ladders will be necessary
• Lifting and moving specimens of variable sizes
• Office conditions and standard office equipment
• Depending on the project, volunteers must be able to sit or stand for extended periods

Schedule and Commitment

• Minimum of one shift per week for six months.
• Shifts are available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., or all day shift, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Age Requirement

Available to individual applicants 18 or older 

The Zoology Prep Lab is a crucial step in the life of a vertebrate zoology specimen. Staff and volunteers in this lab collect data and prepare vertebrates for their long life in the growing zoology collections. We prepare a variety of skins, skeletons, and alcohol specimens for research. In addition, we sample tissues and save parasites from specimens coming through the lab. We work closely with zoology curators and collections staff to ensure that scientists receive the materials they need for their research. We are recruiting volunteers for the projects listed below.

Small Bird Dissection:Volunteers will work on small bird skeletonizing and some wing preparation for the Zoology research collection. This will also include the preservation of tissues, parasites, and possibly other parts of the bird. This position is suited for someone who has strong fine motor skills and has a gentle touch. It is a good fit for people with a strong stomach and good attention to detail, who can work on repetitive tasks, enjoy working with their hands and keep organized. Disclaimer: This volunteer position includes the dissection of dead animals. You will see blood, intestines, organs, and potentially insects or parasites. Volunteers must be available for a minimum time commitment of one 4-hour shift per week for 6 months. Shifts are available on Wednesdays or Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Preference is given to those that can volunteer for longer shifts.

Bullfrog Project: The Zoology Department recently received a large shipment of about 400 bullfrogs from Southeastern Colorado and we are looking for a volunteer to work with us to get the frogs preserved and into our Zoology research collection. Frogs are in chemicals and will need to get properly labeled, housed, and into ethanol. Best for people who are well organized, enjoy spreadsheets, can carefully work with chemicals (ethanol) under a fume hood, and enjoy frogs. Disclaimer: This volunteer position includes working with dead animals. You will see blood, intestines, organs, and potentially insects or parasites. Volunteers must be available for a minimum time commitment of one 4-hour shift per week until the end of this project (less than 6 months). Shifts are available on Thursdays or Fridays from 8:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.

Minimum Qualifications

• Have solid attention to detail and a proactive willingness to acquire new skills
• Exhibit manual dexterity skills that lend themselves to intricate tasks
• Thrive in a collaborative team setting
• Demonstrate adeptness in following instructions while also excelling in independent tasks
• Consistency is key; commit to maintaining a regular weekly schedule

Helpful Skills

Education or background in biology, mammalogy, ornithology, or herpetology is helpful.

Prior experience in handling animals is helpful

Training
The Zoology Preparator will provide on-the-job training. Additionally, volunteers are required to take the Zoology Preparation Lab Safety Training on their first working day in the lab. All personal protective equipment is provided.

Age Requirement
Available to individual applicants 18 or older

Physical Working Conditions

• Must have the ability to sit or stand for long periods
• Ability to safely lift and handle specimens
• Manual dexterity – must have the ability to hold and operate hand tools and pneumatic tools without assistance

Physical Effort Required
Moderate physical activity is required by handling objects up to 20 lbs. occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. frequently.