Paleonet: Preparator position at LACM

[Samuel A. McLeod]

Preparator, Vertebrate Paleontology


The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) seeks a 
Preparator to oversee the fossil preparation program for its 
vertebrate fossil collections.

The successful candidate will manage the daily operations of the 
Preparation Lab in the Department of Vertebrate Paleontology. 
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. In addition to mechanical preparation, experience with 
acid preparation is desirable. 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 order supplies accordingly. 
He/she will manage the lab's safety including chemical storage and 
personnel equipment. The successful candidate will be experienced in 
using and caring for all necessary lab tools including specialized 
ones, such as zip scribes and air abraders. 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 and casts. Preference will be given to 
candidates who have experience with digitization techniques that help 
inform preparation and conservation of specimens, but those willing 
to experiment with novel techniques and tools will also be considered.

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 and with fieldwork.  He/she 
will demonstrate a high level of professional skill, innovation, and 
cooperativeness. Exceptional manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, 
attention to detail and interpersonal relations, as well as 
outstanding organizational skills and the ability to work 
independently with strong problem solving skills are 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 collection databases, particularly Emu 
software, is highly desirable. This is not a research position.

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 
overtime 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 the 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 citizen 
science initiatives. The candidate must possess a positive attitude 
and be proactive with regards to public engagement.

This is a full-time hourly position with a salary and title 
commensurate with experience, plus benefits. Work may include 
occasional weekends. Application deadline is January 1st 2016. 
Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, salary 
history, and the full contact information of at least three 
professional references to thayden at nhm.org. Natural History Museum 
Preparator Search, 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.

Link to the announcement:



<https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=14987201&t=1>https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=14987201&t=1