Paleontological Preparator

Los Angeles County Museum Of Natural History Foundation•Los Angeles, CA

10d

About The Position

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) is seeking a Paleontological Preparator for its Research & Collections Vertebrate Paleontology department. The position performs skilled technical work to collect, prepare, stabilize, and conserve fossils for curation, scientific study, or public display. The preparator works with a team to maintain workspaces and equipment and may train or supervise volunteers, interns, or students. Work is conducted under the general direction of a curator or other staff, with independent judgment exercised in specimen preparation and project work. The role may include public-facing work, fieldwork, and participation in public education activities. NHMLAC is a nonprofit organization whose museums include the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park and La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park. Its mission is to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for the natural and cultural worlds. The organization emphasizes an inclusive, welcoming, safe, and respectful workplace, guided by values including adventurous, inclusive, authentic, intentional, kindness, fairness, openness, and dignity. This is a full-time regular, non-exempt position. The hourly range is $26.45–$28.44, based on experience, plus benefits. Applicants must submit a cover letter, current resume, and list of 3–4 references. Application review begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.

Requirements

At least four courses in a related field, including paleontology, geology, biology, or archaeology/anthropology.
One year of experience in fossil preparation, unless relevant technical arts or fine arts coursework at an accredited college or recognized trade school is accepted in lieu of required experience.
Experience using a personal computer and Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel, on PC and/or Macintosh.
Knowledge of biological morphology and taxonomy, field geological practices, casting and molding techniques, safe and proper use of laboratory equipment and shop tools, and standard museum preparation, conservation, and curation practices.
Proficiency with specialized tools such as miniature jackhammers (zip scribes) and air abrasive machines (miniature sand blasters), and/or chemical preparation techniques.
Proficiency using magnifiers and microscopes.
Experience using a camera, including a cell-phone camera, to photo-document specimens for preparation reports.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented verbally and in writing.
High level of professional behavior, cooperation, and interpersonal relations.

Responsibilities

Remove fossils from surrounding matrix using a variety of skilled techniques.
Preserve and restore fossils for permanent storage in curated collections.
Use judgment to determine project work, meet established deadlines, and select tools and resources.
Prepare specimens under the general direction of a curator or other staff.
Maintain workspaces, collection tools, equipment, and supplies.
Ensure chemicals and hazardous materials are safely stored and correctly identified, and assist with arrangements for removal of solid and liquid laboratory waste.
Assist with health and safety documentation and personal protective equipment requirements.
Work with staff to mount, clean, and maintain fossil specimens for public exhibit.
Assist collection management staff with preparation, cataloguing, and storage of collections.
Maintain scientific specimen collection data, including preparation and conservation reports.
Participate in public education programs, demonstrations, and tours involving fossils and fossil preparation.
Handle public inquiries involving identification of scientific specimens when needed.
Manage, review, and approve timecards according to museum policies using HR/payroll tools such as ADP.
Train and may supervise volunteers, interns, or students.
May participate in fieldwork, fossil collection, and documentation of fossil sites.
May work in a public-facing space and interact with museum visitors.
Perform other duties as assigned by curators and as department needs require.