Paleontological Preparator/Excavator

Paleontological Preparator/Excavator

Full-Time Regular

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) include the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park and La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park. They operate under the collective vision to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The museums hold one of the world's most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history-more than 35 million objects-used for groundbreaking scientific and historical research, and community engagement. From NHM's opening in 1913 as the very first museum in Los Angeles, the organization has entered an exciting new era of transformation with building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach and impactful audience engagement.

NHMLAC's values-adventurous, inclusive, authentic, and intentional-guide our work and visitor experience, committing us to foster a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace environment where innovation and collaboration thrive and every team member can contribute their unique perspectives to advance our mission. NHMLAC seeks candidates who are aligned with our values and priorities, and are passionate about connecting science with the vibrant and diverse communities we serve throughout Los Angeles.

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is seeking to hire a full-time, permanent, Paleontological Preparator/Excavator to conduct the preparation, conservation, and communication of fossil material in the publicly-viewable excavation site at La Brea Tar Pits.

Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Excavation of fossil deposits using manual and chemical techniques
• Digital documentation of deposits using Total Sataion and scanning equipment
• Chemical preparation of fossiliferous matrix
• Chemical and manual preparation of fossil specimens
• Daily documentation of work via field notes
• Maintenance of the excavation pits and site infrastructure
• Daily supervision of volunteers, students, and interns
• Interaction with researchers and assistance with research projects
• Leading/assisting with tours
• Interaction with media and the public
• Other duties as directed by the Excavations Manager or Curator(s)

Position requirements:

• Ability to follow directions to ensure that all work is executed correctly and safely
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in teams
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Experience working with and around tools, including power tools
• Willingness to work full days in a paritally-covered outside area in various weather conditions, including high temperatures
• Ability to perform extended periods of standing, stooping, climbing, lifting, pulling, pushing and reaching
• Ability to traverse up and down 15-foot ladders
• Must be capable of repeatedly lifting up to 50 lbs
• Daily contact with liquid asphalt, asphaltic matrix, chemical solvents, and ground water
• Occasional need to wear protective equipment (respirator, goggles, gloves, etc.)
• Willingness to work in public view and interact frequently with the public
• Willingness to supervise and instruct students and/or volunteers in the excavations
• Willingness to interact with tour groups or news media as required
• Previous paleontological or archaeological field experience preferred
• Must pass an annual physical in order to work with respirators and chemicals for extending periods of time

NHMLAC is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a workplace and public environment that uplifts Kindness, Fairness, Openness and Dignity. These values extend not only to our employees, but to our guests, local community, and organizational partners. If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to apply!

The salary range for this position is $27 - $28.44/hour. This is a full time, regular, non-exempt, overtime-eligible position.

Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the full contact information of two professional references to Excavations Manager Sean Campbell scampbel@tarpits.org. Applications are due on Friday, October 2nd 2026.

Please contact jobs@nhm.org for any application inquiries.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer