The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) seeks a preparator to conduct fossil preparation for its vertebrate fossil collections. The successful candidate will work alongside colleagues in the “Dino Lab”, a public-facing preparation laboratory, within the Dinosaur Institute at the NHM. This position involves weekend hours (a Friday–Tuesday work week), and interaction with the public. Preparation will be based on priorities set by the curatorial staff including new projects and existing collections. Work will involve preparation and conservation of both micro- and macro-fossil specimens. The candidate will supervise and train volunteers and students in fossil preparation. He/She will be responsible for documenting and archiving all preparation activities in conjunction with collections staff and aid in ordering supplies. He/She will assist with maintaining lab safety including chemical storage and personnel equipment. The successful candidate will have a knowledge of vertebrate anatomy and be experienced using and caring for all necessary lab tools including specialized ones, such as zip scribes, air abraders, and microscope-based preparation. He/She will be knowledgeable about and capable of overseeing the use of consolidants, the handling of large specimens, building support cradles, and making molds & casts. In conjunction with other staff, the successful candidate will lead and facilitate tours and public/educational programming related to the Dino Lab and the Dinosaur Institute’s programs. Opportunities to participate in Dinosaur Institute and NHM field programs are also possible.
The successful candidate will have a relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with a minimum of two years of demonstrated professional experience in a fossil preparation lab. He/She will demonstrate a high level of professional skill, innovation, cooperativeness, and ability to interact with the public. Exceptional manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, attention to detail and interpersonal relations, as well as outstanding organizational skills and the ability to work independently are required. The ability to work a Friday–Tuesday work week within a public-facing lab is required. The position requires a California (or other valid) driver’s license, the ability to lift heavy objects, and to operate in non-office conditions. Experience with specimen digitization techniques, and collections databases, particularly Emu software, would be desirable, but are not required.
The NHM’s mission is to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. Our strategic intent – “To be the best at communicating how our planet and life on it changes over time and why this matters” – guides our priorities for the next decade. The ability to communicate effectively and engage with a wide variety of audiences, including the public and NHM’s various stakeholders, is paramount. The preparator will actively participate in a broad range of museum activities, such as training educators, public communications, media interactions, fundraising, and community science initiatives. The successful candidate must possess a positive attitude and be proactive with regards to public engagement. The NHM is seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience and commitment working with a diverse community.
This is a full-time position with a salary and title commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits. Work will include weekends, and this is not a research position. Application deadline is June 8, 2018. Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, salary history, and the full contact information of at least three professional references to thayden@nhm.org, Natural History Museum Preparator Search, Dinosaur Institute, Research & Collections, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please, No Phone Calls, No Fax.