The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota, renowned for its remarkable Ice Age fossil deposits, seeks an accomplished paleontologist and museum professional to join us as our new Director of Research.
This prestigious, permanent role will allow you to help shape the future of our museum.
The position oversees all science, research, and collections aspects of the Mammoth Site, works closely with the COO to set board-approved museum priorities and objectives, and oversees and contributes to aspects of the public interface (e.g., exhibit development).
Current institutional priorities that the Director of Research will be responsible for include the conservation of the in situ bonebed, oversight of new database implementation, growth of Ice Age and modern comparative collections, and oversight and facilitation of new exhibit development.
Preference will be given to candidates with a broad background in museum settings and a research background in either proboscidean paleontology or a regional research focus on the Ice Age of western North America.
Duties and Responsibilities: Provides broad oversight of all research and collections-based activities, including supervision of collections (1 staff member) and preparation staff (2 staff members). Conducts and publishes original, peer-reviewed scientific research. Facilitates and approves research of museum associates. Identifies research budget priorities and works closely with the COO to determine fund allocations to different areas of the research program, including research associates. Works closely with the COO and Board to set institutional priorities. Contributes to institutional grant writing and seeks external funding to further support research.
Determines collections and preparation priorities in consultation with research staff. Coordinate collections-related agreements with external agencies (e.g., U.S. Forest Service). Reviews and updates collections policies and agreements in collaboration with research staff. Responsible for setting excavation and conservation goals for in situ bonebed. Oversee the Ice Age Explorers Program and set priorities for the IAE program. Contributes and provides support for the Mammoth Site Internship Program. Provides support and feedback regarding content for front-line staff. Approves and contributes to museum exhibit content. Delivers public presentations and participates in outreach events on- and off-site. Represent HSMS at professional conferences. Leads museum accreditation efforts. Other duties as required.
Minimum Job Requirements: Ph.D.
in paleontology, geology, biology, anthropology, museum studies, or related field. Demonstrated experience working in a museum (preferred) or collections-based environment. Demonstrated experience working with the public.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Specialized subject expertise in some aspects of Quaternary vertebrate paleontology. Demonstrated ability to hold paleontological research permits. Field and lab experience with Ice Age vertebrates, invertebrates, and modern osteological collections. Knowledge and experience with collections management. Knowledge of natural history conservation and preparation techniques. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with various constituencies in a diverse community of staff and public visitors. Ability to supervise and train permanent and temporary staff and volunteers, and an ability to provide goal-oriented direction for staff. Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports using computer software. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment. Knowledge of budgeting, cost estimating, and fiscal management principles and procedures. Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals. Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials. Have a thorough knowledge of museum policies, practices, procedures, and ethics. Ability to work alone and be self-motivating towards job duties. Ability to have a varied work schedule on occasion as required.
Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated verbal and writing ability (e.g., published reports, conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, public presentations). Working knowledge of relevant, job-related software (e.g., Microsoft Office programs, ArcGIS, Emu). Knowledge and experience with museum collections and management. Experience with team-oriented museum exhibit development Working Conditions and Physical Effort: Work may be performed in an office, collections/laboratory, museum exhibit, and field environment. Some exposure to physical risk related to job duties. Moderate physical activity.
Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 lbs and standing or walking an average of 4 hours daily.
recblid h1s1fonlkr7nwoxh95w5nfws6syng4