Fossil Preparator; Museum Technician

Overview

The Prehistoric Museum at Utah State University Eastern invites applications for a three-year, full-time fossil preparator position. This newly created position will spearhead the preparation of fossils from the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry (CLDQ) at Jurassic National Monument. Those fossils were collected during a mitigation project at the quarry and will be held in perpetuity in the Prehistoric Museum collections. This important fossil locality is less than 30 miles from the museum and is one of the region’s premiere paleontological resources.

CLDQ contains one of the densest concentrations of Jurassic‑aged dinosaur bones ever found, with over 12,000 fossils representing at least 74 individual animals. The site is notable for its unusually high number of carnivorous dinosaurs—more than 75% of the bones come from predators like Allosaurus, with over 46 individuals identified.

Though this position will primarily focus on fossil preparation, the qualified candidate will also oversee collections management of CLDQ specimens. The preparator will occasionally work with the museum's field program across eastern and southern Utah in some of the richest fossil‑bearing rocks on the planet. The candidate will also have the opportunity to assist in paleontological education and outreach at the Prehistoric Museum.

The successful candidate will be proficient in the use of air scribes for fossil preparation, will have some experience in collections work and fieldwork, and will have exceptional interpersonal skills to work as part of a growing team of paleontologists.

Review of applicants will begin March 16, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.

Fossil Preparation – 70%

• Spearheads the CLDQ preparation project, conducting manual prep, occasional chemical prep, building archival cradles, etc. Maintains records documenting the preparation process. Uses best practices of AMMP, SVP, and SPNHC.
• Occasionally supervises student and volunteer preparators working on the CLDQ project.
• Assists chief preparator in maintenance and repairs of lab equipment; maintains adequate supplies of reagents and other materials.

Collections Management – 15%

• Catalogs CLDQ specimens as they transition from lab to collections.
• Maintains all data relevant to CLDQ specimens in both digital and paper forms where appropriate.
• Manages and updates the collections database with data relevant to the CLDQ project.

Fieldwork – 10%

• In collaboration with the Curator of Paleontology, helps lead paleontological fieldwork across Utah.
• Manages accurate data associated with all paleontological resources encountered and/or collected, including GPS coordinates, quarry maps, etc.
• Occasionally supervises students and volunteers.

Other – 5%

• Assists Curator of Paleontology in earth science education and outreach, including school group and other exhibits/collections tours.
• Occasionally provides support for exhibits installation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in geosciences, biology, or museum studies with an emphasis on paleontology.
• At least six months of fossil preparation experience.
• At least six months of air scribe experience.
• Experience working in museum collections.
• Knowledge of and commitment to following best practices in laboratory, collections, and field settings.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the anatomy of theropods (particularly Allosaurus) and other Jurassic dinosaurs.
• At least one year of experience in fossil preparation.
• At least one year of experience working in museum collections.
• Proficiency in collections management software.
• Experience supervising students and/or volunteers.

• Resume/CV (to be uploaded during the application process)
• Cover letter detailing your interest in the position and experience relevant to the minimum and preferred qualifications (to be typed completed during the application process)
• Contact information (email and phone number) for 3 professional references
• Optional:…