Paleontology Outdoor and Gallery Guide
Application Deadline: | Friday, April 19th, 2024 |
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Location: | Wembley, AB |
Department: | Philip J Curie Dinosaur Museum |
Position Type: | Employment |
Term: | Full-Time |
Seasonal: | Yes |
Posted on: | March 8th, 2024 |
Last updated: | March 11th, 2024 |
Description:
The Paleontology Outdoor and Gallery Guides will provide excellent visitor experience
in the museum during the busiest summer months and assist with aspects of its active
research and collections program.
Description of Tasks:
The Paleontology Outdoor and Gallery Guides will have three main roles:
1. Under the supervision of the Museum Curator, the Paleontology Outdoor and Gallery
Guides will assist with the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum’s (PJCDM)’s
‘Paleontologist for a Day’ program. This day-long program takes participants to the
Pipestone Creek Pachyrhinosaurus Bonebed, allowing them to help uncover, collect
and document fossil material from this exceptional bonebed. Along with the PJCDM’s
paleo team, the guides will be responsible for teaching participants about
paleontological tools and techniques and will help supervise the execution.
2. Under the supervision of the Programs Manager, the Paleontology Outdoor and Gallery
Guides will be responsible for developing and delivering content for the Philip J.
Currie Dinosaur Museum’s (PJCDM) ‘Secrets of the Wapiti’ float tour. This 3-hour
public program takes 4-12 visitors down the Wapiti River in rafts, pointing out the
natural, geological, and paleontological history of the area. Each guide will be
responsible for providing content on 2-5 tours a week. All necessary training will be
provided.
3. Under the supervision of the Visitor Experience Coordinator and Curator, the guides
will provide guided tours of the galleries, paleontology laboratory and the bonebed for
visitors. They will be responsible for assisting individuals or groups with special needs
(e.g., guests with special accessibility needs, sensory issues etc.) through the gallery
and lab, and facilitating tours for private or specialty groups. In addition to working
with the public, the gallery guide will also be responsible for overseeing the care of
the museum’s live animal (reptile) exhibits.
4. Under the supervision of the programs manager, curator and animal care lead- the
Palaeontology Outdoor and Gallery Guide will assist with care of the live animals
(snake and tortoise) and assist with delivery of the animal show each day.
In addition to these duties, the Paleontology Outdoor and Gallery Guides will also
work with the Museum Technician and Collections Assistant and the Summer
Laboratory Assistant, to help facilitate the volunteer program in the lab. The guides
will also work with the Museum Technician and Collections Assistant and the Summer
Laboratory Assistant to prepare and conserve fossils in lab, as time permits.
This position will:
1. Promote an understanding of palaeontology within the Peace Region of Alberta.
2. Promote interest and enthusiasm for fossils through providing the public an
opportunity to speak with a paleontology student.
3. Provide excellent visitor experience.
4. Assist visitors with special needs through the galleries/lab
5. Oversee the care of the museum’s live animal exhibits
6. Help develop ideas for the betterment of the museum galleries/ exhibits.
7. Preserve and protect palaeontological resources as historical resources for future
generations.
8. Attend to duties within the museum not other specified, as the need arises.
The ideal candidate will have the following attributes/qualities:
1. Some knowledge and interest in Alberta’s palaeontology, geology, and/or natural
history.
2. Comfortable working and interacting with the public, including children.
3. Comfortable floating down a river in a raft (no whitewater)
4. The ability to work as a team
5. Fluency in written and spoken English.
6. A Class 5 Driver’s License or equivalent.
Preference will be given to candidates who:
1. Are currently attending and/or be returning to post-secondary education with a degree
in palaeontology, geology, archaeology, museum studies, zoology, biology, science,
engineering, or equivalent.
2. Have some experience preparing and/or handling fossils in a lab or field setting.
3. Have supervision experience.
4. Have experience in guiding and/or adventure tourism
5. Have an Alberta Class 4 or higher Driver’s license
6. Have proficiency in French
Period of Employment
The period of employment for this position will run June 24th to August 25th, 2024.
(Some negotiation around start/end dates can be considered).
About the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum
The PJCDM is located 2 km outside the Town of Wembley and approximately 33 km
from the City of Grande Prairie. While the successful candidate is responsible for
finding their own accommodation in the Grande Prairie area, the museum can suggest
some potential options. The successful candidate must be present, in-person, at the
museum during work hours. They must be willing to work some evenings and
weekends to accommodate volunteers and special events.
To apply, please send your resume to hr@dinomusuem.ca