Physical Science Technician (Paleontology)
Physical Science Technician (Paleontology)
Duties
Any of the following positions may be hired from this announcement.
Fossil Preparation: Incumbent consolidates and prepares fossil specimens under a microscope, adaptively using manual, electrical, and pneumatic-powered tools. Incumbent trains lab workers to consolidate and prepare fossils. Incumbent finishes all required documentation daily and confirms the satisfactory completion of fossil preparation projects. All fossil preparation is performed in view of the visiting public, therefore incumbent must interact with the public in a professional and positive manner and provide a friendly learning environment in the lab. Incumbent ensures all lab and safety equipment are working properly and safety equipment is used at all times. Incumbent instructs lab workers on safe operation of equipment, including all tools, pneumatic devices, and air filtration systems. Knowledge of consolidates and paleontological conservation is also required. Incumbent is responsible for the construction of specimen cradles and proper housing of palaeontologic specimens for long-term storage. Weekend and holiday work is required.
Field Survey: Incumbent assists with the documentation and mitigation of paleontological localities through the use of aerial photos, topographic maps, and global positioning equipment (GPS). All GPS data will be entered into the park's Geographic Information System (GIS) database, therefore ArcGIS Pro proficiency is required. Incumbent is responsible for drafting written reports summarizing paleontological survey projects. Approximately 75% of this work is performed outdoors, often in extreme conditions in rugged, remote areas.
Construction Monitoring: Incumbent completes preconstruction surveys to determine level of potential risk to fossil resources, due to construction activity. Incumbent assists the park paleontologist at the field-level by coordinating paleontological monitoring of ongoing construction work for possible damage to palaeontologic resources. Incumbent excavates fossils that are at risk due to construction and erosion using standardized data collection procedures and equipment involving plaster jacketing and stabilization of palaeontologic specimens. Incumbent is also responsible for the identification and careful documentation of palaeontologic specimens. Note taking skills and the use of GPS equipment are also required for this position; working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro is a must. Most of this work is performed outdoors, often in extreme conditions along the roadway, near infrastructure, or in rugged, remote areas.
Physical Demands: The work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending often required. Heavy items (e.g., equipment and packs up to 50 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis.
Working Conditions: The work is performed in an office, laboratory, and in the field. Field work includes exposure to extreme weather and terrain conditions, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals. Laboratory work may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Open & closing dates
01/06/2025 to 01/17/2025
This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
- Salary
$23.94 - $23.94 per hour
- Pay scale & grade
GS 7
- Location
4 vacancies in the following location: