Supervisory Museum Specialist (Geology - FossiLab Manager) IS-1016-12

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

29d•Onsite

About The Position

The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is seeking an experienced candidate to fill the Supervisory Museum Specialist (Geology) position. This position will lead the Department of Paleobiology Preparation Labs (PPL), including supervision of the fossil preparator team and fossil preparation volunteers. Manages the primary workspaces of this team, the behind-the-scenes Prep lab and the exhibition preparation laboratory FossiLab (FL) within the Deep Time Fossil Hall. The position provides world-class technical support to all aspects of fossil preparation including efficient operations and ensuring that all specimens are prepared at the highest professional standards. The position coordinates fossil preparation in support of research and collections stewardship and provides scientific expertise to support the Museum’s mission. This position supervises the work of Museum Specialist (Fossil Preparator) positions at the GS-09 target GS-11 level as well as volunteers, fellows, affiliates, and interns.

Requirements

In depth knowledge of the broad variance of physical properties and value of fossil materials studied in academic research situations of paleobotany, vertebrate and invertebrate paleobiology, geology, biology, anatomy, and fossil preparation, conservation and storage, and the necessary skills in applying this knowledge to carry out assignments and procedures in a museum setting.
Knowledge of fossil preparation, preservation, or conservation techniques, which may include specialized housing, stabilization, field preparation techniques, routine and specialized cleaning and preparation techniques, and field recording practices.
Ability to oversee visitors, volunteer preparators, avocational paleontologists, students, and colleagues from NMNH and other institutions to provide information on research, fossil preparation, and collections.
Knowledge of collection management procedures and policies as they apply to area of specialization including loans, permits, curation, identification, conservation, and associated records.

Responsibilities

Recruits and supervises the work of Museum Specialist (Fossil Preparator) positions at the GS-09 target 11 level as well as volunteers, fellows, affiliates, and interns.
Oversees and evaluates the preparation activities and use of lab spaces by other department staff and visiting researchers who report directly to the Chair or other supervisors.
Oversees the preparation of fossil specimens for study, exhibition, and incorporation into the National collections using a variety of manual and mechanical tools and equipment and chemical preparation techniques; molding and casting of fossils; and other departmental needs.
Directs operations and maintenance of the fossil preparation spaces.
Manages budgets and supplies in coordination with department leadership.
Recruits, selects and manages a diverse volunteer corps of up to 60 individuals to satisfy the needs of the Department of Paleobiology.
Supports collections stewardship in consultation with the Department Chair and Lead Collection Manager.
Directs, manages, and participates in the repair and conservation of fossils; the preparation of specimens for collections management activities including loans, digitization, storage improvement, and shipping.
Directs preparation needs for specimens involved with fieldwork, complex acquisitions, exhibition, cleaning and repair of fossils on display.
Organizes logistics and personnel for PPL staff; caring for field equipment and supplies; gathering and recording specimen data and helping in documentation.