lab hours 4/14

I went to the museum-opening about an hour and a half early, in hopes of being able to help with any last minute touches, but it seemed like everything had already been covered [I hope this can still count for something since I had intentions of being put to work :) ]. But this was my first time seeing it, so I took my time looking at everything before the room got crowded [it was a good turn-out!]
Worked on the assignment today for 2.5 hours; I spent way too much time on the job boards, but it was interesting and intimidating at the same time, which explains why it took me so long to choose a position to post. Definitely puts things into perspective.
I was impressed by my classmates' postings [that had been completed so far] and realized I didn't have much to say for the assignment, even though it seemed like a good excersize. But its a learning experience, which is what I also took from the Burcaw reading; that we should be prepared to start at any level to work our way up, and get out foot in the door. It was encouraging to read that, and also about filling vacancies by promoting/ hiring from within. I'm interested to hear more about this in the next couple weeks.
There's a lot of work to do before I can tackle one of those job postings in the real world. But I'm motivated and optomistic.

Time: 4 hours

museum jobs

1] N/A unfortunately, I do not yet have any experience working or volunteering in a museum. [I can only say that I've gone to a LOT of them]

2][[AAM Job Headquarters]]
Job ID: 6692918
Position Title: Curator
Company Name: Navajo Nation Zoo
Job Function: Directors/Administrators
Entry Level: No
Job Type: Full-Time
Location(s): Window Rock, Arizona, 86515, United States
Posted: April 6, 2010
Job Duration: Indefinite
Min Education: BA/BS/Undergraduate
Min Experience: 1-2 Years
Required Travel: 0-10%
Salary: $36,753.00 - $36,753.00 (Yearly Salary)

Job Description
The Navajo Nation Zoo is seeking to hire one Curator to direct operations at our unique facility. Please note that although "Curator" is the official title, this position acts as Director of the organization.

The Navajo Nation Zoo is operated by the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is funded by the Navajo tribal government. The 34 year-old facility exhibits a total of 41 species, all of which are native to the Navajo reservation. Outdoor exhibits include bears, cougars, Mexican gray wolves, bobcats, raccoons, porcupines, golden eagles, and many more. Our indoor "Discovery Center" features reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, as well as an indoor waterfall/pond, video displays, and a "kids corner." We also have a playground and are currently developing a petting area. We host over 40,000 visitors a year, including 2,000 visitors at our "ZooBoo" event and 6,000 visitors at our "ZooFest" event. The Zoo is certified by the USDA.

The Curator will direct all Zoo operations and oversee the facility and animal collection. S/he will monitor and enhance the cultural, educational, recreational and conservation programs at the facility. S/he will supervise and coordinate six full time staff members, including four zookeepers, one office specialist, and one educator. S/he will oversee the budget and seek external funds through the adopt-an-animal program, grant-writing, corporate sponsorships, etc. S/he will also be responsible for strategic and master planning, compliance with regulations and certification, working with support organizations, education and outreach, event planning, and more.

The Curator also serves as a program manager with the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife, and reports to the Department Director.

Job Requirements
Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field, plus two years experience in animal husbandry, one year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.You can learn more about the Navajo Nation Zoo at www.navajozoo.org and read news articles about the Zoo at www.mholdgate.com/news.

I chose this paricular job posting because I'm interested in working in a zoo at some point, and this job combines both loves of animals and museum work [curator]
Although I have limited knowledge about the Navajo, I appreciate the fact that according to the mission statement, this is "the only Native American zoological facility in the United States" and also the incorporation of rehbilitation/release of animals as well as use of plants/animals in traditional ceremonies.

*I have great organizaional skills, persuassive and people skills [too much time in customer service], supervision experience, and overall communication and multitasking skills
*BA in Anthropology and and some understanding of the basic info/behaviors of many of the animals featured at the zoo
*I do not have much experience with grant-writing or working with organizations, but possess good writing skills, I am a quick learner, and work well under pressure when its for the right cause, in this case, directing the organization, raising and providing funds for the well-being of the animals.

Hats off to the Registrars

Finishing up the assigned reading for today.
When we originally read the job description of the registrar in the first couple pages of the book, it seemed like an overwhelming job. But after reading the "Documentation" chapter, it brings all the responsibilities into a new light. It makes me wonder how large of a staff work for the registrar in organizing and keeping track of everything associated with a single object.
Talk about organization skills.
[[I appreciate the book for being straightforward and very detailed [down to the folders that can be used for the documents] but it is heavily-informative and thankfully, well organized.]]

We received the accession numbers of the objects we will be responsible for over the course of the semester:

*BAS0183 74-32-2-43 [30]
*BAS0147 74-32-2-18 [14]
*BAS0150 74-32-2-22 [17]

I am excitd to "meet" and to work with them :)

Time: 2.5 hours