Fossil Lab Manager

Position:

Discovery Cube Orange County is seeking a knowledgeable, engaging, and highly organized DinoQuest Fossil Lab Manager to oversee the day-to-day operation of the DinoQuest Fossil Lab. The Fossil Lab functions as both a working preparation and research environment and a public-facing space where guests can observe and learn about paleontology in action.

The Fossil Lab Manager is responsible for the preparation, conservation, documentation, and preservation of fossil specimens while providing operational leadership for the lab. This position establishes and maintains laboratory standards, prioritizes preparation projects, oversees laboratory equipment and materials, and provides day-to-day direction, training, and mentorship to interns and volunteers.

In addition to advanced technical fossil preparation work, the Fossil Lab Manager plays an active role in informal science communication and ensures the lab provides a consistent, engaging, and educational experience for Discovery Cube guests.

Responsibilities:

Fossil Lab Operations & Leadership

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the DinoQuest Fossil Lab, ensuring preparation, conservation, documentation, safety, and public engagement activities are carried out effectively.
• Prioritize and coordinate specimen preparation projects based on research, exhibition, educational, and organizational needs.
• Establish, maintain, and reinforce laboratory procedures and standards related to fossil preparation, conservation, documentation, specimen handling, and safety.
• Provide day-to-day direction, training, mentorship, and technical guidance to interns and volunteers, including assigning work and monitoring quality and progress.
• Manage laboratory equipment, tools, materials, and supplies, including coordinating routine maintenance, identifying replacement needs, and supporting purchasing and inventory control.
• Maintain an organized, safe, professional, and guest-ready laboratory environment.

Fossil Preparation, Conservation & Documentation

• Perform advanced manual and mechanical preparation of fossil specimens using microscopes and specialized fossil preparation tools and equipment.
• Produce high-resolution molds using silicone rubber or other appropriate materials to capture fine anatomical detail for scientific research and educational use.
• Produce research-quality casts using epoxy resin and other appropriate materials for comparative analysis, research, education, and exhibition purposes.
• Apply appropriate conservation techniques and materials to stabilize, preserve, repair, and protect fossil specimens.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of specimen preparation records, research data, photographs, treatment documentation, and digital archives.
• Support the digitization, organization, and long-term maintenance of fossil records and related documentation.

Public Engagement & Education

• Coordinate the Fossil Lab's public-facing activities and help ensure guests receive a consistent, engaging, and scientifically accurate educational experience.
• Communicate scientific concepts, fossil preparation techniques, and paleontological research to guests of varying ages and backgrounds in an engaging and accessible manner.
• Provide demonstrations, presentations, and informal educational interactions within the Fossil Lab.
• Collaborate with Education, Exhibits, and other Discovery Cube teams to support programs, special events, exhibitions, and other guest experiences related to paleontology.

Collaboration & Program Support

• Collaborate with internal and external scientific, museum, and educational partners as appropriate to support specimen preparation, research, documentation, and programming.
• Recommend improvements to laboratory workflows, equipment, procedures, documentation practices, and guest engagement.
• Support special projects and other duties related to DinoQuest and Discovery Cube's mission as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, geology, paleontology, natural sciences, museum studies, or a related field and at least two years of relevant experience in fossil preparation, paleontology, museum collections, or a related specialty; a master's degree in a related natural science field may substitute for experience; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the tools, methods, equipment, and conservation techniques used in fossil preparation.
• Experience working with museum collections, scientific specimens, or research collections.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate scientific documentation and ensure data integrity throughout specimen preparation.
• Experience training, mentoring, or providing day-to-day direction to interns, volunteers, students, or other team members.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to prioritize projects, maintain laboratory standards, and manage multiple workstreams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to convey scientific information accurately and accessibly to a general audience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced experience in vertebrate paleontology, fossil preparation, or conservation.
• Previous experience overseeing a laboratory, collection, preparation program, or comparable technical function.
• Experience supervising or coordinating volunteers, interns, students, or staff in a museum, laboratory, academic, or informal science setting.
• Experience working in a public-facing museum or science center environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Fine motor skills- requires close visual acuity in the operation of machines and preparation of specimens
• Ability to lift specimens (often 25-50 pounds)
• Ability to sit or work at microscopes for extended periods
• Weekend availability required
• Comfortable working in a highly interactive guest environment

What’s In It For You:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage
• 401K with up to 4% match after one year for full-time employees
• 14 Free general admission tickets per year
• 4 Bubblefest tickets plus admission
• 10% of on-site dining and shopping discount
• Employee discounts through ADP
• Accrued paid time off for full-time employees
• 10 paid company holidays

Compensation 80000 - 90000 USD