Please visit Assistant Report Writer for complete job posting and application instructions.
About the Museum: The San Diego Natural History Museum is run and operated by the San Diego Society of Natural History, a private not-for-profit scientific organization incorporated in 1874. The Museum’s mission is to interpret the natural world through research, education and exhibits; to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California; and to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment. Within the Museum, the Biodiversity Research Center of the Californias (BRCC) encompasses all scientific research, collections, and resource management activities.
About PaleoServices: Within BRCC, the Department of PaleoServices specializes in working with external clients to fulfill their needs in paleontological resource management. The focus of PaleoServices is on the recognition, recovery, and preservation of the significant and unique paleontological resources (fossils) that provide critical direct evidence of the rich biological and geological history the greater southern California region. For general information about our paleontology mitigation program, please visit: https://www.sdnhm.org/science/consulting-services/paleo-services/
This position is responsible for assisting the PaleoServices Report Writer and GIS Specialist in producing paleontological records search summaries, paleontological assessment technical reports, paleontological resource mitigation plans, and paleontological mitigation final reports. Reports directly to the PaleoServices Report Writer and GIS Specialist.
Major Responsibilities:
- Conduct in-house paleontological records searches and/or request external institutional records searches.
- Assist in compiling project details, in analyzing project components, and in developing appropriate pre-construction, during-construction, and post-construction mitigation measures for the production of paleontological assessment technical reports and paleontological mitigation plans.
- Draft/produce report figures including geological maps, paleontological potential maps, and field survey photo-figures.
- Assist in compiling project descriptions, in organizing field and laboratory data, in summarizing project stratigraphy and paleontological results for the production of final paleontological mitigation reports.
- Take specimen photos and produce photo figures and graphic illustrations for various reports.
- Compile stratigraphic, geologic, field collection, and paleontological data into formal collection locality descriptions and enter results into the paleontological collection database.
- Meet report deadlines and help ensure that all other aspects of the mitigation program (e.g., fossil preparation, fossil curation) are on track to be completed in accordance with the report deadline.
Qualifications:
- B.S. Degree in Geology, Paleobiology, or related fields
- Ability to exercise independent discretion and judgement in the application of learned scientific knowledge and skills
- Superior oral and written communication skills, and organizational skills
- Ability to analyze project documents such as grading/shoring plans, geotechnical reports using science-based judgement
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator; some experience with GIS desktop software preferred (e.g., Esri’s ArcGIS Pro or ArcMap)
- Proficient in skills and techniques employed in geological and paleontological fieldwork, including geological mapping, measuring of stratigraphic sections, lithologic descriptions, paleontological collection techniques, and use of field equipment
- General knowledge of California geology and paleontology
- General knowledge of the scientific disciplines of geology and paleontology
In compliance with the San Diego Natural History Museum’s mandatory vaccination policy, the Museum requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accommodations based on medical and religious exemptions will be considered.
Compensation: $20 to $22/hour
The position is part-time, up to 29 hours/week, and accrues vacation and sick time. The position is not eligible for health insurance nor retirement benefits. However, employment does allow for free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
Please submit resume and cover letter (including salary expectations) to Katie McComas (kmccomas@sdnhm.org). No phone calls or drop-ins, please.