2 FULL TIME POSITIONS – MUSEUM EDUCATOR & FOSSIL PREPARATOR
Badlands Dinosaur Museum at Dickinson Museum Center (City of Dickinson, North Dakota, USA) is proud to present openings for two full time paleontology positions: MUSEUM EDUCATOR and FOSSIL PREPARATOR.
Full details of both positions can be found at the City of Dickinson job vacancies website:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/dickinson/
Closing date for applications is Oct 7th 2021 11:59 PM Mountain Time. Details of how to apply (typically online) can be found at the above website.
Note that the Museum Educator position also includes aspects of a collections management role for the research and education collections.
Any further questions about job responsibilities please contact:
denver.fowler@dickinsongov.com
About the museum:
Badlands Dinosaur Museum (formerly Dakota Dinosaur Museum; 1992-2015) was acquired by the City of Dickinson in December 2015, and hired curator Dr. Denver Fowler in April 2016. The museum is undergoing renovation and replacement of its exhibits and facilities, converting it into a public institution with an active fieldwork, research, exhibit, and education programs.
We conduct fieldwork on public and private lands in the Judith River and Hell Creek Formations of Montana and North Dakota, focusing primarily on vertebrate fossils. We are a federal repository for Judith River and Hell Creek fossils. New specimens drive our research program which in turn drives new exhibit and education programming.
Badlands Dinosaur Museum is part of Dickinson Museum Center, a 12-acre site focusing on paleontology and regional history. Most of our facilities are open year-round. We currently have five full time staff and a number of part time and seasonal staff.
See our webpage and facebook pages for more information on our exhibits, programming, and updates on our research and collections:
MUSEUM WEBPAGE:
http://dickinsonmuseumcenter.com/
MUSEUM FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/dickinsonmuseumcenter/
JOB DESCRIPTIONS (COPIED FROM WEBSITE)
MUSEUM EDUCATOR
Position Summary
This position will carry out the Museum’s educational responsibilities, which will entail creating, developing and implementing educational programming that incorporates the areas of formal learning, outreach and continuing education with a focus on making learning enjoyable, accessible and interesting for the full range of Museum visitors. A fresh, energetic and fun approach is to be taken to educate the public in a way that allows them to intellectually and emotionally connect with the subject matter.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties:
Responsible for developing and managing all aspects of education and outreach, including social media.
Will Identify and cultivate community organizations for partnership or participation at the Dickinson Museum Center to bring a more diverse population to the museum, and bring Museum programs into the community.
Assist in managing the paleontological collections, including the education collection.
Responsible for the creation and implementation of a formal education program for schools which will compliment school curriculum (all ages), support state/national educational standards, engage students, and fulfill teacher needs.
Assist schools in planning, coordinating, and managing field trips to the Museum. Includes making reservations, providing orientation material, giving a tour, and following up with teachers before and after visits.
Make personal contacts and actively develop teacher relationships and promote the Museum.
Develops informal programming for all levels of learning.
Develops outreach programs that build a strong presence and brand for the Museum both in the local community and nationally.
Work with the Museum Director and Curator(s) to develop grants.
Assist with recruiting and leading volunteers.
Works with Museum Director to market Museum programming.
Develops articles, images and other media for website, social media etc.
Maintains inventory of supplies for educational programs.
Works with the Curator(s) to develop interactive educational displays utilizing existing collection or donated/loaned items.
Oversees approved scout and/or community service projects on Museum campus.
Participates in external community events to promote Museum programs.
Prepares periodic reports analyzing and summarizing program attendance, successes, challenges and other relevant information.
Assists in maintaining the paleontological collections, including the education and research collection
Collections duties include specimen identification, appropriate storage and labelling, database entry, specimen documentation.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (position requirements at entry):
Museum educational program planning procedures and techniques.
Museum collections management procedures.
Digital Photography, video, and media skills.
Written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
Computer skills including Microsoft Office, familiarity with database programs.
Ability to be a self-starter, exhibits positive image and outlook when interacting with the public and coworkers
Demonstrable paleontological knowledge and willingness for continuous scientific learning.
A demonstrable interest in museums’ role in society.
Judgment/Decision Making:
Performs tasks and duties under general supervision, using established policies and procedures and some innovation.
Chooses from limited alternatives to resolve problems. Refers unusual problems to supervisor.
Occasional independent judgment is required to complete work assignments.
Makes recommendations to procedures, policies, and practices.
Education and Experience and Special Requirements
Education and Experience (position requirements at entry):
Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Geology, or related field and up to three years experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Special Requirements (position requirements at entry):
Valid Driver’s License
Working Conditions and Relationships
Working Environment:
Work is performed within routine office environment with minimal exposure to hazardous or unpleasant conditions.
Positions in this class typically require: climbing, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Leadership/Supervisory Responsibilities:
May be assigned as lead worker over seasonal staff, volunteers.
May assist with training of other staff members.
Relation to Others:
Position requires regular contact with the public and employees and must be able to communicate effectively.
Communications may be one-on-one and small groups of people.
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FOSSIL PREPARATOR
Position Summary
The Fossil Preparator is responsible for overseeing and conducting laboratory-based preparation of fossil remains. Will assist with mentoring and training lab volunteers. Communicating paleontological science with the public.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties:
Preparation of vertebrate fossils, especially physical preparation of dinosaur bones.
Molding and casting of vertebrate fossils.
Maintenance and care of laboratory equipment; sourcing of supplies.
Assistance in preparing specimens for exhibit.
Provide direct mentoring, training of lab volunteers.
Helps organize and participates in paleontology education, outreach, special events, and donor development.
Provides support to Curator through preparation, exhibit construction, assisting with fieldwork (including quarrying, and camp management duties) and in research projects as requested.
Maintains an active role in the professional preparation community.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Familiarity with basic and advanced preparation methods. (e.g., macro-preparation, micro-preparation, acid preparation, archival cradling, thin sectioning, molding and casting).
Strong attention to detail, patience, and fine motor skills; excellent hand-eye coordination.
Knowledge of appropriate specimen handling and storage techniques.
Knowledge of anatomy, especially dinosaurs, and awareness of how and where to source appropriate information to aid in preparation.
Demonstrable interest and knowledge of museums and their role in society.
Professional interest in working in a museum environment and in playing an active role in museum development.
Willingness to learn new skills in fossil preparation and related (e.g. preparation equipment and field vehicle maintenance).
Either experienced or willing to learn how to use cement saws.
Ability and willingness to work long or unconventional hours in sometimes challenging conditions of remote fieldwork.
Experienced camping in remote fieldwork areas.
Comfortable with public speaking.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office software.
Additional desirable skills/experience:
Rock cutting equipment, especially cement saws (fieldwork) and laboratory saws.
Screen washing and picking micro vertebrate concentrates.
Specimen photography & photo editing software.
Three-dimensional modeling and/or printing.
Video recording and editing.
Exhibit construction & specimen mounting.
Website maintenance.
Engaging with museum visitors.
Judgment/Decision Making:
Performs tasks and duties under general supervision, using established policies and procedures and some innovation.
Chooses from limited alternatives to resolve problems. Refers unusual problems to supervisor.
Occasional independent judgment is required to complete work assignments.
Education and Experience and Special Requirements
Education and Experience (position requirements at entry):
No education Required. High School diploma (HSD) or general equivalency education (GED) preferred.
One to three years demonstrated experience in preparation of large and small vertebrate fossils.
Special Requirements (position requirements at entry):
Valid Driver’s License
Working Conditions and Relationships
Working Environment:
Willingness to work long or unconventional hours in sometimes challenging conditions of remote fieldwork.
And note that the job involves dirt, vibrating tools, chemical glues, physical labor etc.
Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, driving, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Leadership/Supervisory Responsibilities:
No supervisory responsibility for full-time, part-time or temporary employees.
Will assist with mentoring and training lab volunteers.
Relation to Others:
Position requires regular contact with volunteers and employees and must be able to communicate effectively.
Communications may be one-on-one and groups of people.
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BENEFITS (BOTH POSITIONS IDENTICAL)
SALARY $21.33 hourly (40hrs/wk)
EMPLOYER PAID BENEFITS
Vacation – 96 hours annual accrual for years 1-5
Sick Leave – 96 hours annual accrual
Personal Leave – Employees are permitted to use up to 16 hours of accrued Sick Leave per year for Personal Leave
Longevity Pay – Sliding scale based on tenure with the City (After 5 years of Service), paid annually
Tuition Reimbursement
Bereavement Leave
Holidays – 10 holidays plus one day for birthday
Employee Assistance Program
EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE SHARED COST BENEFITS
Health Insurance – NDPERS (SHP) – Employer pays 80% of premium
For every 5 years employed by the City of Dickinson, the City will pay an additional 2.5% of your health insurance
Flexible Benefits – Medical Spending Account – The City puts $250 into a Medical Spending Account for full-time employees
Defined Benefit Hybrid Main Retirement Plan – Employee contributes 7%; Employer contributes 8.26%
Defined Benefit Public Safety Retirement Plan – Sworn Law Enforcement Officers & Firefighters contribute 5.5%; Employer contributes 9.07%
Life Insurance – Employer pays 50% of basic premium. Supplemental life insurance option
OPTIONAL BENEFITS
Flexible Benefits – Medical Spending Account – pre-tax (2021 max – $2,750) – Daycare Expenses – pre-tax (2021 max – $5,000)
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Aflac Insurance
West River Community Center Membership – 50% Discount off Annual Membership
457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan – Pre-Tax or Roth option
NDPERS Portability Enhancement Provision
Civil Service Status upon successful completion of the probationary period.