06/01/1977 26690

MUSEUM PREPARATOR 2, NATURAL SCIENCE

DEFINITION: This is skilled 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 advanced journeyman level in using taxidermic and related chemical and physical methods and techniques in restoring, preserving, and maintaining bird, mammal, and other specimens for Natural Science collections and exhibits. Important aspects of work at this level are the conduct of collection expeditions, research, and studies to determine the anatomical, ecological, archeological, and biological characteristics of birds, mammals, and cold-blooded vertebrates; performance of experiments, studies, or research to discover methods and techniques of producing lifelike taxidermic specimens or of preserving or restoring skins and older specimens; and preparation and use of a wide variety of chemical, tools, and natural and synthetic materials to produce authentic Natural Science specimens and exhibits. Work involves skilled performance in preparing, stuffing, and mounting skins of birds, mammals, and cold-blooded vertebrates. Work also involves performing in skilled fashion or leading 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 assisting the section supervisor in providing on-the-job training to preparator trainees and lower level preparators, and may also include leading in or performing manual labor tasks in packing, unpacking, lifting, and storing specimens and other Natural Science exhibit components. Supervision is received from the supervisor of the Natural Science section, who allows the employee considerable independence in selecting materials, tools, methods, and techniques subject to review of overall work methods and completed projects for quality, authenticity, and accomplishment of objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops and performs the most highly skilled methods and techniques in applying taxidermic 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.

Researches, studies, conducts collecting expeditions, and interprets the anatomical, ecological, archeological, and biological characteristics of birds, mammals, and cold-blooded vertebrates; performs experiments, studies, or research to discover methods and techniques of learning more about the life characteristics or archeology of species, of producing lifelike taxidermic specimens, or of preserving or restoring skins and older stuffed specimens; and prepares and uses the full range of chemicals, tools, and natural and synthetic materials to produce authentic Natural Science specimens and exhibits.

Works independently or leads in preparing scientific study skins of birds, mammals, and cold-blooded vertebrates; mixing chemicals; and stuffing and mounting the skins to produce new specimens for Natural Science collections and exhibits.

Works independently or leads in conducting expeditions to collect birds, mammals, and cold-blooded vertebrates; collecting and preparing birds' eggs and nests; assisting curators in cataloging and accessioning bird and mammal specimens; conducting bone studies; cleaning and restoring older specimens; and keeping PBD and other insect-repelling and protective chemicals in collection and mounted specimen cases.

Assist the section supervisor in providing training and instruction to preparator trainees and lower level preparators, and leads in or performs 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 full range of characteristics and properties of bird and mammal skins, bones, and stuffed Natural Science specimens.

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

Skill in the full range of methods and techniques of taxidermy and related chemical and physical methods and techniques of restoring, preserving, and maintaining Natural Science specimens, collections, and exhibits.

Skill in researching, studying, and interpreting information concerning the original and life characteristics of birds, mammals, and cold-blooded vertebrates, and in duplicating such characteristics realistically with natural and synthetic materials, using taxidermic methods and techniques.

Ability to lead and train preparator trainees and lower level preparators in Natural Science preparator work.

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 1, Natural Science;

                                                                                                                                            or

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