Paleontological Specialist

Love nature? Then you’re going to love The Nat.

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. The Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategic plan focused on encouraging a love for nature, levering science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to be here for nature.

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.

The Department of PaleoServices at the San Diego Natural History Museum has an opening for a full-time Paleontological Specialist. All work is funded through contracts.

Responsibilities:

• Paleontological monitoring of active mass grading, trenching, and other excavation activities into potentially fossil-bearing sedimentary rocks in the greater southern California region, primarily in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Travel is required.
• Field monitors 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.

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.

Pay: $25-28/hr

Time Commitment:

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.

The duration of this position is 12 months.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position with benefits including health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, free admission to all Balboa Park museums, and more.