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. Research activities and the scope of the zoology collections span the globe, but the primary focus is on Western North America. Staff are also charged with building and enhancing the research collections they oversee to support the broader scientific community and contribute to the public good.
- The ornithology collection (~55,000 specimens) is one of the largest in the American West with holotypes, paratypes, extinct taxa, and many species of conservation importance.
- The mammal collection (~21,000 specimens), which has more than doubled in size over the last decade, covers seven continents, with a particularly strong Colorado focus.
Be a part of enhancing the collections by volunteering for one of the exciting projects listed below!
Specimen Labeler
The Vertebrate Zoology Department is seeking volunteers to assist in our specimen labeling procedures. Read below to learn more about the position. Shift times are from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 12:30 – 4:30. p.m., and are available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with a 6-month commitment at a minimum.
Volunteers will assist 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 good eyes, as volunteers will be handling fragile, and sometimes very small, specimens.
Required Skills
- Manual dexterity skills, able to manipulate fragile/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.)
Data Entry
The Vertebrate Zoology Department needs volunteers to assist with data entry. Read below to learn more about the position. Shift times are from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 12:30 – 4:30. p.m., and are available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with a 6-month commitment at a minimum.
Volunteers will assist in incorporating new specimen data (primarily birds and mammals) into the Museum’s zoology collection. This work will support the current and future research being done by the DMNS Zoology Curators as well as researchers across the globe. The specimen data will be entered into the vertebrate collection’s online database, Arctos (https://arctos.database.museum). The tasks consist of transcribing and entering preparation data into the database or bulk loader, assigning catalog numbers to specimens, and maintaining the physical catalog of specimen data. Occasionally, volunteers will be asked to complete data cleanup of existing records.
Required Skills
- Strong computer skills (Experience with Windows preferred)
- Careful attention to detail
- Ability to follow written instructions and problem-solve
- Capable of performing duplicative tasks with care
- 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 or zoology
- Expertise in Excel
Training
Zoology Assistant Collections Manager will provide required training and must be attended before the first day of volunteering
Vertebrate Specimen Integration
The Vertebrate Zoology Department is looking for volunteers to assist in our specimen integration procedures. Read below to learn more about the position. Shift times are from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 12:30 – 4:30. p.m., and 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and are available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with a 6-month commitment at a minimum.
The department is interested in volunteers to assist in incorporating bird and mammal specimens into the Vertebrate Zoology Research Collection. This role includes organizing, cataloging, and integrating specimens and ensuring proper care, preservation, and accurate labeling of all specimens in accordance with museum standards.
Responsibilities
- Handle study skins, skeletons, wings, and various other museum specimens with the utmost care.
- Organize specimens according to taxonomic and geographic categories and ensure proper numerical order based on catalog numbers.
- Regularly assess the collection for proper organization and adjust as necessary to accommodate new specimens.
- Required Skills
- Manual dexterity skills, able to manipulate fragile, sometimes small specimens
- Capable of bending, crouching, and standing for long periods to manage specimens in drawers and cabinets.
- 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
- Use of ladders is required
Not Required Skills, but preferred skills
- Manual dexterity skills, able to manipulate fragile, sometimes small specimens
- Capable of bending, crouching, and standing for long periods to manage specimens in drawers and cabinets.
- 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.)
