01/01/1977 26680

MUSEUM PREPARATOR 1, NATURAL SCIENCE

DEFINITION: This is entry level specialized work in the application of taxidermic and related chemical and physical methods and techniques to the restoration, preservation, and maintenance of Natural Science specimens, collections, and exhibits.

An employee in this class performs work at the journeyman level in using taxidermic techniques in restoring, preserving, and maintaining bird, mammal, and other specimens for Natural Science collections and exhibits. Work involves preparing, stuffing, and mounting skins of birds, mammals, and cold-blooded vertebrates. Work also involves participating in specimen, collecting, bone studies, cleaning, and restoration of older specimens, and using insect-repelling chemicals to protect and preserve collections and specimens. Work includes performance of manual labor tasks in packing, unpacking, lifting, and storing specimens and other Natural Science exhibit components. Work is performed with some independence, but in accordance with well-established procedures and defined plans. Work assignments are carefully chosen within employee's skill attainments and are reviewed in detail by the supervisor of the Natural Science section through observation of techniques and finished work for quality and authenticity.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs work at the journeyman level in applying taxidermic and related chemical and physical methods and techniques to the restoration, preservation, conservation, and maintenance of bird, mammal, cold-blooded vertebrate, and other specimens for Natural Science collections and exhibits.

Performs tasks, selected on basis of employee's skill attainments, in preparing scientific study skins of birds and mammals, mixing chemicals, and stuffing and mounting the skins to produce new specimens for Natural Science collections and exhibits.

Participates in collecting birds, mammals, and cold-blooded vertebrates; assisting curators in cataloging and accessioning bird and mammal specimens; conducting bone studies; cleaning and restoring older specimens; and keeping PDB and other insect-repelling and protective chemicals in collections and mounted specimen cases.

May perform manual labor tasks such as packing, unpacking, lifting, moving and storing Natural Science specimens, other exhibit components, and tools, materials, and equipment used in Natural Science preparator work.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the characteristics and properties of bird and mammal skins, bones, and stuffed Natural Science specimens.

Knowledge of the capabilities and properties of chemicals, tools, and devices used in taxidermy and related activities and of the precautions necessary in using such materials for these purposes.

Skill in the standard methods and techniques of taxidermy.

Ability to research and interpret information concerning the original characteristics of birds, mammals, and cold-blooded vertebrates and to duplicates such characteristics realistically with natural and synthetical materials, using taxidermic methods and techniques.

Ability to adapt taxidermic materials, tools, chemicals, and related devices and equipment for use in solving problems.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Museum Preparator Trainee, Natural Science;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training which would afford the applicant the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.