Paleonet: JOB: Seasonal Paleontologist, Badlands Dinosaur Museum, Dickinson ND, USA

[Denver Fowler]

Dear listserv members,

We have just listed our SEASONAL PALEONTOLOGIST position at BADLANDS DINOSAUR MUSEUM, Dickinson, North Dakota, USA.

Please forward this message to students etc. who may be interested in the position.

This position is quite flexible – the primary responsibility is to set up and run visitor activities, but it also involves specimen work in the lab and collections, depending on the applicant’s preference and abilities. In the previous 2 years (2019, 2020) the seasonal paleontologist was encouraged to develop their own ideas for programming, with very different styles and results.


Application closes March 4th 2021

Apply here:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/dickinson/jobs/2989525/seasonal-paleontology-assistant

Questions about the position can be emailed to Denver.fowler at dickinsongov.com
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SEASONAL POSITION - MUSEUM PALEONTOLOGY ASSISTANT

As part of its summer programming, Badlands Dinosaur Museum (Dickinson Museum Center) is seeking a “seasonal paleontologist” for the 2021 summer tourist season, starting in mid-late May or early June (flexible), and lasting up to ~12 weeks.

The seasonal paleontologist is a position that combines education & outreach, exhibit interpretation, and work in the preparation laboratory. The amount of time dedicated to each responsibility will depend on the ability and experience of the applicant.

About Badlands Dinosaur Museum:

Badlands Dinosaur Museum is a growing institution located on the 12 acre campus of Dickinson Museum Center in Dickinson, ND. The museum was founded in 1992 by Alice and Larry League and operated as Dakota Dinosaur Museum until 2015 whereupon it was acquired by the City of Dickinson. In 2016, Dr. Denver Fowler was hired as curator of paleontology and the museum was renamed as Badlands Dinosaur Museum in 2017.

Badlands Dinosaur Museum is undergoing a complete overhaul of the facility, exhibits, and programming. New fossil specimens are being collected by our fieldwork program that are prepared in our public viewing laboratory, which has a sliding window to allow visitors to ask questions. Fossil storage facilities have been upgraded to meet standards for a federal repository.

Our evolving exhibit features new displays each year.

Responsibilities

·        Assists in design of outreach and educational activities in paleontology that utilize the exhibit and education collection. May involve visiting groups or buildings outside of the museum campus.

·        Implements outreach and educational programming in paleontology aimed at local population and regional summer tourism.

·        Will offer interpretive assistance in the paleontology exhibit hall: answering visitor questions, giving short tours, and explaining exhibit content and core scientific concepts in paleontology.

·        Assists in the public preparation laboratory in preparing specimens for exhibit and research.

·        Provide general assistance to the curator and laboratory fossil preparator.

·        Assists in outreach, special events, and donor development.

·        Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience and Special Requirements

·        Enrollment in a post-secondary educational program in a subject appropriate to Paleontology (e.g. Biology, Geology), or equivalent experience in a museum or education setting.

·        Good general knowledge of paleontology, including being able to discuss core concepts with visitors and answer typical questions.

·        Comfortable with public speaking in front of small groups and larger audiences.

·        Willing and able to engage visitors in a friendly and approachable demeanor.

·        Happy to work with children and families.

·        Basic familiarity with fossil preparation methods.

·        Ability to work independently on outreach & education and other fossil projects.

·        Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds.

·        Knowledge of appropriate specimen handling protocol.

·        Demonstrable interest and knowledge of museums and their role in society.

·        Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office software.

·        Valid driver's license.

 
Additional desirable skills/experience:

·        Prior experience in outreach and education.

·        Prior experience with children and families.

·        Prior experience in a museum setting.

·        Knowledge of anatomy, especially dinosaurs.

Working Conditions and Relationships
Some responsibilities will include working with rocky, dusty, or dirty fossils; using plaster of Paris, various glues, and paint; spending long periods standing.



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Denver Fowler, Ph.D
Curator, Dinosaur Museum @ Dickinson Museums Center
& Fowler Paleontology & Geology Consulting
df9465 at yahoo.co.uk
http://www.denverfowler.com
https://www.facebook.com/Fowler-Paleo-continuing-the-dinosaur-research-and-fieldwork-of-Dr-Horner-230141317002543/
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