Review Vacancy
AgencyEducation Department, State
TitleResearch and Collections Technician, Box OCE-1630/29122
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $56183 to $71719 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description The New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of Cultural Education (OCE) is seeking candidates for a Research and Collections Technician, SG-14 position in the New York State Museum. Under the supervision of a Museum Scientist 1 or higher, the incumbent will perform duties for the Paleontology Department.
Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Clean, organize, label, rehouse, and monitor environmental and pest conditions for fossils, rocks, objects, and associated documentation;
• Identify, classify, and catalogue specimens and objects (invertebrate, paleobotanical, ichnological and vertebrate fossils) using standardized protocols, including assigning and linking catalog numbers;
• Review field notes and collectors' documentation to determine provenance of collected fossils, rocks, and any incoming materials;
• Create a detailed catalogue and conduct inventories of Paleontology collections meeting State Museum and discipline standards;
• Create digital images (photographs and 3D images) of fossils, artifacts, and documents for records, tracking, and exhibits;
• Enter, edit, and update data and images in electronic collections management databases, including MimsyXG/ Axiell Collections, ensuring accuracy and completeness;
• Participate in fieldwork with curators and collections managers, including specimen and object procurement, surveys, mapping, and basic data collection;
• Oversee, train, and supervise volunteers, interns, and students in collections care;
• Process loan requests and assist with moving, collecting, and returning objects for loans or donations; aid in exhibit installation and de-installation and prepare items for travel;
• Provide access to secure storage for staff and visitors, and conduct small group tours and outreach activities and;
• Assist with educational and research activities, including data gathering, document searches, writing portions of reports, procedural documents, or manuals, assist in the planning of public programs under the supervision of a Museum Scientist 1 or higher.
Minimum Qualifications NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• A bachelor’s degree including or supplemented by 18 semester credit hours in archaeology, anthropology, history, in one of the natural sciences (e.g., biology, zoology, geology), or related fields AND one year of professional experience assisting in scientific or historical research in the field or in artifact/specimen care and maintenance in a laboratory or a museum.
COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Reassignment: Candidates must have one year of permanent non-competitive or 55b/c service as a Research and Collections Technician.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Preference may be given to candidates who have:
• A master’s degree in geology or biology with a focus in paleontology.
• Experience working in natural history collections, particularly paleontology collections.
• Applicants with demonstrated expertise in the paleontology of New York State or nearby areas.
It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.
Additional Comments ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This will be a contingent permanent, non-competitive appointment. Promotions and transfers may change appointees’ negotiating unit. Candidates should be aware that changes in negotiating units may affect their salary, insurance, and other benefits.
This position will require 20% in-state/Statewide travel.
This position leads to a maximum salary of $71,719 based on annual performance advances. For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts
Interested in a job with New York State, but don’t know where to start?
Visit these links for information on working for New York State:
• https://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/
• https://www.cs.ny.gov/pio/publications/gettingajob.pdf
Generous benefits of working for New York State, including, but not limited to, the following:
Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave in year one, increasing to 20+ days with additional years of service.
• Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA and eight (8) days paid sick leave annually for M/C.
• Annual professional leave and educational leave opportunities for eligible staff.
Health Care Benefits
• Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
Additional Benefits
• Enrollment in the New York State pension system which has earned the distinction of being one of the best-managed and best-funded plans in the nation OR Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match (eligibility requirements apply).
• NYS Deferred Compensation and an exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan.
• Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C Only).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Eligibility for various life insurance options.
New York State Education Department (NYSED) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, domestic violence victim status, gender identity, prior conviction records, prior arrests, youthful offender adjudications, or sealed records.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Office of Human Resources Management
Email Address OCEJobs@nysed.gov
Address
Street NY State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue, OHRM, 528 EB
Notes on ApplyingAPPLICATION: Qualified candidates should send a resume and letter of interest by October 27, 2026, to OCEJobs@nysed.gov (email submissions are preferred). Your resume must clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. You must include the Box number (OCE-1630/29122) of the position in the subject line of your email and cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. Links to application materials will not be accepted (i.e., Google Docs). Your social security number may be required to confirm your eligibility.