The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is a major bureau of the Smithsonian Institution that is responsible for the acquisition, curation, and preservation of collections of objects and specimens of natural history, which tells the history of the planet and a record of human interaction with the environment and one another.
The Museum Specialist (Geology) will utilize the Paleo Preparation Laboratory and Fossil Lab to provide technical assistance to the labs in research through the preparation of fossil vertebrate, invertebrate, and palaeobotanical specimens for research.
In this position, you will: Prepare, repair, and conserve fossil specimens for study, exhibition, and incorporation into the National collections, utilizing manual and mechanical tools, chemical preparation techniques, and archival media. Manage and oversee a diverse volunteer corps in a fossil preparation lab. Ensure compliance of Health & Safety protocols for the lab and volunteers. Repair and conserve the collection specimens as directed.
Speak to the public about fossil preparation projects, identify potential fossil specimens, provide tours, locate particular specimens or collections for visiting researchers.
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options. Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/ Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/
This position is with Smithsonian Institution , Other Agencies and Independent Organizations.
The posted pay range is $70623 – $91815/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-10-28.
There are 2 openings for this position.
This is a Full-Time, Permanent position.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-14 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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