Fossil Preparator

Title: Fossil Preparator

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Department: Vertebrate Zoology (Dibblee Geology Center)

Reports To: Dibblee Curator of Earth Science

Wage Band: Curator

Compensation: $68,640 annually

Mission: The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History inspires a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world.

Position Summary: This is a new permanent position with the Dibblee Geology Center at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, responsible for the preparation, conservation, and stabilization of fossils in the Earth Science Collection. The Fossil Preparator will operate and maintain a new fossil preparation laboratory and supervise and manage an active volunteer corps. The Fossil Preparator will work with the Curator to prepare field specimens and produce archival-quality storage and support systems (e.g., fiberglass cradles, cavity mounts) for fossils. The Fossil Preparator will support field work efforts and typically work Monday through Friday, with some weekends (e.g., field work, special events). The Fossil Preparator will be expected to interact with the public through occasional educational outreach and development events. For more information about the Dibblee Geology Center, visit https://www.sbnature.org/collections-research/vertebrates/earth-sciences.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Operates and maintains a new fossil preparation laboratory outfitted with point-source dust removal, ambient dust removal, microscopes, compressed air lines and pneumatic tools, manual tools, and digital cameras. There will be an opportunity for the Fossil Preparator to finish organizing the laboratory and outfit it with additional equipment.
• Coordinate with Vertebrate Zoology staff to use and keep clean a shared lab space next to the preparation lab.
• Supervises and schedules a committed and diverse group of volunteers to assist with fossil preparation. Orients and trains volunteers who will be on site 3 to 4 days a week under the direct supervision of the Fossil Preparator.
• Appropriately conserves, documents, and contributes to reports on fossil specimens collected from public lands, including National Park Service and California State lands.
• Prepares fossils from a variety of taxa, preservation types, and lithologies, including Pleistocene proboscideans from alluvial sediments (sometimes subfossil) and silicified fossils of Miocene marine mammals encased in hard matrix.
• Digitally documents fossils through various techniques, including digital photography, photogrammetry, and/or 3D scanning.
• Generates replicas of fossils for education and exhibits, using both traditional techniques (molding and casting) and new techniques (3D printing).
• Works with the Curator to build a screening setup for microfossil sampling. Screens matrix for microfossils.
• Uses proper health and safety equipment (i.e., lung, ear, and eye protection), handles and stores volatile chemicals appropriately, and maintains chemical record-keeping (e.g. MSDS).
• Constructs archival-quality storage for fossils, like fiberglass cradles for large/delicate fossils, cavity mounts, slide mounts, and pinhead vials.
• Communicates progress and concerns with supervisor.
• Supports the Museum’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion for fellow staff, guests and the community.
• Contributes to a positive guest experience by greeting and addressing any questions when encountering guests as they navigate through the Museum and Sea Center.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Requirements:

• At least 2 years of experience with fossil preparation, including:
• Using pneumatic and manual preparation tools.
• Using and preparing reversible consolidants.
• Using power tools such as angle grinders and dremels.
• After initial review of applications, applicants may be requested to submit a portfolio of at least three current or past fossil preparation projects.
• Lifting moderate to heavy loads (50 lbs).
• Attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills for training volunteers, educating the public, and collaborating with curatorial staff.
• Exceptional organizational skills to balance fossil preparation projects, volunteer scheduling, laboratory maintenance/cleaning, and special projects (e.g., field work).

Work Environment:

• Significant sitting, standing, and looking down.
• Working primarily in fossil preparation lab with exposure to the following:
• Air particulates (e.g., dust, fiberglass, plaster)
• Solvents (e.g., acetone, alcohol)
• Heavy lifting
• Sharp objects
• Occasional field work would include exposure to:
• Sun
• Steep terrain
• Extreme weather
• Ticks, bees, and other insects
• Stinging and poisonous plants
• Prolonged kneeling and stooping
• Use of hammer and chisels

The incumbent must be able to perform each requirement of the position as outlined in the job description. Essential Requirements are representative and are essential for satisfactory job performance. The Work Environment characteristics are representative of those that may be encountered while on the job. The Museum will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.