Paleontological Preparator

Paleontological Preparator, Vertebrate Paleontology

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) include the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park and La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park. They operate under the collective vision to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The museums hold one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history—more than 35 million objects—used for groundbreaking scientific and historical research, and community engagement. From NHM’s opening in 1913 as the very first museum in Los Angeles, the organization has entered an exciting new era of transformation with building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach and impactful audience engagement.

NHMLAC’s values—adventurous, inclusive, authentic, and intentional—guide our work and visitor experience, committing us to foster a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace environment where innovation and collaboration thrive and every team member can contribute their unique perspectives to advance our mission. NHMLAC seeks candidates who are aligned with our values and priorities, and are passionate about connecting science with the vibrant and diverse communities we serve throughout Los Angeles.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking a Paleontological Preparator, Vertebrate Paleontology for our Research & Collections Vertebrate Paleontology department. This position performs skilled and technical work involved with the collection, preparation, stabilization, and conservation of fossils necessary for curation and scientific study of these specimens or for display in publicly viewed spaces. The employee works as part of a team to maintain work spaces and equipment, as well as train and supervise volunteers.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to: 

• Removes fossils from a wide variety of surrounding matrix using a diversity of skilled techniques.

Preserves and restores fossils for permanent storage in curated collections. Uses own judgement

in determining project work, meeting established deadlines, deciding what tools and resources to

use and when to use them. Exercises independent judgement in the preparation of specimens

under the general direction of a curator or other staff. May work in a public-facing space and

interact with museum visitors. May participate in fieldwork, collection, and documentation of

fossil sites.

• Maintains working space, collection tools, equipment and supplies. Ensures all chemicals and

hazardous materials are safely stored and correctly marked for identification purposes, as well as

assists in the arrangement of removal operations for solid/liquid lab waste. Assists in all

documentation and personal protective equipment requirements as requested for health and

safety.

• Works with staff in mounting, cleaning, and maintaining fossil specimens for public exhibit. Assists

collection management staff with preparation, cataloguing and storage of collections.

• Maintains collection data associated with scientific specimens, including preparation/conservation

reports.

• Participates in public education programs, demonstrations, and tours involving fossils and fossil

preparation. May handle public inquiries involving identification of scientific specimens.

• Manages, reviews, and approves their timecard according to museum policies, and including the

use of HR/payroll management tools (e.g., ADP).

• May supervise volunteers, interns, or students.

• Other duties as assigned by the curators and as department needs.

This position has the following requirements:

• Course work (minimum of four courses) in a related field, including paleontology, geology, biology,

archaeology/anthropology. Relevant technical arts or fine arts at an accredited college or recognized

trade school will be accepted in lieu of required experience.

• One year of experience in the preparation of fossils.

• Experience using a personal computer and with MS Office and its Word and Excel functions (PC and/or

Macintosh).

• Knowledge of biological morphology and taxonomy, field geological practices, casting and molding

techniques, safe and proper use of laboratory equipment and shop tools, and standard museum

preparation, conservation, and curation practices.

• Proficiency in the use of unique tools such as miniature jackhammers (zip scribes) and air abrasive

machines (miniature sand blasters), and/or chemical preparation techniques.

• Proficiency in the use of magnifiers and microscopes.

• Experience using a camera (including, e.g., a cell-phone camera) to photo-document specimens as part

of preparation reports.

• The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented verbally and in writing.

•  A high level of professional behavior, cooperation and interpersonal relations.

NHMLAC is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a workplace and public environment that uplifts Kindness, Fairness, Openness and Dignity. These values extend not only to our employees, but to our guests, local community, and organizational partners. If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to apply!

Hourly range for this position is $26.45 - $28.44 based on experience plus excellent benefits. This is a Full-Time Regular, Non-Exempt position. 

A cover letter, current resume, and list of 3-4 references are required for all applicants. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates please visit www.nhmlac.org/careers-our-museums  and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application.