Paleontologist

Successful applicant will responsible for: the performance of the duties of the North Dakota State Paleontologist including the management of the Johnsrud Paleontological Laboratory and curation of the North Dakota State Fossil Collection at the North Dakota Heritage Center; the management of the North Dakota Geological Survey paleontological resources regulatory program and supervision of paleontology staff during office, lab, and field work; responding to public inquiries regarding paleontology in the state and acting in an advisory capacity to other governmental entities regarding paleontological resources in North Dakota; the management of the review, approval, and issuing of paleontological collection permits within the state and supervision of the NDGS public fossil digs program; and, the creation and development of paleontological exhibits for the North Dakota Heritage Center and other public areas across the state.

Minimum qualifications will include:

◦a Doctoral degree in paleontology (preferred) or a Master’s degree in paleontology
◦ten years of related experience
◦experience managing personnel and volunteers on field paleontological investigations and fossil dig
◦experience in curating fossil collections and managing paleontological laboratory resources
◦effective verbal and written communication skills are essential as evidenced through a continuous and comprehensive paleontological publication and presentation record
◦applicant must have a valid driver’s license.

Preferred qualifications will include:

◦a strong background in the conduct of geologic and paleontological public outreach programs
◦a background in the paleontology of Cenozoic vertebrates in the upper Midwest and Mesozoic and Paleozoic invertebrates
◦experience conducting paleontological assessments and managing paleontological resources on government lands
◦experience creating and developing paleontological exhibits for the public
◦extensive knowledge of the geology and paleontology of North Dakota and its context within the regional geologic setting
◦experience acting in a paleontological advisory capacity to state and federal agencies
◦computer experience with working knowledge of; Excel, Outlook, Word, Access, and other applicable programs.

Apply by submitting qualifications online through the nd.gov recruiting solutions system

Include, as attachments, a cover letter and resume, official college transcripts, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references (faculty as well as past or present work supervisors).
The Department of Mineral Resources-North Dakota Geological Survey staff will score applications against the minimum qualifications and preferences listed on the job announcement and qualifying military service. After the scoring is completed, a certified list of eligible candidates and the applications will be forwarded to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview, based on the final scores.