Core Compentencies

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Statement of Purpose

These links and documents contain information about core competencies in different disciplines in natural history collections

Introduction

Paleontology

Defining the Professional Preparator Core Competencies

The below list of core competencies were drafted by Matthew Brown, Amy Davidson, Marilyn Fox, Steve Jabo, and Matt Smith in 2012 with the support of the 2011 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Preparator's grant the University of Texas at Austin, American Museum of Natural History, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, National Museum of Natural History, and Petrified Forest National Park. The core competency information below is quoted directly from the "DEFINING THE PROFESSIONAL VERTEBRATE FOSSIL PREPARATOR: ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES" on SVP website. The linked YouTube videos were produced by the Association for Materials and Methods in Paleontology (AMMP).


1. Critical Thinking

  • The judgments and actions of the qualified preparator are guided by a methodology that places a priority on enhancing, not diminishing the scientific value of the specimen. Critical thinking allows the application of the knowledge, skill, and experience of the preparator to assess the specimen, the task at hand and the desired end product before commencing preparation and during every stage of preparation. The preparator must be able to continually monitor the immediate physical impacts upon the specimen by treatments, handling, examination, and consider the long-term effects of the materials and techniques applied to the specimen. The qualified preparator has the ability to conceptualize, think creatively and evaluate information in a systematic, purposeful, efficient manner. The preparator also has an appreciation for their own limits and knows when and where to seek guidance.


2. Aptitude for Fossils as Materials

  • Competent preparation requires an intrinsic sensitivity and feel for fossils as physical, often fragile material. The preparator combines this innate aptitude with an understanding of the scientific value of fossils, and a lack of competency in this area cannot be offset by knowledge of preparation and conservation theory.


3. Understanding of Fossils as Biological Materials and Data

  • The qualified preparator has the ability to exercise good judgment when interpreting the distinction between biological remains and matrix, and is guided by a fundamental knowledge of vertebrate anatomy, physiology and evolution. The preparator can recognize that fossil specimens are the physical representations of primary paleontological data. A preparator has a basic understanding of fossils as an individual’s remains and the biological data contained therein. A qualified preparator uses correct anatomical terminology to document preparation and communicate with researchers.


4. Understanding of Fossils as Geological Materials and Data

  • A qualified preparator should have an understanding of fossils and matrices as the products of geological processes and as geological data. This should include knowledge of taphonomy, basic geological principles, and different modes of preservation. Preparation usually requires removal of matrix from bone, and some fossil evidence such as trace fossils, root-casts, phytoliths and soil structure are contained within the matrix. Therefore, the preparator should have an awareness of data contained within the matrix and understands that any modification of matrix is a potential loss of data.


5. Participation in the Science of Paleontology

  • A qualified preparator is conversant in the specialized vocabulary, terminology, and research goals of paleontology, and can alert researchers to evidence and assist in its interpretation. The preparator understands the pertinent scientific references, and is able to share and receive relevant information with other subject matter experts.


6. Understanding of Conservation Principles and Ethics

  • The preparator is also a conservator and makes every effort to ensure that the prepared specimen will resist deterioration for as long as possible. The qualified preparator recognizes the agents of deterioration and understands the principles of preventive and remedial conservation. The preparator is familiar with the current literature, principles, ethics, and specialized vocabulary of conservation.


7. Documentation and Record Keeping

  • The qualified preparator understands that preparation is part of the scientific process and ensures that all data generated within the laboratory, including identifications, photographs, preparation records, and housing materials are documented and archived. The preparator keeps identifying numbers in association with specimens throughout the preparation process. The preparator keeps records of all tools, techniques, and materials used to prepare or house the specimen that might impact physical or chemical interpretation, or that might have to be removed in the future. The qualified preparator is able to create publishable documentation of materials and methods for inclusion in scientific descriptions of the specimen.


8. Understanding and Aptitude in the Use of Preparation Tools and Techniques

  • The qualified preparator can select the most appropriate tools and techniques to skillfully reveal scientific information, and safeguard the long-term well being of the specimen. The preparator should be proficient in the preparation of common modes of vertebrate fossil preservation and in challenging situations should be able to seek further guidance in the preparation and conservation literature. The preparator augments this knowledge through professional conferences and communication with colleagues.


9. Understanding and Use of Adhesives

  • The qualified preparator is familiar with the range of adhesives available and is able to select the most appropriate adhesive for a given task. The preparator has knowledge of the physical and chemical properties, uses of various adhesives, the setting mechanism and reversibility of adhesives, their solvents, and the advantages and disadvantages conveyed by each kind of adhesive. The preparator should also be familiar with the ethical implications of using adhesives on museum objects and the kinds of scientific data that may be obscured, lost or destroyed by the use of adhesives. A qualified preparator is conversant in adhesives terminology and nomenclature and is able to justify decisions and correctly document adhesives used on specimens in preparation records and reports for publication. The preparator is able to mitigate and manage the potential health risks associated with the use of adhesives and solvents.


10. Understanding and Use of Molding and Casting Materials and Techniques

  • The qualified preparator is familiar with the ethical implications of using molding compounds on museum specimens and the kinds of scientific data that may be obscured, lost or destroyed during the molding process. The preparator is able to determine the suitability of the fossil for molding and type of mold produced based on its fragility, morphology, and other physical properties. The preparator is familiar with the physical properties and uses of various gap fillers, separators, molding and casting compounds commonly used in paleontology, is adept in their use and also trained in the management of potential health risks associated with molding and casting.


11. Use of Archival Labeling, Housings and Storage Environment

  • The preparator is aware that an essential step in the long-term conservation of fossil material is the use of archival labeling, housing, and proper storage environment. The qualified preparator incorporates specially designed archival housings into their preparation strategy, in collaboration with collection management staff. The preparator is knowledgeable about archival materials and proper storage environments and can recognize deterioration due to improper materials or storage conditions. As the understanding of storage materials evolves, the preparator is able to evaluate and modify storage materials and methods to ensure the long-term stability of the specimen.


12. Ethics of the Use of Specimens

  • The preparator is able to mitigate the risk of damage from research and education as much as possible without compromising the scientific value of a fossil specimen. The preparator is able to evaluate whether the specimen would be subject to undue or unnecessary risk by sampling, handling, loan, or display. A qualified preparator understands exhibition as a form of specialized specimen storage, and can evaluate exhibitions and their accompanying furniture, lighting, and other materials to ensure their compatibility with sound conservation practices.

13. Understanding Fieldwork

  • The preparator is aware that specimens should be collected with the goal of obtaining a stable specimen while ensuring that the greatest amount of geological and biological information is preserved, and understands that no fossil should be collected without comprehensive documentation. The preparator ensures that specimens are collected in a manner that facilitates preparation in the laboratory. The preparator knows and practices proper health and safety procedures while working out of doors in varying climatic conditions.


14. Health and Safety

  • The qualified preparator has the training to ensure their own safety and the safety of their coworkers and visitors by determining and mitigating physical and chemical hazards in the paleontology laboratory. The preparator should be able to comprehend Material Safety Data Sheets and select appropriate personal protective equipment and environmental controls, and have basic knowledge of emergency response and first aid.

Contributors

Christina Byrd

Source Material

Association for Materials and Methods in Paleontology YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@associationformaterialsmet4935

Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Preparator Core Competencies document: https://vertpaleo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Preparator_Core_Competencies.pdf

Links

References

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