Assistant Specimen Preparation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition Number:

74625

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

25-Sep-2026

Date Posted:

03-Sep-2026
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Job Summary

The Vertebrate Zoology department at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History seeks a Vertebrate Specimen Preparator. The successful applicant will be an experienced individual that will carry out a large-scale specimen preparation project. The project will run for two years. This project is grant-funded and involves processing the frozen specimen backlog, which primarily consists of birds (70%), mammals (25%), and reptiles (5%). The preparator will process field collected and salvaged wildlife carcasses into museum specimens to meet best practice quality standards for future scientific research.

The successful applicant will report to the Collection Manager of Vertebrate Zoology and work closely with the Collection Manager and graduate student assistants in preparing and processing vertebrate specimens. This role also includes supervising and training a summer specimen preparator intern for each of the two project years.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are

The mission of the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History is to contribute to the knowledge of the natural world and human history through research, teaching, and public education.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Prepares vertebrate skins, skeletons, spread wings, hides, frozen tissues, and fluid-preserved specimens, including parasites.
• Collects and records measurements, occurrence, and sample tracking data while processing specimens, and maintains accurate control of data during processing and preservation work (spreadsheets, Arctos).
• Manages carcass and sample inventory throughout all phases of the specimen-processing pipeline.
• Follows preparation workflows and decision trees to identify high-priority specimens and preparation types, and makes efficient use of batching similar-sized specimens (e.g. fluid-preps) and thaw cycles to maintain a steady processing stream.
• Coordinates lab activities to ensure preparation tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Meets regularly with the Collection Manager to discuss progress and aids in preparing reports on activity for tracking grant progress.
• Provides direct supervision and training of summer interns, and assists, trains, and mentors other students working in the lab in all aspects of specimen preparation as directed.
• Monitors supply inventory and communicates purchasing needs to the Collection Manager.
• Maintains a clean and organized workspace in the Vertebrate Zoology Preparation Lab.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

This is a temporary position that will end on or around August 30, 2029.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary for this full-time position is $55,000.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

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Be ambitious. Be inspired. Be Boulder.
What We Require

• Bachelor's degree required, biology, wildlife, ecology, or zoology major preferred.
• Comprehensive specialist knowledge and a minimum of three years' practical experience in established preservation and preparation methods and techniques for vertebrates, particularly in birds.
• Specialist knowledge of the anatomy and morphology of vertebrates, particularly birds.
• General species knowledge, and a working knowledge of taxonomy.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and sit or stand for extended periods.

What You Will Need

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Demonstrated depth of experience in preparing large volumes of diverse bird and mammal specimens, including skins, hides, and skeletons, ranging from small to large taxa.
• Experience with or willingness to learn fluid preservation methods.
• Familiarity with natural history collections, biodiversity data entry, including their use, standards, and laws.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume/CV.
2. Cover Letter.
3. PDF Sample of Work - 1 to 2-page portfolio document (pdf) that includes a description of preparation types, taxa, and volumes of specimens prepared, including selected photo examples of previous specimen preparation work.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by September 25th, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.