Paleontology Fossil Preparator/Conservator

General Statement Museum of the Rockies (MOR) is Montana’s most visited museum. In 2023, MOR served approximately 250,000 visitors and program participants. The museum has an ambitious strategic plan and is in the process of completing a master site plan that will help guide the museum over the next few decades.

As part of the museum’s vision, MOR is in the process of designing a new Native history and culture exhibit, Under a Common Sky. As part of this project, MOR is working with numerous Native Nations from the Northern Rockies. The exhibit is part of a longer-term commitment to building lasting relationships with Native Nations and individuals.

The museum is a college-level division of Montana State University, an independent nonprofit organization, a Smithsonian Affiliate, an accredited AAM museum, and a repository for state and federal fossils. Located on a 34-acre museum site, it includes a 120,000-square-foot-facility, the state-of-the-art Taylor Planetarium, the 220 seat Hager Auditorium, Martin Children’s Discovery Center, and Living History Farm, along with an off-site 553-acre paleontology preserve. MOR is located in Bozeman, MT, one of the country’s fastest growing and prosperous communities.

Nestled into the Northern Rocky Mountains, the community offers bountiful outdoor recreation activities along with a vibrant culture of good food, art, and music.

Duties and

Responsibilities The Paleontology Preparator-Conservator will be able to confidently prepare complex vertebrate specimens using and understanding best practices and techniques while following appropriate safety protocol, and will participate as a member of Museum of the Rockies team of paleontology professionals.

Responsibilities of this position include: Preparing and conserving fossil specimens. Constructing archival cradles. Molding and casting fossil specimens.

Painting fossil casts. Tracking data associated with specimens. 3D scanning and printing. Assisting the Paleontology Lab Manager with training & supervising student volunteers.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills A bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences, Geology, Paleontology, *or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.* Demonstrated experience with vertebrate fossil preparation including operation and maintenance of pneumatic preparation tools. Understanding correct and safe handling of fossil specimens. Demonstrated experience with molding and casting of complex fossil specimens.

Demonstrated experience creating archival cradles. Knowledge of paleontological conservation materials, techniques, and best practices. Knowledge of lab-related safety protocols and appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills At least 3 years of fossil preparation experience including the preparation of dinosaurs or other large vertebrates.

Experience independently managing timing and deadlines of long-term projects.

Experience with 3D scanning, processing, and printing

Experience with acid preparation.

Experience mentoring and working with undergraduate students. The Successful Candidate Will Work collaboratively and independently within the MOR Paleontology team. Ability to see both the big picture and the small details to bring a project to conclusion.

Respect and adhere to deadlines. Have a strong work ethic and be self-motivated. Determine the appropriate methodology for specimen preparation/conservation on a case-by-case basis.

Keep accurate records of specimen preparation data and associated information. Maintain an organized lab space. Be a strong and effective communicator with a wide variety of people.

Demonstrated self-motivation and ability to independently follow through on tasks and projects to completion within an established deadline. Commit to the ethics of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology and the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information Continuation of employment is dependent upon continued funding availability This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job.

Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Physical Demands Must be able to move a minimum of 50 pounds. Regular exposure to dust and fumes, materials, and chemicals associated with fossil preparation and molding and casting in the lab.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.