What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paleontology Fossil Preparator/Conservator position at Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement?
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27144 For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Cassi Knight
cassi.knight@montana.edu
Classification Title Museum Collections Spec Working Title Paleontology Fossil Preparator/Conservator 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 4M1663 Department Museum of the Rockies Division Museum of the Rockies Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $22.00 - $26.00 hourly, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
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
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:
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
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number Of Vacancies 1 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.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27144 For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Cassi Knight
cassi.knight@montana.edu
Classification Title Museum Collections Spec Working Title Paleontology Fossil Preparator/Conservator 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 4M1663 Department Museum of the Rockies Division Museum of the Rockies Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $22.00 - $26.00 hourly, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
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
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.
- Painting fossil casts.
- Tracking data associated with specimens.
- 3D scanning and printing.
- Assisting the Paleontology Lab Manager with training & supervising student volunteers.
- Other duties as assigned.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number Of Vacancies 1 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.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Salary : $22 - $26