POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Collections Assistant
Park Unit: Dinosaur National Monument
Location: Jensen, Utah
Number of positions available: 1
Can this position be fully remote: NO
INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)
Start Date: 10/07/2024
Flexible Start Date: YES
LIVING AND RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:
Weekly Stipend: $565.00
Relocation Allowance: $400.00
CURRENT NUMBER OF APPLICANTS: Under 75 (This posting will close after receiving 75 complete applications or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 16 June, whichever occurs first.)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The SIP intern will conduct 2D digital documentation of paleontological and herbarium specimens, through the use of photography and photogrammetry. This intern will then loading these specimens into various digital databases. Existing 3D data will be also be curated by this intern. The goal in creating digital archives of these collections is to preserve the integrity of the specimens and provide alternative access to collections.
The SIP intern will be working mostly in a museum collections setting. Opportunities may also exist to apply the participant’s specialized skills to related projects that have potential to benefit the monument’s paleontology and museum programs.
The position will contribute toward the conservation, management, research, and interpretation of the fossil resources. DINOs museum collections to be utilized by this project also represent the primary (fundamental) resources highlighted in the Monument’s original enabling legislation of 1915 & 2015 Foundation Document.
POSITION IMPACT
The project will allow for one 26-week intern to be hired to work with the DINO paleontologist & museum curator to secure & improve accessibility of material in collections, with an emphasis on voucher, holotype & scientifically significant specimens that were first found at Dinosaur National Monument, some representing the only specimen known in the world. Data on these specimens will be made available for research, education, & public outreach, including 2D digitized images & 3D models.
DELIVERABLES
- Preparing digital photographs and database records;
- Creating digital imagery of fossils specimens.
A degree of independence and latitude is allowed in the development of this plan, based on interns’ past educational experiences. Preparation of abstracts and presentations for professional annual meetings will be encouraged for participants planning to attend with the park’s involvement and permission.
DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants should be advanced undergraduate or graduate students whose educational background and career objectives are in paleontology, digital data/photography or museum studies. Applicants must have completed basic undergraduate course work toward a degree in geology, earth sciences, biology, or museum studies, with an emphasis in paleontology, or with an academic background emphasizing museum studies or digital photography, have strong leadership and team building skills, and the ability to work with a diverse workforce. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate ambition to pursue paleontology or museum studies as a career. Experience with photogrammetry, photography, and digital photo processing/editing will be useful. The participant should be able to work well independently or on a team, and be able to safely work in a museum and office setting.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. legal permanent resident (“Green Card holder”). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required. The applicant must be available to participate for 26 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
WORK SETTING
Natural Environment: Dinosaur National Monument straddles northwest Colorado & northeast Utah. The area is high desert, 5000 feet in elevation, with summer high temperatures of 100F, lows of 50F, and 10% humidity. Housing/work area is located in Jensen, Utah. The nearest city is Vernal, Utah which is 25 miles west of the park.
Physical Work Environment: Much of the work will be conducted in the museum collections (located in Vernal, Utah), although some work may take place in an office, the Quarry Exhibit Hall, or field setting. Green River Resource Center, the Quarry Exhibit Hall & the museum collections (located in Vernal, Utah) are usually climate controlled. Prolonged periods of sitting may be required. Handling of delicate museum specimens will regularly occur.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is recommended for this position.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant. Park provided housing is in a 3 bedroom HVAC house furnished as a dormitory (with 2-5 roommates) incl. all amenities (stove, utensils, pots, pans, frig, washer and dryer, bathroom with shower, etc.). Depending on park staffing rooms may need to be shared (2 persons/room, no mixed sexes). Housing is in the housing area of the Green River District (Jensen, Utah) so intern will be in the community of permanent and seasonal staff. House is located 50 yards from work office.
KEYWORDS
digitization, fossils, paleontology, herbarium, data management
IMPORTANT NOTICES
This posting will close after receiving 75 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 16 June, whichever occurs first. Once you begin applying for a position, the application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save and return later to complete it. Applicants can apply for up to five Scientists in Parks Intern positions per winter. You need to complete a separate application for each position in order to be considered. You should receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting an application. Sometimes institutional email filters/settings can redirect or block emails related to the application. We recommend watching spam, junk, and promotional email folders in case your service delivers messages there. Please visit How to Apply for additional resources and information about applying (i.e., learn what materials to have ready for applying, find a worksheet that previews application questions, etc.)
LEARN MORE
https://www.scientistsinparks.org/