Paleontological Preparator

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

13h•$26 - $28

About The Position

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking a Paleontological Preparator for its Research & Collections Vertebrate Paleontology department. This position performs skilled technical work to collect, prepare, stabilize, and conserve fossils for curation, scientific study, or public display. The preparator works as part of a team to maintain workspaces and equipment and may train or supervise volunteers, interns, or students. The role may involve public-facing work, fieldwork, collection and documentation of fossil sites, and participation in public education programs. The preparator independently exercises judgment in preparing specimens under the general direction of a curator or other staff, including selecting tools and resources and meeting established deadlines. The position also supports collection management, maintains specimen data and preparation reports, and follows health, safety, and museum policies. 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 a list of 3–4 references.

Requirements

Coursework of at least four courses in a related field, including paleontology, geology, biology, or archaeology/anthropology; relevant technical arts or fine arts coursework at an accredited college or recognized trade school may be accepted in lieu of required experience.
One year of experience preparing fossils.
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, exercising independent judgment under the general direction of a curator or other staff.
Select tools and resources for preparation projects and meet established deadlines.
Maintain workspaces, collection tools, equipment, and supplies.
Ensure chemicals and hazardous materials are safely stored and correctly labeled; assist with arrangements for solid and liquid laboratory waste removal.
Assist with documentation and personal protective equipment requirements for health and safety.
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 collection data associated with scientific specimens, including preparation and conservation reports.
Participate in public education programs, demonstrations, and tours involving fossils and fossil preparation; respond to public inquiries about specimen identification as needed.
Manage, review, and approve timecards according to museum policies using HR/payroll tools such as ADP.
May supervise volunteers, interns, or students.
May participate in fieldwork, fossil collection, and documentation of fossil sites.
Perform other duties as assigned by curators and as department needs require.