Paleontology Section Manager

North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 8,000 - 10,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer paid family health insu

Job summary

The North Dakota Geological Survey Division of the Department of Mineral Resources invites applications for a Paleontology Section Manager based in Bismarck, ND. The manager oversees the Paleontology Section, three full-time staff, seasonal employees, and all paleontology collections and lab spaces.

The role directs the Public Fossil Dig Program at statewide field sites, conducts year-round surveys, reviews project impacts on paleontological resources, and promotes an active research agenda with

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geology, Biology, Zoology, Life Sciences or closely related Paleontology field.
• Proven ability to communicate scientific topics to diverse audiences with strong written and verbal skills.
• Proven ability to organize and lead paleontological fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Lead NDGS's Paleontology Section with three full-time staff and seasonal employees.
• Direct the Public Fossil Dig Program at statewide field sites each summer and conduct year-round field surveys.
• Review proposed infrastructure projects for impacts to paleontological resources and issue permits as needed.
• Promote active research with outside collaborators, including presentations and publications.

Skills

Communication

Field leadership

Driver's license

Education

Master's degree in Geology/Biology/Life Sciences

PhD in Geology/Biology/Life Sciences

Job description

The North Dakota (ND) Geological Survey Division of the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) has an opening for a Paleontology Section Manager based in the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum on the ND Capitol Grounds in Bismarck, North Dakota.

The North Dakota Geological Survey (NDGS) publishes maps and reports on ND's mineral, paleontological, and geochemical resources, including oil, gas, coal, uranium, clay, sand and gravel, volcanic ash, potash, other mineral deposits, and the state's surface geology. NDGS also regulates coal exploration; subsurface mineral exploration and development covering all minerals and compounds other than oil, gas, sand, gravel, and coal; commercial and residential geothermal facilities; and paleontological resources on state owned lands. https://www.dmr.nd.gov/dmr/ndgs

About The Paleontology Section

The Paleontology Section of the North Dakota Geological Survey (NDGS) manages the ND State Fossil Collection, develops paleontology exhibits statewide, and works with state and federal partners to protect North Dakota's paleontological resources. The Section Manager oversees three full-time staff, seasonal employees, and all paleontology collections and laboratory spaces.

Summary Of Work

The Paleontology Section Manager leads a collaborative, education focused team and fosters a positive, goal oriented work environment. This role directs NDGS's Public Fossil Dig Program at multiple statewide field sites each summer, conducts additional year-round field surveys and excavations, and communicates the program's work to diverse audiences across multiple platforms.

The Manager reviews proposed infrastructure projects for potential impacts to paleontological resources, recommends mitigation strategies when needed, and issues permits for paleontological work on state owned or state managed lands.

The successful candidate will lead an active research program focused on ND paleontology, promoting collaboration with outside researchers, including presenting at scientific conferences, and publishing peer reviewed papers, publications, and articles on paleontological research.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Geology, Biology, Zoology, Life Sciences or closely related Paleontology field.
• Demonstrated experience communicating scientific topics in paleontology or geology to diverse audiences, verifying strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to organize and lead paleontological fieldwork.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and auto insurance.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Include:

• PhD in Geology, Biology, Zoology, Life Sciences or closely related Paleontology field.
• Experience managing paleontology staff and budgets.
• Experience working in a museum environment.
• Strong paleontology publication record, with at least 5 first authored publications
• Experience collaborating with state and federal partners to evaluate and protect paleontological resources
• Experience 3D scanning and/or 3D printing fossils
• Experience operating vehicles on unpaved roads and towing trailers
  
  

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

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Agency Specific

What can we offer you?

• Salary: $8,000 - $9,833 per month ($96,000 - $118,000 annually)
• The opportunity to lead a collaborative team of dedicated paleontologists working to document, research, and protect North Dakota's paleontological resources.
• A flexible, self-directed work routine with occasional evenings and weekend work required
• Work in a well-equipped lab and collections facility, in the wonderful capital city of ND
• Excellent Benefits including 100% employer paid family health insurance
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.