Hearst Intern, Vertebrate Zoology in Santa Barbara, California at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center

Title: Hearst Intern, Vertebrate Zoology

Classification: Temporary, part-time, non-exempt

Department: Vertebrate Zoology

Reports To: Ally Coconis, Curator of Mammalogy

Wage Band: Technical Skills Level 1

Compensation: $20.80/per hour

Mission: The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History inspires a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world.

Position Summary: Assist in the care and curation of the vertebrate zoology collections.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Assist in the care of the collections including; preparing and maintaining specimens, collection records, databases, and literature.
• Assist in arranging loans and accessions of specimens.
• Ensure that specimens are properly prepared, preserved, handled, and stored.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean and orderly work area.
• Responsible for the completion of specific projects and other duties as assigned.

Essential Requirements:

• Applicant must be currently enrolled in college.
• Dependable and responsible.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Sensitivity to, and respect for, museum collections.
• Excellent attention to detail with a commitment to quality of work.
• Comfortable engaging with the general public.
• General knowledge of and interest in mammals.
• Interest in and basic understanding of natural history museum research collections.
• Adheres to safety guidelines for lab and office space.
• Comfortable working around dermestid beetles and dead mammals.

Work Environment:

• Standing, walking and bending.
• Work in an office and collection environment.
• Climbing of ladders or other work in elevated conditions.
• Repetitive data entry on a computer.
• Lifting of light to moderately heavy loads (25-40 lbs.).
• Work with preservative fluids (ethyl alcohol).
• Work with dead mammals.
• Work with live dermestid beetles.

The incumbent must be able to perform each requirement of the position as outlined in the job description. Essential Requirements are representative and are essential for satisfactory job performance. The Work Environment characteristics are representative of those that may be encountered while on the job. The Museum will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.