Paleontology Fossil Preparator/Conservator

Montana State University

Bozeman (MT)

On-site

USD 30,000 - 36,000

Full time

7 hours ago

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Job summary

Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, MT is seeking an experienced Paleontology Preparator-Conservator to support the preparation and conservation of dinosaur specimens destined for exhibition and research. The role requires meticulous technique, safety discipline, and collaboration within the MOR paleontology team.

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor's degree in Earth sciences or paleontology and have hands-on experience with vertebrate fossil prep, molding and casting, archival cradles, and

Qualifications

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.

Responsibilities

Preparing and conserving fossil specimens.
Constructing archival cradles.
Molding and casting fossil specimens.
Tracking data associated with specimens.
3D scanning and printing.
Assisting the Paleontology Lab Manager with training & supervising student volunteers.
Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Vertebrate fossil prep

Molding & casting

Archival cradles

Paleontology lab safety

Data tracking

3D scanning

3D printing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences, Geology, Paleontology, or equivalent

Tools

Pneumatic prep tools

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Position Information

Announcement Number

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27144

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Brief Position Overview

Museum of the Rockies ( MOR ) is looking for an experienced Paleontology Preparator-Conservator to assist with the preparation and conservation of several dinosaur specimens identified as signature specimens for exhibition in a new building expansion and/or scientific research.

Position Number

Position Number 4M1663

Department

Department Museum of the Rockies

Division

Division Museum of the Rockies

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Classified

Contract Term

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA

FLSA Non-Exempt

Union Affiliation

Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE

FTE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible

Salary $22.00 - $26.00 hourly, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

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.
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.

This position has supervisory duties?

These position has supervisory duties? No

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on November 5, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Required Documents