Invertebrate Paleontologist, San Diego Natural History Museum

The San Diego Natural History Museum is 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 Paleontology specializes in managing over 1.5 million specimens as well as engaging in and facilitating collections-based research of fossil vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants collected primarily from Late Mesozoic- through Cenozoic-aged sites in southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico.

Position Summary:

The Invertebrate Paleontologist will increase the scientific significance of the SDNHM paleontology collection by applying his/her knowledge of marine invertebrate taxonomy to curate uncatalogued Baja California, Mexico fossil invertebrates as part of a grant funded, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Collections Stewardship project.

Primary Functions and Major Responsibilities:

The Invertebrate Paleontologist will curate (identify, organize, and database) marine invertebrate fossils from Baja California, Mexico. The collections are mostly restricted to marine Cenozoic, molluscan faunas of the northeastern Pacific region. The successful candidate will need to be familiar with molluscan taxonomy and be experienced with using appropriate library and internet references to assist in taxonomic identification.

Duties Include:

• Identifying marine invertebrate fossils from Baja California and utilizing relevant resources to assist in taxonomic identification.
• Using geological maps and literature of Baja California to become acquainted with relevant sedimentary rock units.
• Assisting collection managers with compiling and databasing SDNHM Baja California fossil localities.
• Becoming familiar with department procedures for curating fossils.
• Learning and becoming proficient with the department’s current collection data entry program (dbaseIII) and future collection data entry program (Specify).
• Working with the curator, collections managers, and other department staff to produce a quality curation product.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in geology, biology, or related field
• Masters of Science preferred
• Academic emphasis in paleontology, sedimentary geology, or marine invertebrate biology
• Background in marine Cenozoic molluscan taxonomy of the northeastern Pacific region
• Experience working in a museum paleontology department
• Strong verbal and communication skills, including scientific writing
• Proven organizational ability and attention to detail
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and Word, and Adobe Photoshop
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Compensation:

This is a full time, temporary, approximately 1/2 year position, beginning in late Spring of 2016 with a rate of pay of $21.00 per hour and a generous benefits package.

To apply please submit resume, cover letter outlining your experience, and three professional references to hr@sdnhm.org. Please include the following in the subject line of your email “IP Application- YOUR LAST NAME.FIRST INITIAL” (example: IP Application-Smith. P.) No phone calls or drop ins please.

Kesler A. Randall. Collections Manager, Fossil Vertebrates. Department of Paleontology. San Diego Natural History Museum
\"Your Nature Connection\"

Phone: 619.255.0310
Fax: 619.255.0187
Website: http://www.sdnhm.org
Website: http://www.paleoservices.org
Email: krandall@sdnhm.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 121390, San Diego, CA 92112-1390, USA
Street Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101