Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum https://naturemuseum.org/
Specimen Preparator and Lab Supervisor (part-time)
The Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (CAS/PNNM) seeks a creative individual with an interest in natural history collections, engaging the public, and experience in specimen preparation to join its Collections Department as a Specimen Preparator and Lab Supervisor. Reporting to the head of the Collections Department, the Preparator is responsible for preparation of zoological specimens for CAS/PNNM’s scientific and teaching collections, maintaining the Beecher Lab, supervising preparation volunteers, engaging visitors to the Beecher Lab, and supporting departmental activities at the museum.
Principle Responsibilities:
- Independently plan and conduct preparation of zoological specimens for the scientific and teaching collections. Specimens (mostly birds and small mammals) will be prepared as study skins, skeletal elements, and parts, such as isolated spread wings, and occasionally as mounted specimens. Ensure that best practices for museum preparation and consistent standards are applied in preparation and preservation activities.
- Maintain accurate specimen data during processing and preservation work. Requires the use of an online Google spreadsheet to capture specimen data necessary for cataloguing and documentation. Preparator will be responsible for training and supervising volunteers recording this data.
- Provide supervision and mentorship of preparation volunteers in the lab. Schedule and train volunteers on new projects and provide regular feedback about their progress.
- Regularly engage with visitors to the Beecher Lab about topics pertaining to natural history collections and specimen preparation. Provide interpretation about a range of larger biological conservation topics, especially related to bird migration in Chicago and window impacts.
- Maintain an organized workspace in the lab for staff and volunteers.
Compensation and Schedule: This is a part-time (24 hours per week maximum). Compensation is $18.00 per hour. Preferred schedule should include working on Thursdays (institutional free days) and Saturdays. Schedule will be arranged with the department manager.
How To Apply. Please send your application, consisting of your resume, cover letter, and images of your taxidermy work as examples (preferred as a PDF) to: https://peggy-notebaert-nature-museum.breezy.hr/p/804a07af16d4-specimen-preparator-and-lab-supervisor-part-time. No phone calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.