Preparator, Vertebrate Paleontology
No closing date stated.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH), founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Considered among the top 10 institutions of its kind in North America, the Museum offers an incredible visitor experience, attracting roughly 275,000 visitors a year. There are more than 140 public education programs and over 80,000 students served annually. The Museum employs about 160 people.
Building on its strong foundation of excellence in education and research, the Museum is poised to transform itself. CMNH will invite and engage a broader audience in the exploration of science and the natural world by revolutionizing the way it presents natural history. The Museum has launched a capital campaign to support a dramatic renovation and expansion of its facilities and exhibits. This ambitious plan will position the Museum to play a leading role in regional and national efforts to improve science education and increase scientific literacy.
CMNH is seeking a dynamic, creative and energetic individual who is passionate about the Museum and its mission; exhibits strong interpersonal and organizational skills; is looking for new challenges; and enjoys working with people of all ages.
Summary
Collects and prepares fossils under the direction of the Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology; assists the Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology and the Vertebrate Paleontology Collections Manager in fossil curation and Museum outreach.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - (Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation)
Preparation: Under direction of the Curator, the Preparator will assist the Collections Manager in all activities of the Vertebrate Paleontology Lab, and coordinates activities with other labs as required. Prepares fossils pertinent to the department's research. Also called on to prepare fossils for other reasons (exhibits, education, etc.). Will oversee and instruct other staff and volunteers in fossil identification, preparation, reassembly, cataloguing and curation. Will actively recruit new volunteer preparators. Ensures that the vertebrate lab is clean and orderly. Orders supplies required for the lab. Maintains lab equipment.
Fossil Collection: Under direction of the Curator, the Preparator will assist the Collections Manager in the preparation of, and participates in, local and remote site work. This will include: assisting with all logistics for field camp set up, the acquisition and transport to the site of all required equipment; fossil and data (maps, taphonomic data, photographs, videos, etc.) collection; and transportation of fossil vertebrates. Will include supervision of the field camp and related fossil localities in the absence of the Curator or the Collections Manager, including the supervision of staff, student and volunteers. Will assist the Curator and Collections Manager in the preparing reports relating to fossil collection and preparation.
Curation and Cataloging: Under direction of the Curator, the Preparator will assist the Collections Manager in the curation and cataloging of vertebrate paleontology fossils. Maintains computer and hard copy files pertinent to vertebrate preparation, lab equipment, volunteers, etc. Provides Curator with information for the monthly report.
Education and/or Experience
◦Bachelor’s degree in Earth or Biological Sciences, or related area from a four-year college or university; or three (3) or more years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
◦Experience setting up and running field camps and fossil preparation.
◦Ability to repair all equipment used in vertebrate paleontology lab. Ability to teach, direct and work with volunteers.
◦Work experience in fossil preparation and collection, and field camp management.
◦Scientific writing ability with proficiency in Word, Photoshop and PowerPoint.
◦Advanced knowledge of vertebrate anatomy, especially Devonian fish and archosaurs.
◦Experience managing budgets and ordering supplies and equipment.
◦Certified wilderness first aid preferred.
Other Qualifications
◦Excellent organizational and problem solving skills, and the ability to handle multiple projects at the same time.
◦Ability to communicate and work effectively with Museum staff and in a professional, pleasant, tactful and enthusiastic manner.
◦Ability to exercise initiative and good judgment in anticipating problems before they arise.
◦Ability to effectively coordinate and track multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize, work well under pressure with a high degree of accuracy, and meet stringent and overlapping deadlines.
◦Ability to communicate effectively–both verbally and in writing.
◦Ability to work independently and supervise crews in remote localities.
◦Willingness to travel and be in remote field camps for multiple weeks.
◦Ability to use and gather GPS and GIS data.
◦Manual dexterity.
◦Ability to talk to the public and make public presentations.
◦Patience to complete sometimes tedious preparations.
◦Ability to understand and repair all equipment pertaining to vertebrate preparation
◦and/or fieldwork.
◦Capability to devise special techniques for special situations.
◦Valid driver's license and passport.
TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references to:
Human Resources
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
1 Wade Oval Drive, University Circle
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
hr@cmnh.org
No phone calls, please.