Description

The Natural and Historic Resources Division (NRHD) Archaeology Office is seeking an energetic and reliable Education Specialist for its Dinosaur Park. The Archaeology Office is responsible for preserving, studying, and interpreting the archaeological and paleontological resources on properties managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. Staff paleontologists conduct their work through excavations and public programs at Dinosaur Park, home to a rare Cretaceous period fossil deposit. From the bones and teeth of the Maryland State dinosaur Astrodon johnstoni to the remains of early flowering plants, the fossils found at Dinosaur Park help scientists reconstruct our region’s ancient history. The candidate’s time will be divided between the lab in Upper Marlboro and Dinosaur Park in Laurel under the direction of the Archaeology Office manager. Attention to detail is necessary for every aspect of the position.

Examples of Important Duties

• Public education and outreach responsibilities include developing and implementing tours/programs at Dinosaur Park in Laurel for audiences of all ages and abilities, creating inclusive programming for underserved communities, producing educational materials for off-site programming, creating promotional materials, and supervising and instructing interpretive staff and volunteers.
• Lab/office responsibilities include ensuring fossil specimens are properly bagged and labeled for transportation to the Upper Marlboro laboratory, maintaining the fossil collection database, conducting public lab days, and teaching volunteers and students paleontological lab methods. Ample time will also be spent scheduling Dinosaur Park tours and educational programs with the public.

The successful candidate will be expected to uphold NHRD’s four strategic pillars:

Pillar 1: Enhance the Visitor Experience: Quality & Quantity
Pillar 2: Leave a Legacy: Transforming Education into Activism
Pillar 3: Strengthen Inclusivity, Diversity and Belonging
Pillar 4: Act with Honesty, Integrity, Respect and Trust

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must have a Master’s degree in paleontology, geology, museum studies, or other relevant field; or a Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant professional experience.
• Candidates must have excellent communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse public.
• Applicants will be required to work outdoors in a variety of conditions and lift up to 40lbs of equipment.
• Familiarity with the Cretaceous period and prior experience with fossil analysis is preferred.
• Reliable transportation to regular weekend Dinosaur Park public programs and the Upper Marlboro office is required.
• Candidates must be able to work a flexible schedule including regular Saturday public open houses, occasional weekday/weekend education programs, or other science educational outreach events as needed.
• A demonstrated ability to work well with a diverse public including children and adults in a welcoming, friendly, outgoing, and professional manner is required.

Supplemental Information

Person(s) hired for this position must provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (with limited religious or medical exceptions).

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.