Paleontological Specialist

The Department of PaleoServices at the San Diego Natural History Museum has an opening for a part-time, temporary Paleontological Specialist. This position is part time, as needed (0–29 hours per week). All work is funded through contracts.

The San Diego Natural History Museum is run and operated by the San Diego Society of Natural History, a private non-profit scientific organization incorporated in 1874. The Museum’s mission is to interpret the natural world through research, education and exhibits; to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California; and to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment. 

Within the Museum, the Department of PaleoServices specializes in paleontological resources consulting services. Our focus is on the recognition, recovery, and preservation of the significant and unique paleontological resources that occur in this region.

Responsibilities:

• Paleontological monitoring of active mass grading, trenching, and other excavation activities into potentially fossil-bearing sedimentary rocks in the southern California region.
• Field paleontologists will work in close proximity to heavy equipment and will be expected to work safely, to collect unearthed fossils, and to record relevant stratigraphic and taphonomic data.
• Opportunities for field survey work and fossil preparation are also possible.
• Scheduled work hours typically occur between the hours of 7 am and 4 pm Monday through Friday; however, work may also occur at night or on weekends.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a B.S. in Geology or a related discipline with an emphasis in paleontology.
• Experience in field paleontology and stratigraphy is preferred.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and a reliable vehicle.

For general information about our paleontological mitigation work, please visit http://www.paleoservices.org.

Start date: Immediate

Hourly pay range: $24.86 to $34.41

This is a part-time, temporary position for one year.

Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.