Museum Center Volunteer Paleontology Fieldwork

Job Description

Dickinson Museum Center Paleontology Fieldwork Volunteers assist staff with a variety of tasks related to the excavation and recovery of fossil specimens at remote field camps. Volunteers are trained by and work under the direction of Paleontology staff. Training begins with basic tasks and progresses to the more complex at the discretion of staff as skills develop.

Must be available to volunteer during June-September (you can pick your dates)

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties

• Follow all 'Field Camp Rules' including but not limited to safety, health, and environment rules

• Work individually or as part of a team on tasks as assigned

• Perform tasks as directed by staff or site lead

• Follow project priority as set by staff

• Be courteous and respectful to all camp visitors, volunteers, and staff members

RELATIONSHIPS

Relation to Others

• Position requires regular contact with the employees and volunteers; must be able to communicate effectively

• Communications may be one-on-one and in small groups

SKILLS

• Paleontology volunteers will be trained by staff and assigned tasks and projects commensurate with exhibited skills at the discretion of staff

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Clothing appropriate for field work is required and is described in 'Field Camp Rules'
• Work is performed within a routine paleontology field camp environment with potential exposure to hazardous or unpleasant conditions including but not limited to:
• rough terrain
• insect and animal threats
• dangerous plants
• heat
• storms

Note that dust, noise and vibrating tools are typical in a working field camp; appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and training will be provided by the museum.At the dig site the use of PPE as dictated by staff is NOT OPTIONAL. Failure to employ appropriate PPE may result in the volunteer being discharged. This volunteer position typically requires: standing, walking, climbing, talking, hearing, and seeing. Working with hand or power tools at the discretion of lead staff. Heavy work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally or exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently.

One recommendation form is required for all new volunteers. The writer of the recommendation should be a professor, boss, or former crew chief, whichever is most relevant (who is most familiar with your fieldwork and teamwork abilities?). Please see attached (here) and return to denver.fowler@dickinsongov.com