Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum Palaeontology Collections and Research Internship
We are seeking a qualified and motivated individual to join our paleontology team from fall 2024 to March 31st, 2025.
Job Summary: The Palaeontology Collections and Research Intern will play a role in the research and education mandate of the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum (PJCDM) by aiding in the management and organization of the palaeontology collections at the museum. Primary duties will include preparation, conservation, preservation, storage and cataloguing of fossil material for use in curation, research, and education. The position will also involve learning 3D scanning and printing technology, and the use of this technology in digitizing the PJCDM collections.
The successful candidate will also be involved with PJCDM’s volunteer program, helping to train and supervise volunteers in coordination with the Head Lab Technician. Additionally, the successful candidate will assist in public lab tours and other aspects of public outreach and education at the museum.
The PJCDM is located 2 km outside the Town of Wembley and approximately 33 km from the City of Grande Prairie. While the successful candidate is responsible for finding their own accommodation in the Grande Prairie area, the museum can suggest some potential options. The successful candidate must be present, in-person, at the museum during work hours. They must be willing to work some evenings and weekends to accommodate volunteers and special events.
Description of Tasks:
1. Preparing (stabilizing and cleaning) fossils for study or display at the museum.
2. Documenting specimen treatment (including adhesives, style of preparation, and preparator).
3. Organizing preparation projects and keeping them organized throughout the preparation and cataloguing processes.
4. Cataloguing, photographing and labelling fossil specimens.
5. Inputting fossil collection data into the PJCDM’s collections database software.
6. Assisting in the preparation of incoming and outgoing loans
7. Providing public lab tours (up to two a day, when the museum is open).
8. Teaching volunteers in the preparation lab proper palaeontological preparation skills.
9. Assisting volunteers in their fossil preparation projects and documenting volunteer hours.
10. Preparing fossils for exhibits and helping the exhibits team.
11. Assisting the PJCDM’s Visitor Services and Education teams as required.
12. Upholding the standards and procedures for best practice in collections management.
The ideal candidate will have the following attributes/qualities:
1. At least one post-secondary degree, preferably in palaeontology, geology, museum studies, zoology, biology, engineering, or equivalent.
2. Knowledge and interest in Alberta’s palaeontology, geology, and/or natural history. 3. Attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to work independently on focused tasks.
4. Fluency in written and spoken English.
5. Basic computer and technology skills, including experience using Microsoft Excel.
6. The ability to lift moderately heavy objects.
7. The ability to work as a team
8. The ability to work on some weekends and holidays.
9. A Class 5 or higher Driver’s License or equivalent.
Preference will be given to candidates who:
1. Are considering pursuing a career in palaeontology
2. Have experience preparing and/or handling fossils in a lab or field setting.
3. Have experience working at a museum or science center
4. Have public outreach and/or education experience
5. Have supervision experience.
6. Have proficiency in French.
This position is funded through the Young Canada Works – Building Careers in Heritage Internship Program. *Candidates must be Canadian/Permanent Resident, under the age of 30, and have at least one post-secondary degree.
Given the museum’s small town location, having access to a vehicle during the internship is recommended.
** Reporting Structure: Curator and Head Lab Technician
About the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum
The PJCDM is located 2 km outside the Town of Wembley and approximately 33 km from the City of Grande Prairie. While the successful candidate is responsible for finding their own accommodation in the Grande Prairie area, the museum can suggest some potential options. The successful candidate must be present, in-person, at the museum during work hours. They must be willing to work some evenings and weekends to accommodate volunteers and special events.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary, Contract
Contract length: 6 months
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Every Weekend
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Wembley, AB T0H 3S0: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Language:

• English (required)

Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2024-09-30