Job Description:
The Zoology department at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science seeks a talented and experienced individual to supervise and manage specimen preparation in a new Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) Laboratory. The Zoology collections are growing rapidly and we are seeking a vertebrate preparator to ensure that the new specimens prepared and incorporated into our collections are of the highest standard for future scientific research. All vertebrate specimens are prepared in the BSL2 lab, as well as, some fluid preparation of invertebrate specimens.
The successful applicant will report to the Curator of Ornithology, work closely with the other Zoology curators and collections managers, and supervise and manage volunteers, interns and other part-time staff. They will be passionate about museum collections and be able to articulate that the scientific merit of natural history specimens stems from proper preparation and preservation. They will also work with colleagues to execute the Museum’s mission and vision and uphold its values.
The world class zoology collections at DMNS house approximately 1.2 million specimens, vials, or specimen lots in multiple collections: Arachnology (~60,000); Marine Invertebrates (~37,235); Entomology (~985,100); Botany (~4,512); Herpetology (~540); Mammalogy (~20,200); Parasites (~1,200); and Ornithology (~58,460).
Essential duties:
Provides direct supervision of volunteers, interns, and part-time staff.
Practices and teaches professional preparation as directed by the Curators.
Oversees the work of lab volunteers, provides additional trainings as required and mentors/supervises volunteers, students, and interns.
Provides support to Curators through preparation and in research projects as requested.
Oversees and manages a high-quality Zoology preparation laboratory.
Prepares vertebrate skins, skeletons, frozen tissues, parasites, and all other specimen associated materials.
Provides preparation expertise as needed to other areas of the museum.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree required, Biology/Zoology major preferred.
2 years’ experience in aspects of specimen preparation required.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office suite required.
Ideal candidate will have:
Experience preparing mammal and bird specimens, including skins, skeletons and their associated parasites. Willingness to learn invertebrate specimen preparation.
Core values:
We love science.
We are curious, creative and playful.
We cultivate relationships with each other, diverse communities, the environment and for our future.
We think critically and act with empathy.
Application Instructions:
Please submit your cover letter and resume by October 4, 2017. Resumes will not be accepted after this time.
Applications may only be accepted electronically via the Museum’s website http://chm.tbe.taleo.net/chm01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=DMNS&cws=1&rid=809
Due to the high volume of people who apply, we are not able to respond to specific inquiries regarding your application status.
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is an equal opportunity employer. The Museum is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff committed to serving the needs of all our visitors and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.