Fossil Preparation & Outreach Specialist

Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC seeks a Museum Specialist (Geology) to support fossil preparation in the Paleo Preparation Laboratory and Fossil Lab for research and incorporation into the National collections.

You will prepare and conserve fossils, manage volunteers, and engage the public with tours and outreach. The role emphasizes safety, lab oversight, and collaboration with researchers and visiting scholars.

Qualifications

• Experience managing or operating a museum or similar collection of valuable objects.
• Specialized experience includes fossil preparation, imaging, replication, and conservation.
• Volunteer engagement and public outreach including tours.
• Ability to pass background check and meet qualification standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, repair, and conserve fossil specimens for study, exhibition, and incorporation into the National collections, utilizing manual and mechanical tools, chemical preparation techniques, and archival media.
• Manage and oversee a diverse volunteer corps in a fossil preparation lab. Ensure compliance of Health & Safety protocols for the lab and volunteers.
• Repair and conserve the collection specimens as directed.
• Speak to the public about fossil preparation projects, identify potential fossil specimens, provide tours, locate particular specimens or collections for visiting researchers.

Skills

Museum operations

Volunteer management

Public outreach

Fossil preparation

Conservation

Education

Two full years graduate education

Job description

The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC seeks a Museum Specialist (Geology) to support fossil preparation in the Paleo Preparation Laboratory and Fossil Lab for research and incorporation into the National collections.

You will prepare and conserve fossils, manage volunteers, and engage the public with tours and outreach. The role emphasizes safety, lab oversight, and collaboration with researchers and visiting scholars.