Please visit Specimen Preparator for complete job posting and application instructions.
CAS/PNNM seeks a creative individual with an interest in natural history collections, engaging the public, and experience in taxidermy to join its Collections team as a Specimen Preparator. Reporting to the Senior Director of Collections, the Specimen Preparator is responsible for preparation of zoological specimens for CAS/PNNM’s scientific and teaching collections, maintaining the Beecher Preparation Lab, supervising preparation volunteers, and supporting departmental activities.
This position is stationed at CAS/PNNM’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park, working primarily in the Beecher Lab, a specimen preparation lab within an exhibit gallery where science and education go hand in hand. Staff and volunteers working in the Beecher Lab conduct specimen preparation and repair in view of museum visitors and regularly engage visitors about their projects. This position may also conduct occasional work at the off-site collections facility in the Ravenswood neighborhood. Regular schedule is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Principle Responsibilities:
- Independently plan and conduct taxidermy to prepare zoological specimens for the scientific and teaching collections. Specimens (mostly birds and small mammals) will be primarily prepared as study skins, skeletal elements, and parts, such as isolated spread wings, and occasionally as mounted specimens.
- Maintain accurate control of specimen data during processing and preservation work. Record data in online data staging system and update specimen records in our online collections management system, Arctos (http://arctos.database.museum/).
- Assist with the supervision and mentorship of preparation volunteers in the lab. Train volunteers on new projects and provide regular review of their work.
- Repair of historic specimens and applying museum preservation standards.
- Create habitat bases for existing mounted specimens in the collection.
- Engage visitors about specimen preparation, preservation, and natural history collections
- Assist with ongoing integrated pest management at the museum.
- Contribute content to and occasionally participate in museum programs and events.
Qualifications
- Knowledge of taxidermy processes and experience in taxidermy, particularly birds.
- Practical experience in repair and preservation of historical specimens.
- Knowledge of the anatomy and morphology of vertebrates, particularly birds, as well as general species knowledge.
- Familiarity with natural history collections, including their use, standards, and laws, is beneficial
- Good organizational skills; strong attention to detail; reliable; and effective time management skills.
- Possess good communication skills, both written and oral.
- Must have good interpersonal skills and work well with other staff, volunteers, and visitors.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Comfortable working with computers and learning new computer software and equipment.
- Good dexterity and physical coordination, ability to handle fragile objects.
Who We Are. The Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (CAS/PNNM) has a history of connecting people with nature and science for over 160 years. Originally founded as an institution of scientific discourse and learning between scientists and nature enthusiasts, we continue to build on our legacy of natural history exploration and education at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum through immersive exhibits, critical conservation and research initiatives, public engagement and education programming. Our mission is to create a positive relationship between people and nature through collaborations, education, research and collections, exhibitions and public forums to grow our region’s urban connection to the world of nature and science.
The natural history collections are interdisciplinary and consist of 300,000 specimens and artifacts from zoological and earth science disciplines to cultural heritage items that date from the 1830s to the present. The archives include institutional records, manuscript collections, and an audiovisual collection. The library is focused on the natural sciences and includes monographs and serials. These collections are a resource for research, education, and strengthening our community’s relationship with nature. Find out more at http://www.naturemuseum.org/.
Compensation: This is a part-time (15 hours per week), temporary position, funded until June 30, 2022. Compensation is $18.00 per hour.
How To Apply. Please send your resume and cover letter in PDF format, as well as images of your taxidermy work as examples, to: hr-specprep2021@naturemuseum.org. No phone calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.