Department: Entomology Department

Supervisor: Christy Bills, Invertebrates Collections Manager

Entomology Collection Assistants ensure the continued research of natural history objects for future generations.

Specifically, Entomology Collection Assistant volunteers will be responsible for adding catalog numbers to historical insect specimens so that they may be preserved digitally in our online collections database. Volunteers will be trained to handle pinned specimens, organize them within a small area, and read very small labels to learn where they were collected. Volunteers will cut out small catalog numbers (1.5 x 5 mm) very neatly, and add them to the bottom of the specimen pins. Using their training and close attention to detail, volunteers will safely preserve insect specimens to add to our digital collection, and support ongoing research and exploration of the natural world.

Training Required: 

• All new Entomology Collection Assistant volunteers will receive a tour of the Entomology Collections, on-the-job training, and to chance to shadow veteran volunteers or collections interns.

Shift times: 

• Mondays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., weekly

• Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., weekly

• Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., weekly

Time Commitment: One shift per week, for a one-year term. 

Age Requirement: 16 years or older