SCIENTIFIC ILLUSTRATOR

1 or more individuals

Description of Project or Purpose of Assignment
One or more volunteers are needed to work with the Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology to create accurate drawings of fossils, redraw maps, and produce other renderings as needed. The drawings will accompany scientific papers. Scientific objects to be illustrated may include 1) an fossil rodent that is new to science and being described for the first time, 2)modern shrew teeth with potential evolutionary implications, 3) fossil turtle shells excavated in the American Falls Reservoir area and 4) an assemblage of small fossil animal [circa 38,000 - 48,000 years ago] found in south-central Idaho.

Outcomes/ Goals
The outcomes will be accurate drawings suitable for publication in scientific journals. This assignment requires reliability and attention to detail.

Training and Support Plan
The curator will supervise the volunteer directly as to what to draw and the general style of the drawing (line, stipple, etc.). If the volunteer has no experience using a camera lucida (a binocular microscope), he will demonstrate the basics but claims no artistic ability whatsoever! However, he has supervised art students and others doing this type of work in the past.

Reporting
No formal reporting is required except for recording volunteer hours. The finished drawings will serve as reports.

Time Commitment
The volunteer's time commitment will vary considerably and be determined by the curator and volunteer. All Museum volunteers will be given a 1 month probationary period to ensure a good fit between volunteer and Museum tasks.

Qualifications Needed
The successful individual will have the ability to make scientifically accurate drawings (see examples).

Benefits
The volunteer will be acknowledged if the scientific papers are accepted for publication. The volunteer will receive a volunteer parking pass to be used on service days, recognition during National Volunteer Appreciation Week and will gain personal satisfaction by partnering with the Museum and its staff. After volunteering 30 service hours each year, the volunteer will receive an individual Museum membership. If requested and warranted, letters of recommendation and documentation of service will be provided to the volunteer..